trouble turning in 4wd

[thelone7stringer]

As it's been snowing lately, I've needed to use 4wd in my driveway. I've noticed that when I make a somewhat sharp turn, the front wheels seem to skip and jerk instead of move continuously. I have been told that this is normal but I want to hear it from the experts here. Do I have a problem or should i just adapt?

 

[JDraper]

'tis normal...adapt!

 

[IZwack]

hehe adapt.

Dont use your 4wd on dry pavement, it causes a bind and strains the drivetrain -- and could potentially damage a few things if the tires don't slip.

 

[gsmaclean]

Seems like this question keeps coming up here over and over.

When travelling in a straight line, your front wheels travel the same distance (and speed) as your rear wheels.

When turning a corner, your front wheels go further (and turn faster) than your rear wheels.

Normally this isn't a problem. However, when your front wheels are locked to your rear wheels, as they are when you are in 4WD, you have a problem. The front wheels are going to drag along the rear wheels. On ice and snow, you don't notice this much, because the tires slip easily. On dry (or even wet) pavement however, you'll feel the binding and jerking as the rubber is scrubbed off your tires. It's also unhealthy for your drivetrain, as it puts a huge amount of stress on it.

 

[aleej]

Seems like this question keeps coming up here over and over.

When travelling in a straight line, your front wheels travel the same distance (and speed) as your rear wheels.

When turning a corner, your front wheels go further (and turn faster) than your rear wheels.

Normally this isn't a problem. However, when your front wheels are locked to your rear wheels, as they are when you are in 4WD, you have a problem. The front wheels are going to drag along the rear wheels. On ice and snow, you don't notice this much, because the tires slip easily. On dry (or even wet) pavement however, you'll feel the binding and jerking as the rubber is scrubbed off your tires. It's also unhealthy for your drivetrain, as it puts a huge amount of stress on it.

so in essence dont use 4wd unless needed... and yes it is normal get used to it.. and just try when ur in 4wd to not turn so sharply nd ull be fine

 

[thelone7stringer]

heh, as you can see i'm not the most technically savvy person in the forum. I am careful about where I engage my 4wd, I only do it in the snow. Unfortunately, we have a dirt driveway that is crecent shaped and I need to take those sharp turns, lest I get stuck in this weather. I'm working a way around it though. Thanks for the advice! Sorry if this was a beaten-to-death subject.

 

[bisjoe]

On the "all wheel drive" or "full time" 4WD vehicles this is compensated so it can be used on dry or just wet pavement, but it's not as effective in snow or mud
as good old fashioned part time 4x4.

On my wife's Liberty it has both, you can select full or part time.