Questions tagged [awd]

Acronym for All Wheel Drive - Usually referring to vehicles which can apply power to all wheels, with power being transferred through a single speed transfer gear box. This differs from Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) where 4WD is usually selectable (selectable for either 2WD or 4WD), which usually has a high and low range gear selection.

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AWD Towing with Sling Type Truck

I now know AWD towing should be done with a flatbed type truck. But say you have a sling type truck and towed an AWD with the rear wheels on the grounds. This could maybe cause damage to the front ...
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What exactly is the math on the effects of having one off-sized wheel in an AWD?

The internet is covered in dubious advice about replacing a single tire on an AWD. I'd like to use some math instead. What I suspect would be necessary is: differences in tire sizes (easy) rotations ...
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Can you put hubs in a full-time 4WD vehicle?

Hi everyone I drive a '95 JDM Mitsubishi RVR and it's full-time 4WD. I don't know much about 4WD vehicles but my mate drives a '93 JDM Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero for NA and SA people) and he has hubs. ...
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How does an epicyclic center differential multiply torque to the rear axles?

I have heard certain AWD cars have an epicyclic center differential that provides more torque to the rear axles than the front axles. I have watched a video by KYLE.ENGINEERS (link https://youtu.be/...
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3 votes
2 answers
664 views

Replaced front brakes and "AWD temporarily disabled" light coming on

My son replaced the front brake pads and rotors on my 2016 Ford Edge today. Afterwards I went for a drive and could smell a very strong "chemical" smell and the wrench light came on, then ...
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1 vote
1 answer
479 views

How far should you drive on a donut in an all wheel drive car?

After buying my 2020 Forester I was told that the tires should only be replaced in sets of four in order to keep them all about the same diameter. Or if a single tire has to be replaced, then only do ...
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1 answer
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Axle spline on AWD damage

I went to replace a wheel bearing and noticed damage on the spline. The nut spun off fine, but I’m not sure if I should replace whole cv axle as well due to this. 2009 AWD FORD EDGE
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2 votes
1 answer
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Theoretical AWD question

Don't know if this is a right place to ask this. So I know there's a difference between 4WD and AWD, and the difference being AWD has equal power distribution between front and rear axles right while ...
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1 vote
3 answers
66 views

Front-to-back vs left-to-right driveshaft

What is the reason, that all 4x4 and AWD vehicles use front-to-back driveshafts with lateral semi-axes, vs lateral driveshafts with front-to-back semi-axes? How would the later affect vehicle dynamics ...
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1 answer
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Nissan Rogue 2010 AWD clicking noise when turning

Have a high-mileage 2010 Rogue AWD that makes a clicking noise from the rear when rounding corners. I suspect it was because it was improperly towed. My web searches have led me to believe that it's ...
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Tire tread difference on bmw 328xi

Recently bought a 2007 BMW 328xi awd and the tread on the tires are different. This concerns me because I’ve heard that that is bad and I don’t want any issues down the road. How bad is that on this ...
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1 answer
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Subaru Forester rattling gearbox after switching to single mass flywheel

Does this sound mean immenent death of my gearbox? Did I make a mistake putting a single mass flywheel in a forester? I recently blew out the clutch on my 2002 Subaru Forester (SG9 2.5L manual dual ...
1 vote
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Unibody off-road vehicle with differential locks and reduction [closed]

I want to create a list of current off-road vehicles (say in production during last 10 years) that have unibody construction (as opposed to body on-frame) but still have most off-road features like ...
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1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Can all wheel drive cars run like a front wheel drive if all wheel drive system fails?

Let's say there is a problem with the AWD and it's too costly to fix it. Is it possible to leave it unfixed and use the car as if it was a FWD? If yes, would leaving it unfixed have any adverse ...
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Jeep patriot 2.0crd manual 2007 4wd

I have a Jeep patriot 2.0crd manual 2007 with 4wd. Since i bought it i have never used the 4wd switch but yesterday i did a bit off roading. I switched off the esp by holding the button for 5 seconds ...
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1 answer
553 views

2017 Ford Taurus AWD PTU oil change, how to?

Ford says fluid in PTU will last the life time of the vehicle. I donor believe that be true because all fluids need to be changed at some point.
1 vote
1 answer
244 views

Heat going cold when idling

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion awd v6, my heat is very hot when I’m driving but when I stop at a light or sit for a minute or so, it goes cold. I took it to the mechanic twice, I have got my warped cap ...
1 vote
1 answer
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Why rear wheels skid at slow, sharp turns when engine gets to operational temp?

This is followup on my BMW X3 E83 2008 transfer case saga. Here is recap: The dashboard had BMW triad of lights in dashboard. I replaced the nylon gear in transfer case actuator servo motor and ...
1 vote
1 answer
7k views

Why are shops that do tire shaving and truing so hard to find?

With the number of AWD cars on the road, you'd think that tire shaving and truing would be more popular. But I had to call the manufacturer of the truing machine and obtain a buyer's list to find ...
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1 answer
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2008 Saturn Vue tire replacement

I replaced the front tires last week - I could not afford to do all four. I have an appointment to replace the back ones on Thursday. This morning my ABS, traction control, and stability lights came ...
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2 answers
141 views

2003 Forester A/T - If the center differential wet clutch system starts slipping, will the front, rear, or both axles lose power

My 2003 Subaru Forester with A/T has a wet-clutch center differential. If that clutch pack starts to slip excessively, will both axles lose power, or just the front or rear? In other words, is ...
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2 votes
3 answers
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Subaru Outback 2014 was towed with front wheels raised and rear wheels on ground for about 5 miles. Now AT Oil Temp light flashes

Okay, I did it and now the flashing/blinking AT Oil Temp light is very concerning. Is that caused by such improper towing? If so, what would I expect to happen or to have fixed? It’s a 2.5l CVT over ...
0 votes
1 answer
403 views

All-Wheel Drive/ 4WD system

Time has come to clear things out... I would like to know the difference between a center differential and a transfer case. I know that a transfer case engages the front axle with the rear axle in 4H ...
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2 votes
1 answer
357 views

Torque converter failure - Related to replacing only 2 tires?

I've got a 2007 Honda CRV that I wish to continue to flog for a few more years at least. Yesterday I noticed that the 'D' light for drive on the dashboard was blinking. It stopped once I turned the ...
3 votes
1 answer
7k views

Wheel noise while in reverse

12 Mini Countryman AWD. A metal on metal like grating noise developed in Right Front wheel only while in reverse, not braking and never forward. What could it be?
2 votes
1 answer
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AWD indicator bugs out, not sure if there's actually a problem or if the light is just malfunctioning

Feel free to re-word the title if there's a better way to state it, it sounds awkward but I'm not sure how else to summarize. 2004 Trailblazer with AWD - There's a dial on the dash that lets you ...
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6 votes
2 answers
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BMW X5 E53 - Bord computer / AWD issues

Last week we bought a used car (BMW X5 E53 3.0L Diesel) from a private person. It looked fine and there seemed to be no major issue, only the regularly oil service was due. On our way home the 4x4 ...
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1 vote
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Only replace rear tires BMW xdrive?

I'm running a BMW X1 AWD Xdrive with OEM 19" wheel spec staggered: 255 / 35 / 19 Rear 225 / 40 / 19 Front Staggered tires height difference is -0.06" (approx 2/32", back tires have less height, I ...
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3 votes
4 answers
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Where is extra fuel consumption in RWD and AWD cars dissipated?

I have understood that rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) cars are less fuel efficient than front-wheel drive (FWD) cars, and that for this reason most cars sold today are FWD. I'm ...
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2 votes
1 answer
787 views

Subaru Outback - can spin one rear wheel with auto transmission in Park

So while I was changing brake pads on my 2003 Outback automatic (H6 3.0, if it makes any difference), I reattached the rear driver's wheel (the car is RHD, so the driver's side is the air intake/fuel ...
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

New car AWD tire replacement

I have a 2016.5 Mazda CX5 AWD which have run 1900 miles till now. Right front tire got a nail puncture. The nail is at the corner of the tire. Tire replacement shop told as nail is at side tire cannot ...
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3 votes
1 answer
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Can a rear end collision cause damage to the brakes?

My 2017 Subaru Outback was rear-ended a week back. I took it to two independent body works shop for damage estimates. Both shops were in agreement and said the following: The rear body panel needs ...
3 votes
2 answers
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Towing AWD Subaru 2010 Outback with auto/manual transmission

I read the posts about towing behind an RV. My 2010 Subaru Outback had an automatic transmission, but it also has the manual shift up and down paddles on the steering wheel. Does this mean it can be ...
2 votes
1 answer
215 views

2007 Escalade - grease on front axle

07 Escalade 6.2L AWD I had the front RH wheel off and saw this: Is the grease from the wheel bearing, or the axle? Can this sort of thing be repacked, or should I replace the axle (and/or bearing)? ...
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5 votes
2 answers
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What damage can one expect from towing an all wheel drive(awd) with 2 wheels down?

About a year ago, I had my awd car towed 12 miles with the front wheels on the lift, rear wheels on the ground while on neutral gear. The car's drive train is the front wheels. I just learned awd ...
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3 votes
2 answers
457 views

Must I put chains on all four tires of a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD)?

On a car with AWD like the Honda Element that automatically engages drive power on the rear wheels as needed when the front wheels slip, should I install chains (a) on the front wheels only or (b) on ...
4 votes
2 answers
6k views

AWD systems with/without transfer cases

Is there a benefit to an AWD system without a transfer case? For example, the Audi Quattro AWD system appears to direct power to the front wheels directly from the transmission. Whereas the Jaguar ...
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6 votes
2 answers
2k views

2007 Chrysler Pacifica AWD - Trying to diagnose vibration between 30-40mph, driveshaft or rear differential?

TL;DR - How can I isolate whether a vibration is being caused by a bad driveshaft or a problem with the rear differential? Apologies for the long story, but here goes... I recently acquired a 2007 ...
16 votes
7 answers
66k views

Hit a curb; chewed up rim and took a chunk out of tire. Will they need replacement?

Forced into a curb this morning while going about 35 mph...Just wondering what I'll be in for when I take it in later this afternoon. No air coming out as far as I can tell... Maybe 1/4-1/2 inch deep, ...
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6 votes
2 answers
263 views

My AWD car has a FWD option. Why/When would/should I use FWD?

First, it doesn't save fuel. "Auto" mode sends some power to the rear wheels a little, coming from a full stop, even if no slippage is detected, so it gives that nice "RWD push" feel. 2WD mode seems ...
2 votes
0 answers
54 views

Cracks on both front and back differential - Normal?

AUDI A4 2012 2TFSI QUATTRO - I took my car into a service centre for a check and was told both differentials have got have cracks. Car is still on motor plan, took it into Audi to be replaced and was ...
8 votes
1 answer
6k views

Does 2WD mode save me gas over AWD(auto) mode?

My 2015 Nissan Pathfinder has a switch for 2WD, AWD (auto), and 4WD Lock. Do I save gas by keeping it in 2WD? Or it doesn't matter because it's still the same drivetrain and it simply doesn't apply ...
7 votes
1 answer
754 views

Should I get a wheel alignment?

I recently just started to notice that my car is slightly pulling to the left right after I took my winter tires off. It's not much. If i let go it will go straight for a few meters before pulling. Is ...
4 votes
1 answer
329 views

Does it save wear on AWD drivetrain to shift to Neutral before going into Park or Reverse?

I have an old Subaru with All Wheel Drive. I can feel in some circumstances the larger and more complex drivetrain "winding and unwinding" all those differentials and CV joints. It feels unpleasant, ...
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12 votes
2 answers
2k views

4x4 for sports cars (street use)

As some of you may know from this question i am currently rebuilding my car. The plan is to rebuild it from scratch. An important part is the engine. At the moment there is a 1.4l 8V petrol engine ...
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2 votes
0 answers
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All-wheel drive single tire placement [duplicate]

We have an all-wheel drive Subaru. A few months ago we had one tire blow on a set that was around a year old. We were told (by the tire store) we had to replace all of them. That sounded nuts but I ...
24 votes
3 answers
20k views

Why do pickups and large SUV's use 4x4 and generally not AWD?

In almost every case I can think of, the larger vehicles with four wheel power are 4x4, and the smaller ones AWD. As far as my experience goes, AWD is much more convenient, and also works at least as ...
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7 votes
2 answers
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Transmission damage due to uneven tread wear on AWD vehicle

I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza with a continuously variable transmission with ~40k miles on it. About two months ago I blew out the front right tire and took it to a tire shop. The folks at the tire ...
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6 votes
4 answers
1k views

Why does the dual motor Tesla have more range?

In the page http://www.teslamotors.com/models if we scroll down we see the several flavors Tesla sells its Model S. It puzzles me why the 85 version has a shorter range than the 85D. The first can ...
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2 answers
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Should I check my rear toe after replacing a rear strut, and how?

I see a lot of information about how to check and adjust front toe at home using the string method, but it seems to rely on rear wheels that are properly aligned. I understand that the rear wheels on ...
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