Outer Limits 4x4 Board

hi was just wondering if any one has or has had any problems with thier transfer trying to engage 4wd while driving along my 96 ifs feels like it is trying to wind the transfer into 4wd it makes a terrible grind and vibration at no specific speed or revs, and also does it lots in reverse if i jack it up and get it to make the noise i can see the tail shaft jolting and ttying to spin. just thought id ask before i remove transfer and strip it i thought it might be an electrical problem
cheers

Is your transfer a manual type, or the electric actuator type (ie the push button on the side of the shifter)?

If you try and select 4wd on the move on terrain that is hard packed, for example, you'll get that to some degree because of the minute differences in diameter on your front to rear tyres. I found that if I'm out a couple of psi on one or two tyres (I usually run slightly more in the rear depending on load), or a couple of mm difference in tread depth will cause the same thing. I'd have a look at that before you rip the transfer out. It's a pain in the ar$e.

mine makes a bit of a crunchy noise when engage it- but thats because theres about 1/4 of a turn of free play in my front diff atm!

Micky-Lux wrote:Is your transfer a manual type, or the electric actuator type (ie the push button on the side of the shifter)?

If you try and select 4wd on the move on terrain that is hard packed, for example, you'll get that to some degree because of the minute differences in diameter on your front to rear tyres. I found that if I'm out a couple of psi on one or two tyres (I usually run slightly more in the rear depending on load), or a couple of mm difference in tread depth will cause the same thing. I'd have a look at that before you rip the transfer out. It's a pain in the ar$e.

I think (but not 100% sure) he means its trying to engage while he is driving normally etc. not when he is trying to engage it.

i knoe nothing of the system but clearing up your details might make it easier to diagnose.

sorry it is trying to engage while driving and its the electric actuator style it makes a tinny sort of chatter (like its trying to mesh) than all of a sudden it will grab and vibrite like a son of a b!#ch some times it will only last e few seconds and some times till i slow right down.

cheers guys much appreciated

Yep, it sounds exactly like what I described. Check your tread depths, and try putting slightly more in the rear (1-2psi at first) and see if it's better or worse.

Hey Lowbug,

I haven't had anything to do with the electric setup but If it was mine... I'd be looking to see where the wires from the cab switch go, if they plug into the diff or gearbox somewhere, try looking for a plug to disconect them. If the noise stops you will know that it might be an electrical fault and you can try tracing it back up the wires etc.

If you have a fuse somewhere for the 4x4 actuator... in the cab or under bonnet, you could try pulling that out instead of pulling out plugs.

might be worth a try!


Cheers

if you have ADD, theres about 6 different plugs and sensors for the 4wd system- 2 on the front diff (oil temp and ADD engage/disengage) and 4 on the transfer- Low/High switch, 4wd switch, Oil temp gauge and Motor Connector.

The motor on the back of the transfer is glaringly obvious, as is the plug on it. Pulling that will stop the transfer from engaging 4wd, but you can still select high and low range.

The wire from your button on the stubby stick goes to a small computer that lives under your radio. The computer uses the input from the sensors, the motor, ADD vaccum relays and switch to enable the system to work- When you hit the 4wd button, it engages the ADD system (which the sensor in the diff picks up) and when thats fully engaged, engages 4wd in the transfer. Neither will engage if the oil is too cold (think freezing).

The Jolting of the output shaft- Front or Rear shaft? you could have a siezed Uni joint in the shaft- Mine sounded like CRAP when it went, or you could have a bearing gone in the transfer case.

Try removing the rear driveshaft, putting it in 4wd high and drive it around- if it stil carrys on, you know its definately something to do with the transfer or front end, if it goes away- check rear end- worn centre bearing?

If it is the front end, hook your rear shaft up again, and drop the front shaft- this will tell you if its a problem with the front diff and driveline or with the transfer case.