4wd ?

[Der_Vier]

Not sure if that has been adressed, but if I were to drive my 98 xe in 4high on wet and rainy pavement, is there any worry of it messing anything up in a bad way? I know I shouldn't drive it in 4wd on dry pavement, not sure about the wet stuff though.

 

Thanks

IV

[XPLORx4]

Part-time 4WD systems (like the Pathfinder uses) should not be used on high-traction surfaces, or generally anywhere a 2-wheel-drive car can drive without any problems. (Therefore, wet pavement is considered a high-traction surface.) Even wet pavement is "sticky" enough to cause drivetrain binding because the front and rear axles are prevented from rotating at different speeds during cornering.

 

More info:

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html

 

A basic rule of thumb for part-time 4WD systems is: If you can safely drive a 2WD car on it, you don't need 4H.

Edited September 16, 2010 by XPLORx4

[Der_Vier]

Good thing I asked. Only did it once in a torrential downpour at about 20mph for less than a mile. Rather irritating though as my back tires will spin out and ill slide all about if its wet enough out....

[XPLORx4]

If you're in a torrential downpour and you're sliding all over, slow down! Remember, using 4WD does not mean that you'll be able to stop any better.

 

If wet weather performance is important, consider using tires with good wet weather traction.

[skulptr]

sounds like your runnin on baldy's, and you need an alignment check!

[Pezzy]

If you're in a torrential downpour and you're sliding all over, slow down! Remember, using 4WD does not mean that you'll be able to stop any better.

 

If wet weather performance is important, consider using tires with good wet weather traction.

[Der_Vier]

Tanks for all the input...my tires are actually new as of 5k miles ago (p.o replaced just before selling the pathfinder to moi) but I do need an alignment done. I was just wonderin' since the wet roads make for @!*% traction i figured i could use the 4wd, but glad I asked. I appriciate that website link all about 4wd...cheerz!

[colinnwn]

And from someone who actually tried to engage their 4wd on a wet asphalt street (pretty slick stuff) and turn into my mud driveway towing a boat, it didn't work too well. The tires started scrubbing early into the turn, and it got hard to turn the steering wheel. I coasted back, straightened the wheels to relieve the drivetrain tension, and disengaged 4wd until I got on my driveway. I knew that wouldn't work well, but I was hoping I'd luck out.

 

You can drive with 4wd on high traction surfaces and not damage anything, if the most turning you have to do is a lane change. But if you have to make any actual turns, you can't have 4wd on.

[skulptr]

sounds more like on eof your trailing arms might be bent. if your back end is even slightly out of alignment, it can screw you over in the rain. i rolled a car once that had one rear tire out, and in a torrential downpour on the freeway the ass just came out, and it ended badly

[MY1PATH]

if its poring I don't think its as hard on the drive train but it will still shorten tire life.

 

I use sometimes use 4x4 for altered breaking characteristics, In the winter sometimes the fronts used to lock up easy but when I go 4x4 the fronts cannot lock as long as the rear is still turning.

But then again when its that slick using 4x4 is a good idea anyway.