Simple Guide To Vehicle's 4WD Parts

The 4WD systems have evolved in various markets and they are used in a lot of automobile platforms. One important thing which should be noted here is that there is no universally accepted set of terminology to relate the different architectures and functions. The terms which are utilized by a lot of manufacturers frequently reflect marketing rather than engineering considerations or significant technical differences between systems.

Four-wheel drive is also known as a 4WD or 4-wheel drive system. This system allows the car engine to drive all four wheels of the automobile simultaneously, because of that, we can double the amount of force that is required to pull forward. The tires would apply force to the surface it is driving on, so because of that, both traction and acceleration are magnified. It is specifically convenient in low-traction conditions where wheel slippage (when the force applied to a tire would be higher than the amount of force that the tire can apply against the ground or the ground can apply against the tire) is much more likely to occur, such as off-roading, wet, or snowy conditions, climbing slippery hills, or on dirt roads. Because of these substantial reasons, the 4WD system proves to be regular on trucks and SUVs—inclusive of Jeep models. The term four-by-four (4x4) generally refers to this general class of four-wheeled vehicles which comprise a drivetrain that would allow for all four of the wheels to receive torque (i.e. the power that moves your vehicle) from the engine simultaneously.

Are you curious to know which type of 4WDparts would be perfect for your car? Worried as to how you will figure it out? If you want the ideal one for your automobile, then it would require a lot of research work on your end. You can gain a lot of information from the local mechanics, nearby car garages, and car part dealers. Here we are trying our best to provide you with the information regarding various types of 4WD parts.

1. Front-wheel drive (FWD) - There are both the engine and the drive wheels on the front axle of the automobiles. If you have a small and compact vehicle, then this is the most common powertrain and driveline arrangement as it proves to be advantageous in terms of space and efficiency.

   
   

2. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) - Automobiles generally have the powertrain on the front axle and the drive wheels on the rear axle. This is also known as the “classical” driveline arrangement because this is how the first road automobiles were configured. If you own luxury sedans or sports cars, a rear-wheel-drive configuration would be the best for you.

   
   

3. Four-by-four (4x4) - Four-by-four (4x4) is often utilized to refer to a class of vehicles in general. Here the first figure indicates the total number of wheels (or more precisely: axle ends), whereas, the second indicates the number that is powered. So, 4x2 means a four-wheel automobile that transmits engine torque to only two axle-ends: the front two in front-wheel drive or the rear two in rear-wheel drive. Similarly, a 6×4 vehicle has three axles, two of which provide torque to two-axle ends each. If there is a truck with dual rear wheels on two rear axles and is having ten wheels, even then its configuration would be formulated as 6x4. 

   
   

4. Four-wheel drive (4WD) - Four-wheel drive (4WD) indicates the vehicles which have two axles providing torque to four axle ends. This type is also known as a system that is used for off-road driving situations. The term "4WD" is generally designated for automobiles that are equipped with a transfer case that switches between 2WD and 4WD operating modes, either manually or automatically.

   
   

5. All-wheel drive (AWD) - AWD stands for all-wheel drive. Earlier it was synonymous with "four-wheel-drive" on four-wheeled vehicles, and six-wheel drive on 6 wheeled vehicles, and so on, being utilized in that fashion at least as early as the 1920s. But nowadays, this term is used for both heavy vehicles as well as light passenger automobiles. Now if we are referring to this term to heavy vehicles, then it would mean "permanent multiple-wheel drive" on 2×2, 4×4, 6×6, or 8×8 drivetrain systems that include a differential between the front as well as rear driveshafts.This is frequently coupled with some sort of anti-slip technology, increasingly hydraulic-based, which would then allow differentials to spin at various speeds but still be capable of transferring the torque from a wheel with poor traction to one with better. The AWD systems work well on all surfaces, but keep in mind that they are not intended for more extreme off-road use. Now when the AWD system is used in light passenger vehicles, it would apply to all four wheels (permanently or on-demand) and/or is targeted at enhancing on-road traction as well as performance (particularly in inclement conditions), rather than for off-road applications. Some all-wheel-drive electric vehicles solve this challenge by utilizing one motor for each axle, thereby eliminating a mechanical differential between the front and rear axles. A good example of this would be the dual motor variant of the Tesla Model S, which on a millisecond scale can control the torque distribution electronically between its two motors.

   
   

6. Individual-wheel drive (IWD) - IWD or Individual-Wheel Drive is used to describe electric vehicles with each wheel being driven by its electric motor. This system critically has inherent features which are generally attributed to four-wheel drive systems like the distribution of the available torque to the wheels. 

There are two or more axles in the 4WD vehicles and the power is provided by the engine to the four-wheel ends. There is a transfer case in 4WD vehicles. The front and rear axles are locked by the transfer case so that the front, as well as rear driveshafts, are locked together. This allows maximum torque transfer to the axle. The 4WD is frequently utilized to describe vehicles with a system that has been specifically designed and optimized to cope with severe and often dangerous off-road driving situations. The part-time 4WD vehicles use a transfer case, a separate front driveshaft (in addition to the rear driveshaft), a front and rear differential, as well as locking hubs. Are you willing to gain more information about these different parts one by one? Have a look below:

1. Transfer Case - In the absence of a transfer case, your part-time 4WD automobile will be a 2WD vehicle. It is the transfer case which is also known as a T-case that splits the power from the engine 50/50 to both the rear and front axles by way of the front and rear driveshafts. The transfer is generally situated right behind the transmission in your drivetrain.

2. Front DriveShaft - The engine power is sent to the front wheels in 4WD vehicles, so for that, there is a requirement for the front driveshaft to do so. The front driveshaft connects the transfer case to the front differential. When there is an engagement of 4WD, then the transfer case splits the torque 50/50 between the front and rear driveshafts. The front driveshaft spins at the same speed as the rear driveshaft, transferring torque to the front differential. That power is then transferred by the front differential to the front wheels through the axle shafts.

3. Differentials - When it comes to 2WD vehicles, a single differential sits in the middle of the front or rear axles and it depends upon the automobile if it is a front- or rear-wheel drive. The power from the driveshaft is transferred through the differential to each wheel, which causes them to turn. In a 4WD vehicle, all of its wheels get the power, thereby justifying the need for two differentials — one for the front axle and one for the rear axle.

4. Locking Hubs - Locking hubs are also called free wheeling hubs and are fitted to 4WD vehicles to allow the front wheels to rotate freely when disconnected from the front axle. This helps in reducing the mechanical strain on the front portion of the drivetrain when the 4WD mode is not in use. 

No doubt you can’t off-road without an efficient 4WD system. But what are the few problems that you need to take care of when using a 4WD system? Ever wondered about them? Well, we did and here we are with a list of a few common problems that need to be checked from time to time.

1. Issues with the indicator - You will need to get this issue fixed by a trained mechanic. Remember that blinking of the indicator light means that the gear is not shifted completely.

2. Stuck 4WD - An old 4WD vehicle can remain stuck in the 4WD mode even when the engine runs. 

3. Damaged Shifter Fork - The damaged shifter fork can be damaged due to the excessive pressure it receives. You will need to get the damaged one replaced by a trained mechanic.

4. Chassis Issue - Having encountered rough terrains, your vehicle’s chassis has a huge chance of developing cracks.

5. Problems with The Suspension System - Off-road drives can prove to be hard on your vehicle’s suspension system.

Although a 4WD system is designed to last a long time, it can wear out showing some symptoms which can be recognized easily. Following are the few signs of faulty 4WD parts:

1. Indicator Light – Many 4x4 automobiles which have been produced in the last 25 years have a dashboard warning light that illuminates if trouble with the system has been detected by the sensors. If it appears, then it means that your automobile is facing difficulty in fully engaging the 4x4 system. Make sure you get it repaired by visiting a local auto shop.
2. 4x4 is not engaging – One another symptom is that the 4x4 is not engaging. Many times we can tell by the way an automobile functions when all the four wheels are provided with power. There might be a noticeable jerking motion if you try to engage in 4 wheel drive unsuccessfully.
3. Stuck in 4x4 mode – If you are not able to get out of 4x4 mode, then it’s time to visit an auto shop. If you drive in a 4-wheel drive when it is not needed, then you can wear down components and consume extra fuel.
4. Low fluid levels – It is very important to get your car fluids checked regularly in the differentials. If the fluid levels are low, then it can result in excessive friction between the gears which will bring your truck or SUV to a grinding halt. If you find any drips under your vehicle, then you must go to an auto shop immediately.
5. Whistling axle – A common way to detect car trouble is noises and it’s no different when it comes to 4x4 systems. If you are hearing a high-pitched whistling noise or a clunking sound is coming from the axle area, then make sure to get in for service. 

If you want to repair your 4WD Parts all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your 4WD Parts? Don’t worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your 4WD Parts.

• Socket Set

• Pliers

• Torque Wrench

• Wrenches

• Screwdrivers

• Work Light

• Safety Gloves

• Multimeter

• Zip Ties

• Impact Wrench

• Lubricants

• Cleaners

• Manuals & Guides

• Duct Tapes

The brands which we use make a statement about who we are and who we will be in the future. Several car lovers are emotionally attached to a specific brand for their car parts. So if you are searching for a particular brand for your 4WD Parts, then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below:

• Blue Streak (Hygrade Motor) 4WD Parts
• SKF 4WD Parts
• Dorman/Techoice 4WD Parts
• Dorman (Oe Solutions) 4WD Parts
• Dorman/Help 4WD Parts
• Crown Automotive Jeep Replacement 4WD Parts
• Rugged Ridge 4WD Parts
• Standard/T-Series 4WD Parts
• Moog 4WD Parts