4WD test. How?

[mybrainhurts]

New to these 4x4 thingies.

If I were to test drive a Nissan X-Trail, how would I find out if the 4WD system is working?

Assuming only tarmac is available.

[P I Staker]

Try and do a burn out...

[mybrainhurts]

Oh, bum, meant to put this in the Off Road forum.

I would be ecstatic if a mod could move it over there...

[texaxile]

[sunbeam alpine]

Roll it, keep your foot on the throttle. If all 4 wheels keep going, the 4WD is working.

[schmalex]

It's a tough one on Tarmac.

You could try to turn on full lock and see if there is a judder through the wheel. Best off trying to find some gravel and see if you can get all 4 wheels to slip when accelerating from rest (maybe easier with someone standing outside the car watching)

[mybrainhurts]

sunbeam alpine said:

Roll it, keep your foot on the throttle. If all 4 wheels keep going, the 4WD is working.

Hell, yes, why didn't I see that? The simple way is the best way...

[P I Staker]

But realistically as said try and feel for it juddering or fighting you on full lock, listen for whining from the back.

Really there's not a huge amount you can do other then getting the wheels to spin and see if it moves drive to the back, although the current owner/ dealer might not be impressed.

[Finlandia]

Four plastic trays from McD or something, place under tyres and do a quick start as in trying to burn rubber.

[mybrainhurts]

A-Haaaaaa....

[Willy Nilly]

In 2wd put it on full lock and turn then put it in 4wd and turn on full lock, it should be noticeably harder to turn in 4wd.

[P I Staker]

Willy Nilly said:

In 2wd put it on full lock and turn then put it in 4wd and turn on full lock, it should be noticeably harder to turn in 4wd.

Ah, wait. Do these things have switchable 4WD? I thought they where automatic using a viscous coupling or similar.

[mybrainhurts]

P I Staker said:

Ah, wait. Do these things have switchable 4WD? .

[Phil Dicky]

To start you need a large conveyor belt......

[Willy Nilly]

mybrainhurts said:

P I Staker said:

Ah, wait. Do these things have switchable 4WD? .

My test should work then. Often on dry ground with a lot of grip you will find it hard to knock the lever back to 2wd.

[P I Staker]

mybrainhurts said:

P I Staker said:

Ah, wait. Do these things have switchable 4WD? .

Who knew!

Willys test wouldn't be a bad one I guess, just don't keep doing it or something will go bang.

[anonymous-user]

Find something sloping to cross axle it?

(Try not to roll it, i believe that is frowned upon when test driving other peoples cars.......)


or:

Take a trolley jack with you, lift one rear wheel a little bit off the ground, then try and drive fowards off the jack

[JordanTurbo]

Assuming both front and rear diffs are open and not LSD.

Jack one side up so both the front and rear wheels are off the ground, Then start it and let it idle in first gear (or drive if auto). Both of the lifted wheels should spin slowly.

[paps]

Fairly certain you can select FWD or 4WD with a switch on the dash. Select FWD full lock and accelerate hard (TC off) should get a front tyre screeching. Then try it again with the 4WD selected. Should find it loses traction at the front then shunts torque to the rear axel so less/no tyre screech.

[davemac250]

Isn't it the same as the pathfinder/navara RWD or 4x4. Not FWD.

They haven't got the poke to spin the rears in the dry without some serious abuse.