TB 4wd questions

[poe1013]

This is my first post. I'm really glad I found a site with so much info. I have a few questions though. I just bought my 2002 TB in Oct. We just got our first snow here (not much, just enough to get the roads a little packed). I'm used to driving my old Jeep Cherokee which I had to use 4wd with just about any thing on the road or otherwise I would be all over. Anyway I tried the TB 4WD for the first time yesterday going to work and it seemed like a pretty rough ride compared to what I'm used to. Is that normall? Also, When I left work, the roads were pretty clear but still some snow in spots, so I use the A4wd for the first time. It seemed to switch over to 4wd at the oddest times and when it did, it seemed very sluggish to drive and the wheels seemed to whine. Just wondering if this is normal or if I need to get it checked out.

Also, is there any regular maintenance that needs to be done as far as the 4wd is concerned? Thanks for any help!

[TrailBlazer LS]

It sounds like you need to get it checked out. You can't tell when mines in 4WD or A4WD. Well you can feel the A4WD kicking in when the rears start to spin. Good luck. Mark.

[wmolzon]

the rough ride could be due to the snow packed down on the roads that usually doesnt help the ride quality. if you have it in 4wd and you turn the wheel all the way you might get a whine or might feel like its gonna stall. i have an 05 i use my 4wd a lot and never have any problems with it. just b/c you dont feel like the roads are slippery and u dont need the 4wd the tires/computer might think something different,

[Blazernut]

Also, is there any regular maintenance that needs to be done as far as the 4wd is concerned? Thanks for any help!

You should make sure that the front and rear diffs get a fluid change. If the place you take it does not know that the front diff fluid is synthetic then go somewhere else.

The you can get the transfer case fluid changed also.

Welcome to the site! :D

B.

[Bearcat]

You should make sure that the front and rear diffs get a fluid change. If the place you take it does not know that the front diff fluid is synthetic then go somewhere else.

The you can get the transfer case fluid changed also.

Welcome to the site! :D

B.
:iagree: Get the front and rear differentials changed, as well as the transfer case if you have no record of previous maintenance on your TB. Do a search, lots of threads concerning all three. I notice little if any difference in ride on a straight roadway in 2WD, AWD, or 4WD in my 2004, or a detectable difference on an auto switch from AWD to 4WD and back. I believe in swapping all drivetrain fluids every 40,000. i think the factory recommended interval is less often.

[poe1013]

Thanks for the info. I have no idea if the fluids have ever been changed. I didn't get any records (I don't see how people can neglect keeping records of that stuff but that's just me.) I jsut called my service guy and scheduled an appointment and he knew all about the synthethic fluid. (I've always had good luck with him). He also said it will take me a while to get used to the roughness of a chevy 4wd compared to the Jeep I'm used to. So I'll try that to start with and see if sees anything else of concern when he gets in there. Thanks a lot!

[NotForBling]

Those diff fluid changes are going to cost you.....but it's worth it.

[poe1013]

How much are we talkin'?

[poe1013]

Well, I got all the fluid changed and it's running so much better. Thanks for the advice. They said it needed it badly. The transfer case fluid was dirty and I guess it smelled horrible. Price wasn't as bad as I thought, they charged me $130 for everything. Unlike the dealer here in town (who I don't trust for anything, I just called to compare prices), they said probably $250 - $300 for everything. Thanks Again!!

[Toyuzu]

Sounds like you got it taken care of. I'm in Alaska (Just home from Iraq on R&R leave). My wife has been driving our 03 around all winter so far with the switch in the A4WD mode. It works like a charm. I can rarely tell when the front axle engages.