Driving around in 4A do any harm?

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Shantheman73

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Hey y’all…2007 Limited 4x4.
One of my front hubs is engaged…the other isn’t. My mechanic mentioned instead of replacing the hub, just keep it in 4A.

I’ve seen this debated both ways…good and bad.

However…I’ve noticed lately that in 4A…when accelerating…it sometimes feels ‘gravelly’, and there’s sometimes a small thunk when getting up to speed like the transfer case momentarily engaged and disengaged.

But when I go back to 2wd…it’s smooth shifting and none of the intermittent gravel feel thru the throttle.

Maybe it’s my transfer case? Front diff?
Probably gonna stay in 2wd for now though…and get the hub fixed.

My two cents: Maybe staying in 4A ain’t the best.
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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Hey y’all…2007 Limited 4x4.
One of my front hubs is engaged…the other isn’t. My mechanic mentioned instead of replacing the hub, just keep it in 4A.

I’ve seen this debated both ways…good and bad.

However…I’ve noticed lately that in 4A…when accelerating…it sometimes feels ‘gravelly’, and there’s sometimes a small thunk when getting up to speed like the transfer case momentarily engaged and disengaged.

But when I go back to 2wd…it’s smooth shifting and none of the intermittent gravel feel thru the throttle.

Maybe it’s my transfer case? Front diff?
Probably gonna stay in 2wd for now though…and get the hub fixed.

My two cents: Maybe staying in 4A ain’t the best.



What does your vehicle owner’s manual say about 4A?

My 2015 owner’s manual states that 4A is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions.
 

Jon1985

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I leave my 2010 in 2WD my auto seems to engage the front sometimes I hear binding from the front sometimes like it’s in 4WD dry surfaces with auto . Rain I’ll use auto without any issues snow I’ll just use 4WD depending on the road conditions for me 2WD seems to have better power and performance speed wise .
 
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Shantheman73

Shantheman73

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I leave my 2010 in 2WD my auto seems to engage the front sometimes I hear binding from the front sometimes like it’s in 4WD dry surfaces with auto . Rain I’ll use auto without any issues snow I’ll just use 4WD depending on the road conditions for me 2WD seems to have better power and performance speed wise .
I def feel the binding at times when turning sharp in 4A. Unfortunately I don’t know if that’s normal or not…all my other vehicles have been car based AWD.
I got a quote today to replace both front wheel hubs (IWE I think it’s called) is around $600. At this point I might as well do it so I can stay 2WD in summer and still have functional 4WD for the winter.
 

Gary Waugh

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My transmission definitely binds at full lock in 4A, so I just avoid full steering lock, it also wears out the tyres more quickly, so just good practice to avoid full steering lock turns!!
 

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