Whining 5spd/dr when in 4x4

[Letters909]

I'm new to Subarus and cars with 4wheel drive, just wondering if that's normal and if not what I should look at

 

Car is a 1988 gl wagon(maybe? It was advertised as an 85 but dealership papers in the glove box say 88)

 

I appreciate any and all help, I've hardly driven this car because it's such a pile of crap but it's easy to work on and so fun to drive

[DaveT]

Things to check-

Lube in both differentials.

Tires are all the same make and model and wear.

Driveshaft center bearing and u joints.

[TomRhere]

Also. Don't use 4WD on dry pavement.

Loose stuff only..

Snow, mud, sand. Heavy rain is a personal choice.

[Letters909]

Thanks guys, got up a little too late to check anything but I do know the tires are worn differently all the way around and I would be shocked if they are all one brand. I didn't know not to use 4WD on pavement, why is that?

[subnz]

There is bit of a whine in transmission in lo 4wd  anyway from the gear reduction but as previously suggested check all oil levels etc.

 

Selectable part time 4WDs don't have a centre diff / just a transfer section ie for 2WD/4WD/Low range so the front and rear wheels

 

are locked together (a crude cheap simple way of having 4WD.)   This is similar to an AWD (full time 4WD with

 

a centre locking diff locked on)

 

So when you turn, the front wheels travel further than the back wheels so on hard surfaces / high ways it winds up the the drive line  can feel it jerking / surging and the front wheels are trying to slip.  

 

Thats why if you try and shift out of 4WD into while turned / turning a corner it can difficult / impossible to do so until straighten up d because of the stress/ load  on the driveline / transmission  (wound up.) 

 

Should only engage  4WD on road / ground surfaces that allow wheels to slip ie loose metal roads dirt grass snow etc as previously mentioned.

 

Can do it (ie 4WD / Low range) on hard surfaces so long as drive it / keep it  straight ie reversing trailer etc / climbing steep sections etc   to  avoid slipping the clutch as much.

 

Ideally tyres should be the same brand, equal amounts of wear (definitely the same size) all round as previously mentioned but not so critical on a part time 4WD as it is on an AWD.

 

At least they should be similar brand/type on front 2 and  rear 2 but definite all the same size / wear. 

 

eg I run winter tyres of similar size (fitted to another set of wheels) on front wheels only  on my Brumby / Brat when required (probably not ideal but same size as rear) but had no problems doing this.

Edited July 24, 2016 by subnz

[el_freddo]

The uneven tyres on all four corners will be an issue for the 4wd system and will quickly cause binding - this then makes it very difficult to get it out of 4wd.

 

Low range whinge is usually due to lack of oil or excessive use.  Change your gearbox oil for some fresh stuff and throw in some oil additive that makes the oil travel further up gearsets that are not partially submerged in the oil.

 

Cheers

Bennie