aiskew
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Sorry if this if a dumb question, but am restoring my s3, and wondered why I have FWH fitted, when it runs in 2wd in high normally, unless I depress the yellow lever to engage 4wd
Why do I have Freewheeling Hubs
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Freetime101
Active Member
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Cos the front prop and diff still spin but are powered by the wheels which adds some resistance.
FWH are supposed to improve fuel efficiency (arguments for and against) but the main benefit is they stop the front diff from whining
FWH are supposed to improve fuel efficiency (arguments for and against) but the main benefit is they stop the front diff from whining
When you do get it on the road be sure to lock the freewheeling hubs up once a week for a good few miles. The top railco bush in the swivel relies on "Splash Lubrication" I have them and have never really noticed any real world fuel saving and tend to keep them locked because I like the feel of the truck that way. Any serious off roading can damage them on rocks.
mistericeman
Active Member
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I find FWH extremely beneficial ......
For standing on when i reach into the engine bay .....Sod all use for anything else IMHO
For standing on when i reach into the engine bay .....Sod all use for anything else IMHO
nickjaxe
Well-Known Member
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Love mine...runs smoother quieter got to improve MPG not by a lots though...but got
to.
to.
samc88
Drivels spiritual representative
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Best use for them is it makes removing the front prop a piece of proverbial ****, can spin the prop in my hand to access the next bolt
ConnorSeries
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haha this is so true!
dominicbeesley
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I can tell if I've forgotten to turn mine off, there is a definite drop in acceleration and a very slight increase in road noise from the front diff.
aiskew
Member
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- Bedale, North Yorkshire
Many thanks, it makes sense now. Will use them on the 4x4 setting occasionally for lubrication.
On with the jobs!!
On with the jobs!!
Webley1991
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As far as I know you are not supposed to use the 4wd setting on tarmac.
I was told that this can cause serious damage to the transmission. Apparently this is because with the series gearbox, the front and rear wheels are locked together.
When driving on tarmac the wheels do not slip as easily as when driving on a less solid surface such as mud. As the front wheels turn are steered, the distance they will cover compared to the rear is not the same.
The differences in rotation will apparently strain the transmission until something breaks.
This is not an issue on modern permanent 4wd vehicles as they have a third differential in the transfer box.
It was recommended to me to switch to 4wd on a flat surface, drive in a straight line for a short distance and then switch back to 2wd after.
I was told that this can cause serious damage to the transmission. Apparently this is because with the series gearbox, the front and rear wheels are locked together.
When driving on tarmac the wheels do not slip as easily as when driving on a less solid surface such as mud. As the front wheels turn are steered, the distance they will cover compared to the rear is not the same.
The differences in rotation will apparently strain the transmission until something breaks.
This is not an issue on modern permanent 4wd vehicles as they have a third differential in the transfer box.
It was recommended to me to switch to 4wd on a flat surface, drive in a straight line for a short distance and then switch back to 2wd after.
blue beasty
Leaks an prone to bits dropping off
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I think they mean FWH engaged not transferbox in 4wd
Webley1991
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I see what you mean there.
I wanted to the save the OP any confusion when he said "Will use them on the 4x4 setting occasionally for lubrication".
I wanted to the save the OP any confusion when he said "Will use them on the 4x4 setting occasionally for lubrication".
blue beasty
Leaks an prone to bits dropping off
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nickjaxe
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Its ok to run the hubs in 4X4 on tarmac as long as 4X4 is not selected at the gear box...even with the hubs locked....you not connected to the gearbox unless you put it in 4X4.
Nick.
Nick.
dominicbeesley
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Hi Webley, You are mistaken, you're confusing the 4x4 on the hubs with 4x4 on the transfer box...
You MUST use the FWHs in 4x4 mode occasionally but with the transfer box in High ratio 2WD if you are on a hard surface. This is to get oil to the steering pins front diff and front UJs and bearings.
You MUST use the FWHs in 4x4 mode occasionally but with the transfer box in High ratio 2WD if you are on a hard surface. This is to get oil to the steering pins front diff and front UJs and bearings.
Webley1991
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I am aware of that. However, if someone else casually skims over this thread and sees "use the hubs in 4x4 mode for lubrication", they may get confused as to what is actually being said.
