Seized???

Hi All,

When engaing 4 wheel drive today on my S3 diesel it kind of seized! Truth is I do not have a clue!

I have not had the landy long and I belive this might be the first time that the free wheeling hubs have been turned off for some time!

The front wheels do try and turn a little like the brakes are on but then seize up. Some nasty grinding sounds also add to the drama. Bugger!!!

Thanks loads for any suggestions you can give a newbie...

take yer fwh's off and have a look

If you don't engage your WFH periodically your front dif can dry out and seize up.
It sounds like this to me, as Slob says start by looking the hubs also try lifting both front wheels
clear of the ground and see if you can turn them by hand.
Ps
Also check for EP90 in the diff

Thanks Slob & Clivees!

I ran about 50 miles yesterday in 2 wheel drive with the WFH engaged. A shudder when around 40 mph +. I think it was getting a little better by the time I arived home.

I bought some EP90 and filled the diff and everything else that required a drink. I think it might be a little better but I am not 100%. There is less noise for sure! I jacked up each front wheel in turn and tried to turn them by hand in 4X4 (out of gear) and they both each turn around 3 inch either way then stop!

I am a little concerned about taking things apart until I have a better idea where to start as it is my main transport and without transoprt on the Isle of Skye you are well and truly xxxxxx!

Might it be the Transfer box also? and if it is the diff/hubs might they start to free them self if I run with the WFH engaged?

Last thing I want to do is pop the bugger into a garage, aint got the cash thanks again for your Infinite wisdom and time!!!

i'd start by taking yer fwh orf and seeing what happens then..have you got the original drive plates fer it?

Ok, I removed one of the fwh's and all appears to be well but of course I am not a doctor so a second opinion might be required

I am not sure if this is normal but here goes. I jacked up the rear end and tried turning the wheels by hand and found that when 4x4 is engaged the back wheel is also locked! but I guess this would be normal if the front wheels are not turning? The prop turns all the way to the front. They move under power but with great effort! Could it be the transfer box do you think or should through a new front diff in? Me keyboard is covered in oil thanks!!!

take yer front prop off, jack up one front wheel and see if the diff flange is turning. if so then try wiff the other front wheel. then try turning yer t/box out put wiff the t/box in 'N'. that should tell you wur the problem is.

HAVE YOU GOT THE ORIGINAL DRIVE PLATES OFF THE HUBS?

Thanks Slob!!!

I have not got the original drive plates. I removed the prop from the diff and checked to see if the diff flange was turing etc and it everything with the front axle appears to be good :-( oh dear!!! the problem it looks like I guess is the transfer box/4 x 4 thingy. ****! oh well, at least I have 2 wheel drive untill I can work out when and how to replace parts.

Thanks again!!!

The bit of the transfer box that feeds the drive to the front wheels is pretty simple - just a dog clutch, so provided the landy runs ok with the front prop shaft removed I can't imagine there is much wrong with it. More commonly the linkage sticks in 2WD and you can't get 4WD when you need it. I've never heard of the front output of the transfer box seizing up, but I suppose it could happen.

As Slob says the real test now is to grasp the the prop shaft flange on the front of the transfer box and check it turns freely in 2WD then pop it into 4WD. The flange may then tun a little bit until the dog clutch engages but then it will lock to the rear propshaft, and then, with the handbrake on, it should be solid.

It isn't something silly like different sized wheels front and rear is it?

Thanks percyatok!

I believe my first observations have been wrong. I wrongly assumed the probem was with the front axle due to the front wheels locking and blamed the FWH's However, it seems the back wheels have been locking also. I thought the back wheels were struggling pushing the front but I removed the prop from the diff like Slob suggested and checked to see if the diff flange was turing etc and everything with the front axle appears to be fine.

When turning the prop at the T/B end in neutral in 4 X 4 it turns a little then locks. Dog clutch maybe do you think?

I have the same sized wheels front and back.