Owning a 4WD vehicle necessitates special care. These vehicles contain more parts than regular cars, so they must be serviced more frequently.
Four-wheel drive systems consist of a transfer case, hubs and differentials. These components contain bearings, seals and moving parts which must be kept in good working order to ensure optimal performance.
Brakes
The brake system is an integral component of a vehicle’s safety systems, particularly for 4WD vehicles where brakes help prevent skids and loss of control while driving off-road.
Brakes come in various types, such as discs and drums. Consider both factors when deciding the type of brake that best meets your performance and budget needs.
Different callipers are available for brakes. Standard callipers typically feature 2-4 pistons that push a pad against the rotor; an upgraded version may feature six pistons for increased clamping power and a larger rotor to dissipate heat more effectively.
The materials used to manufacture brakes are also essential, as cast iron has a variable hardness and composition. It has an immense impact on friction between pads and discs.
The manufacturer’s service guide is worth consulting for specific instructions on when and how to replace brake pads. In addition, the service guide often suggests replacing pads based on your vehicle’s age or other factors.
Clutch
The clutch is essential to your 4WD service Adelaide vehicle’s performance and driving characteristics, so you must have it serviced regularly.
Signs that your clutch may not function optimally include a spongy pedal and pressing far down to engage the clutch.
Another indication of an un-working clutch is having difficulty disengaging the four-wheel drive. It can happen at inconvenient moments, such as when driving down a slippery mountain road or needing to use it to cross a lake or traverse rough terrain.
Fortunately, for your 4WD service Adelaide vehicle, a range of heavy-duty or performance clutch kits offer increased clamping force due to their harder-wearing friction material, dampening springs, heavier-duty bushes, rivets and fasteners.
Suspension
A well-tuned suspension is essential for achieving superior ride quality and reducing vehicle wear and tear. Unfortunately, the standard rest installed by the manufacturer may not be adequate for off-road driving or heavy loads.
4WD vehicle service is an ideal time to upgrade your suspension system for improved performance and comfort. There are various suspension kits available, but you must take the time to find one that works best for both you and your car.
The primary functions of suspension systems include road holding/handling (including body roll, braking and cornering) and ride quality. However, since these qualities cannot be fully achieved simultaneously, a compromise must be found between them to achieve satisfactory results.
Balancing a vehicle’s suspension can be challenging. When the rest isn’t functioning correctly, you may experience an unsteady sensation and feel off-balance and unstable in your car – leading to loss of control and an eventual accident.
If you find that your vehicle has started to swerve more than usual while driving, this could be a sign that the suspension needs replacing. If in doubt, ask an experienced mechanic to inspect the suspension for you.
Drive Shaft
A driveshaft is an integral part of your car, transferring power from your engine to the differential and, ultimately, to the wheels. Therefore, if there are any issues with your driveshaft, you must address them promptly so that any further problems with your vehicle don’t occur.
Most rear-wheel and four-wheel drive (FWD/AWD) vehicles feature durable drive shafts made of high-quality materials. Unfortunately, they can wear out or break down over time; repairs are necessary to get them back up and running efficiently.
One common indication of a failing driveshaft is vibration and shuddering when accelerating from low speed or a stop. It could be caused by damage to the centre bearing or loose U-joints, leading to serious safety concerns.
Transfer Case
The transfer case is an essential element of 4WD service Adelaide vehicles and should be regularly serviced to ensure its performance. It transmits power from the transmission to both front and rear axles through drive shafts, synchronising wheel rotation while potentially featuring one or more sets of low-range gears for off-road use.