Just acquired a 92 hiace - but worried about the 4wd.
Symptom - with hubs locked and 4wd engaged it becomes hard to turn steering more than a full turn as it slows the vehicle down (as if the brakes are applied)
In fact when I put it into N something it is still binding (as if the brakes are applied)
The problem is more pronounced when in H ? ratio(higher revving one)
The more its driven the worse it gets with the useable steering area decreasing
It also makes a cracking sound (driveshafts?)
I have only tried it on loose surface areas - basically doing 3 point turns
Mechanic where I purchased from says this is normal and he can't fault it, however I'm not convinced

He also assures me I will not damage it by using it on lock and suggested it just needs 'helping a bit' with the accelerator
A 2 month verbal guarantee of the vehicle was offered so I am keen to sort this (and the other probs) within this time
Can anyone enlighten me?
- (#7470) chris turner, 28 Feb 03

Chris, I hope that I am not pointing out something which you already know but, the 4WD system, fitted to our vehicles, is not fitted with a centre differential, allowing totally independant drive between the two axles, like some of these off road type of vehicle. The 4WD, on our vehicles, can (should) only be used where there is a lot of wheelspin, ie, on ice, snow, very loose surfaces etc. Your three point turns mean that one of the wheels, which, on a tight turn, has to cover a greater distance than it's opposite wheel, is trying to slip but the terrain is not allowing it to and unatural loadings are occuring through the prop shaft Damage will be caused by using the 4WD system on tarmac or any other firm surface. In order for the 4WD system to be effective, one wheel on either axle, must be able to slip and your comment "useable steering area decreasing" gives a clue to what is happening.
If we get any more ice and snow, try it out then, I think that you will see a big difference.

- (#7471) John Davis, 1 Mar 03

John is absolutely right, certainly the Townace series, and as far as I'm aware your Hiace don't have a centre differential on the 4WD models, whereas the likes of Range Rovers & other permanent 4x4 vehicles do. Without the centre diff, you can't run on tarmac, only on loose stuff when in true 4x4, for all the reasons that john has described, basically you will destroy your front or rear diff, by trying to make them run at different speeds. Even things such as Discovery & Range Rover aren't true 4 wheel drive until you engage the centre diff lock, thus making them the same as the Hiace/Townace setup in other word direct drive to all 4 wheels & not able to run on tarmac. To try it out properly, just go onto some mud & you'll see how good the 4x4 is. HTH Rob.

- (#7472) Rob Drinkwater, 1 Mar 03

I agree, it sounds like "transmission wind up" which is common in 4wd vehicles. Basically, as discussed previously, when 4wd is engaged with free wheeling hubs "on" whilst on "the road", some systems get themselves tied up in knots! In the worst cases, if the vehicle has been used for extended periods, damage can occur. Does the vehicle "hop" when you begin to turn and act as though the brakes have suddenly been applied on one wheel? If this occurs, or similar symptoms, this may point to a sticking/jammed free wheeling hub! At best the garage may be able to strip and repair the hub, occasionally, if a cv joint is employed that may be at fault. At worst, the whole thing will need to be replaced! Having said this, the joints are usually very tough. It may be possible to "unwind" the system by engaging 4wd, hubs locked, low ratio and reverse in a straight line for a few feet! I hav'nt tried it in the Master Ace but it worked a treat in my old series 3 Land Rover (which interestingly did'nt have locking hubs!). Hope this helps.

- (#7473) Ian Johnstone, 1 Mar 03

John, Rob and Ian
Thanks for your informative (and re-assuring) replies - I'm at the 'worry stage' of owning a new vehicle which will no doubt pass as I come to understand its peculiarities.
Hopefully no damge has occurred - I obviously need to go in search of a suitable surface

- (#7474) chris turner, 1 Mar 03

"I'm at the 'worry stage' of owning a new vehicle"
Chris, we've all been though it with these splendid but, sometimes, peculiar vehicles. However, unlike the owners of less interesting forms of transport, we have this tremendously helpful BOK, coupled to the equally helpful Ace Answers. There should be no aspect of your new vehicle that has not been commented on, somewhere here, so, good luck and, when you find problems, and answers, please share them via this board.

- (#7475) John Davis, 2 Mar 03