Tips on Avoiding 4WD Clutch Failure

Tips on avoiding 4WD clutch failure. When it comes to four-wheel drives every owner wants their vehicle to be in tip-top shape in every respect possible.

Your 4WD must be properly fitted with all the necessary devices and products to make it a lean, mean, fighting machine that can take on difficult terrain comfortably and with ease.

But just as important as any technical specifications is your 4×4 not failing you in a time of need.

4WD clutch failure is a serious problem and knowing about it, especially when it comes to avoiding clutch failures is of chief importance.

What is a Clutch?

But first some basics. Put simply, the clutch is a device that disengages and engages the power transmission – particularly from driving shaft to driven shaft.

The clutch has a dual function. It transmits engine power to the transmission and enables vehicle stopping and gear shifting by disconnecting the power.

A properly functioning clutch aids position drive, gives smooth engagement, allows effective gear changes without any grating gears, improves durability and the absorption of vibration and engine noise.

Main Causes of 4WD Clutch Failure

There are several main causes of 4WD clutch failure:

1. Many people change out of a passenger car and move into a 4WD but still require the comfort, ride and smoothness of a car yet wish to some 4WD adventure.

2. Inexperience in serious four-wheel driving is a major factor in failure when people become bogged in sand or rough terrain. In these conditions, you always should be in low-range gears.

3. Most or many of these vehicles are fitted with diesel motors.

In the last 15 years common rail injection technology has been used in diesel motors to reduce fuel consumption, and pollution and dramatically increase horsepower and torque when required.

In the normal speed range approximately of 1000 to 1800 rpm power and torque is somewhat restricted but by increasing rpm revs above that extra power and torque will dramatically kick in after a short delay. This is the time you can blow your clutch if you are not careful and it will happen very quickly.

The fitment of power modules or performance kits to increase power and torque certainly does work but they put even more strain on the motor and drive train. In this situation, it is best to upgrade and fit superior durability with after-market clutch kits.

Best Ways of Avoiding Clutch Failure

The best means of avoiding clutch failure are twofold.

1. Firstly, there are some common sense tips to follow:

• Use low range in difficult conditions.
• Don’t ride the clutch.
• Allow the clutch to cool if you overheat it.
• To prevent water and mud ingress from affecting the clutch, ensure that the dust boots and seals are in good condition.
• If inexperienced in four-wheel driving gain some knowledge and training.

2. Secondly, Ian recommends you fit quality replacement products from reputable suppliers that are able to withstand far more abuse than any standard equipment.

Summarising Tips on Avoiding 4WD Clutch Failure

This blog has attempted to illuminate the facts on the matter when it comes to 4WD clutch failure and tips to avoid it.

For your 4WD adventures to be care and hassle-free, make sure to follow these tips and properly equip yourself to avoid clutch failure now and into the future.

The handy and helpful quality team at Noosa Radiators can answer your questions and provide you with excellent guidance to help you make the right decision that suits your personalised needs.

Tips on avoiding 4WD clutch failure. When it comes to four-wheel drives every owner wants their vehicle to be in tip-top shape in every respect possible.