Checking AWD on XC

[cyberstretch]

Posted this on a different Sub forum so thought it was more appropriate here.

Can anyone confirm that when checking the AWD 2005/2006 XC that i would need to have the traction control switched OFF or ON and then its just a case of seeing if all 4 wheels turn when the car is throttled on a loose surface. ?

Thanks.

[TiredGeek]

Off.
If it's not got a button on the centre consol then it's accessed via the LH stalk buttons, along with fuel consumption, miles left in tank etc.

Pretty much all you have to do then is as you say: give it some hard acceleration from standstill on a loose surface.
If it goes like a bat out of hell then everything is working, loads of wheelspin, torque steer or grinding noises say find another If you have a friend then they can watch the rear wheels also. They should throw gravel just as much as the fronts.

An '05 car may have the older generation Haldex which means the front wheel will spin a fraction (about 1/2 turn) before the rears kick in, 55 and later plate cars should all throw gravel from stationary as they changed the spec of the Haldex in '05 to have "instant traction".

If you have any doubts, either walk away or get it checked properly on ramps by a stealer / indi, for what that will cost the potential saving is huge if they find a problem

[cyberstretch]

Originally Posted by TiredGeek

Off.
If it's not got a button on the centre consol then it's accessed via the LH stalk buttons, along with fuel consumption, miles left in tank etc.

Pretty much all you have to do then is as you say: give it some hard acceleration from standstill on a loose surface.
If it goes like a bat out of hell then everything is working, loads of wheelspin, torque steer or grinding noises say find another If you have a friend then they can watch the rear wheels also. They should throw gravel just as much as the fronts.

An '05 car may have the older generation Haldex which means the front wheel will spin a fraction (about 1/2 turn) before the rears kick in, 55 and later plate cars should all throw gravel from stationary as they changed the spec of the Haldex in '05 to have "instant traction".

If you have any doubts, either walk away or get it checked properly on ramps by a stealer / indi, for what that will cost the potential saving is huge if they find a problem

Thanks very much - Extremely helpful.

I want to make sure all the expensive bits are fully functional before i part with my hard earned money.

Does the fact that the rear wheels work mean that the angle gear is ok too ?? Im really looking forward to getting an XC now.

[TiredGeek]

Originally Posted by cyberstretch

Does the fact that the rear wheels work mean that the angle gear is ok too ??

So long as there's no weird noises coming from the area, particularly when your trying to make it work, and there's no signs of serious oil leaks, then pretty much it's going to be fine.

The angle gear has a splined coupling into the gearbox, it's designed to be a weak link and go before serious damage is caused in something else. However, they tend to wear and when they do they damage the shafts. This is usually terminal for the angle gear as well, unfortunately there's no way to tell the amount of wear on the splines without taking it all to bits. AFAIK the splined coupling was redesigned in ~'06 and improved.

If it's working, you just have to hope it's not too bad.

Look for a car that hasn't been used for towing, try to find a motorway car if at all possible (it's the starting that puts the strain AWD components, not necessarily the mileage) and then the latest model year you can afford

[cyberstretch]

Originally Posted by TiredGeek

So long as there's no weird noises coming from the area, particularly when your trying to make it work, and there's no signs of serious oil leaks, then pretty much it's going to be fine.

The angle gear has a splined coupling into the gearbox, it's designed to be a weak link and go before serious damage is caused in something else. However, they tend to wear and when they do they damage the shafts. This is usually terminal for the angle gear as well, unfortunately there's no way to tell the amount of wear on the splines without taking it all to bits. AFAIK the splined coupling was redesigned in ~'06 and improved.

If it's working, you just have to hope it's not too bad.

Look for a car that hasn't been used for towing, try to find a motorway car if at all possible (it's the starting that puts the strain AWD components, not necessarily the mileage) and then the latest model year you can afford

Valuable information - thank you very much.

It seems that most have tow bars which is something i was always been told to avoid and have up to now. My prerequisites are really narrowing down availability and no tow bar is making it even more difficult to find one. I want one now !!

[TiredGeek]

TBH, mine has a towbar as it was a negotiating point with the stealer at purchase. They wouldn't come down any more so it got to the "what are you going to throw in for free then?" point.
It's never towed anything though.....

If you can't find one without, find out what it's towed and how often if at all possible

[cyberstretch]

Originally Posted by TiredGeek

TBH, mine has a towbar as it was a negotiating point with the stealer at purchase. They wouldn't come down any more so it got to the "what are you going to throw in for free then?" point.
It's never towed anything though.....

If you can't find one without, find out what it's towed and how often if at all possible

Stealers - cant live with them, cant live without them !