4x4 funk

I just bought a used 2007 tacoma from a reputable dealership in the area (got my subaru forester there and it is the only car that has never given us problems). Last night when I went on a beer run (i was sober don't worry) I threw it in 4x4 since we had just gotten snow and it was icy. When i got into the parking lot at the grocery store, and made a right turn to park, my back right wheel started acting funny. Almost as if it was locked up or spinning at a different speed. I was hoping to get some ideas as to what the problem might be, or if maybe it was a common occurrence in slippery conditions. Any help would be much appreciated! cheers

 

Did you have the wheel turned full lock?

4x4 doesn't like sharp turns.

 

Yeah, Parking lots and 4wd don't get along too well. It won't roll to a stop like it does in 2wd. If it's in 4wd it'll stop much sooner and turning hard just creates more resistance.

 

I'll have to go for a whirl around my apartment complex after class. Thanks for the help! i'll keep y'all updated.

 

Yup. It's fine if the parking lot had ice and snow so the wheels could slip freely, but if it was on semi-dry pavement it will chug and clunk along. Hard on the system. Going straight and making slight turns while driving is fine but next time flip it into 2wd in a parking lot.

 

The wheels will bind up in 4x4 during slow speed, sharper turns. Completely normal.

 

If there is pavement it's going to bind. Keeping the wheels straight and not having the wheel turned all the way, it won't bind. The slippery surface has to be there though.

 

Remember, you had AWD in your Subaru and you have 4x4 in your Taco.
4X4 hates turning in a non-slip environment.

 

4WD for off road and not for dry pavement, AWD for on and off road...

AWD has a center differential that allows the front and rear drive shafts to turn at different speeds (remember the front tires rotate more than the back when turning).

4WD the front and rear shafts are 'locked' together at the transfer case for 50/50 power split between the front and rear (better for off roading). IF you try and turn on dry pavement there will be binding and scuffing as the rear tires try and rotate the same as the front. On dirt, ice, sand the rear tires can slip on the low traction instead of bind and POP!

AWD usually have a 40/60 or 30/70 power split.. fine for high speed cornering on pavement and better than 2WD for traction off road (or icy roads).