Question about engaging 4wd

We received a light snow in NJ today to make the roads slippery. I was going around a turn on this morning and started slipping. Let go of the gas, slowed down, then engaged the 4wd with the wheels turned slightly and heard a noise. Do you think it cause damage to the 4wd since I engage it with the wheels slightly turned? I'm new to the 4wd drive but i know you want to make sure the wheels are straight. Just want to make sure i didn't cause any damage.

Thanks for the help.

 

If the roads were slippery I doubt you caused any damage at all, but it is better to engage and dis-engage the 4x4 while going straight. I've used my 4x4 in the snow quite a bit lately and sometimes it makes some noise, but I have had no problems with my system at all. BTW, welcome to TW.

 

No damage. When you shift into 4 wheel drive you are engaging the transfer case to drive the front differential. Whether the wheels are turned on the front differential should make no difference

 

Thanks

 

sometimes they make a clunk sound when engaging.