4x4 Problems

I just purchased a Tacoma access cab, 4x4, manual, 4 cly. Had it three weeks and wanted to use four-wheel drive to keep it lubricated. It went into 4HI fine, but when I slow down and turn, one of the rear wheels seems to lock up a little bite. It even chirps when I try to get it going. When I am moving straight everything is fine. Is there a problem with traction control? Is it because it's new? Should I take it to the dealer?

 

Thanks for the info.

So, if it raining and the roads are slick I still shouldn't use the 4HI?

 

Do not run 4x4 on dry pavement, even straight the small differances in tire size and slight wheel movement create uneven wheel speeds. This causes driveline fatigue over time.
Wet pavement and other low traction times are when you can run 4x4. Not necessary on wet roads, but fine for monthly cycling.

 

turning on pavement can tear up joints, bearings, maybe even the 4x4 shafts. you shouldnt turn on pavement wet or dry. (but if its snowy you can because your inside wheels will be able to turn easier and you shouldnt have the risk of breaking something). but driving in a straight line should be fine.

 

Wow, never had this issue with my old jeep. So, do any of you guys actually drive the ten miles a month to keep the thing lubricated? I guess you fine a road that's straight for ten miles

 

There's similar discussions on this forum...use the search function for more reading. Basically, driving on dry pavement, particularly turning, is extremely bad!! I don't bother with the recommended 10 miles, but if I find myself in a heavy downpour, I'll go ahead and flip it on just to get things lubed up, but I don't go out of my way to make it a monthly maintenance item.

 

i dont do the full ten miles. ill put it in 4x4 if im goin through a field or if i go down a gravel road or drive way. but before i get back on the road ill take it out of 4x4. i dont do it nowhere near the 10 miles though.

 

The last time I used 4wd was in February during a snow storm, so last week I took the truck off road and engaged 4 hi and 4 lo and had no issues what so ever. I wouldn't worry about the 10 miles per month, just use it when you can, and never on dry pavement. Like others have said, if you do engage it on dry pavement, make sure you are going straight.

 

Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it.

 

I finally got an offical answer from Toyota about driving in H4 on dry pavement. Here it is:

The vehicle can be driven and turned on dry pavement when engaged in H4 (high speed position, four-wheel drive). Never drive the vehicle in L4 (low speed position, four-wheel drive) on dry pavement, as this causes severe stress on the drivetrain and should only be used at low speeds and when it requires maximum power and traction such as climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand or mud. We recommend that you drive the vehicle in H2 (high speed position, two-wheel drive) under normal driving conditions and that should be used the vast majority of the time. You can find more information regarding the four wheel drive system on page 177 in your owner's manual.

Sincerely,
Francisco Landaverde
Toyota Customer Experience

But based on the experience, I won't be making any shape turns, even at slow speed, in H4 on dry pavement.

 

You will have a difficult (and not need to use it) time steering on dry pavement when in 4WD... This is because you are 'locked' with the rear axle, and the front tires turn more than the rear... that is the 'binding' you are reading about. While you could use 4WD during rain storms, with the TRAC and VSC the Tacomas now have to reduce skidding and tire slipping while in 2WD, you just don't need it.

Save it for OFF the Pavement (Off Road) or when show is covering the highways! Low Range is just that, low, low gearing for more torque power to climb and crawl up (or down) STEEP grades or to muscle through deep snow/ mud/ stuff!

The A-TRAC (if you were wise and got an Off Road TRD) works to give you locker-like traction on all 4 wheels when in L4 (push A-TRAC button once).

Now, go four wheeling!

 

in order to use it without hurting it; use only when slippery(snow,ice,mud,sand issues). needs slip.

 

Just dont turn sharp... like parking and full lock turns and its fine. It will bind like that even in the dirt and your tires will always be what slips... it wont destroy your vehcile.