I was just wondering if shifting in and out of 4wd ( when completely stopped ) is hard on an atv whether it is Honda or Polaris or Suzuki or any other brand. I know that shifting into 4wd while driving can mess up the transmission. Should an atv be left in 4wd all the time to avoid problems? Im almost 100% sure that thats why there is a button to go into 4wd and just like a 4x4 car it is meant to be switched in and out depending on the riding you are doing. You don't even need 4wd that often from personal experience. Can someone please tell me what you know about this.

 

I was just wondering if shifting in and out of 4wd ( when completely stopped ) is hard on an atv whether it is Honda or Polaris or Suzuki or any other brand. I know that shifting into 4wd while driving can mess up the transmission. Should an atv be left in 4wd all the time to avoid problems? Im almost 100% sure that thats why there is a button to go into 4wd and just like a 4x4 car it is meant to be switched in and out depending on the riding you are doing. You don't even need 4wd that often from personal experience. Can someone please tell me what you know about this.

 

I can't see that this would be an issue. While it is true that when any mechanical device is used it is going to wear, going in and out of 4wd even frequently should not be a problem...and like you said, in real world trail conditions that is rarely necessary.

I do usually stop to get in and out of 4wd. Can't recall what my owner's manual says about that, but I do it just to not take a chance.

 

It won't hurt switching from 4x4 to 2x4 when completely stopped , some manufacturers reccomend only shifting from 2x4 to 4x4 when stopped ; you need to read your owners manual for operating instructions it varies from brand to brand , some makes you can safely shift on the fly while others need to be stopped or under 5 mph or less depending on what brand you own !

And as for running in 4x4 all the time it won't hurt your quad , but does make steering and handling easier in 2x4 mode , models that have a diff lock you're required to not excceed a certain speed ; again this will be noted in your owners manual i hope this helps !..........

 

i know on polaris atvs it is a megnetic hub and only engages when the rear wheels slip so even if you were going ***** to the wall but your rear wheels were'nt spining it would do no damage

 

not a good idea to turn the switch on when spinning. i dont evon do it when driving. id rather spend the extra time to stop then switch it on. or switch it on in case your gona need it so you dont have to stop to turn it on. ki wouldnt leave it on. just for two reasons. 1) polaris uses magnets. and the magnitizing can spread over time causeing issues with the awd system. 2) if some one else drive the wheeler or you for get to turn it off and awd mode that be a fun ride. lol

on my 2000. iv never left it on unless i needed it, i always stoped to turn it on and off. and i never had an issue with it. and i had the wheeler for a bit over 8yrs. then sold it. i know waht the directions say. but ill just stop to use the switch.

 

thanks