Anybody know exactly how it works? How's it instant? How does it know when to engage? Just curious. Seems pretty complicated.

 

Its Magnetic... electromagnitic to be exact... when the system sences the rear tires slip 1/5 turn or 20% the front hilliard clutch will get an electrical signal that will engage the magnetic clutch around the front shaft inside the hilliard thus true awd

 

the hilliard can also engage even if the switch isnt on.If you are doing donuts or spinning the rear tires FAST the front will engage and probably explode the 299$ hilliard (3 of them for me). Hilliard has a web site try that also.

 

i havent had that happen and ive been doing brake stands and doughnuts sence i can remember... check your fluid level often and make sure the fluid is correct

 

yeah,I know about the fluid thing-- last time I smoked the cage was on a brand new front differential(complete case etc!) had about 140 miles on it when I thought donuts in the snow would be fun. My front grabs even when accelerating hard in the snow on my driveway. thanxs though!

 

You also have to make sure the temprature is within 2-3*, you have exactly the proper amount of metal shavings, and when you change your fluid you have to sing to it or your hillard will explode. And once it fails, it will never work correctly even the replacements never work right.

 

I'm currently rebuilding my trans cause I had the back on jackstands and had the quad running in gear.The front engaged while in two wheel drive and split the case at the snorkle shaft ring and pinion. Fun stuff, this is on a 400 Explorer.

 

metal shavings???????

You make it sound way too difficult.... drain your fluid... refill it to the proper ammount... done

 

yep ., the design of the hilliard clutch is nearly flawless----except--- user error! and Polaris disfunction. It grabs great- but doesnt know when it should or shouldnt grab. awd isnt a great idea. but its great in mud when everyone else has 3 tires turning.

 

I still dont understand why all you say this... i ride with 4 polaris atvs and myself and when maintained properly this system works flawlessly.... when no current goes through the central hub no front drive action is given by the armachure plate i personally have not seen the polaris front drive kick in with the back wheels spinning and i ride tons 3500 miles in the last year