Machine is a 1999 Polaris 500 Magnum 4x4 - Can somebody explain to me how Polaris's elec. activated AWD system works please. When off is it a limited slip differential front AND rear - or just rear? Then when AWD is switched ON is it a All Wheel Drive, differential lock like a farm tractor where all 4 tires spin at same time and speed. Or is it just a rear wheel drive with and then when the AWD switch is clicked on its a limited slip differential front and rear. Sorry for dumb question but if you don't ask you don't learn -- Thanks Guys for your help and time.

 

When the AWD drive switch is off you have a locked rear drive only and the front wheels are "free wheeling". When activated, the 12V activates an electromagnetic coil that attracts an armature plate in the hubs. The armature plate provides resistance to a cage and a set of rollers. This resistance allows the rollers to ride up and lock to the hubs when the speed of the input shaft exceeds the speed of the front tires. This engagement of the front hubs ONLY occcurs when the rear wheels are moving slightly faster than the fronts. The engagement is almost instantaneous and is seamless. When the rear wheels gain traction and the rear wheels and fronts are moving at the same speed the rollers in the front hubs release and you are back to 2wd even with the AWD switch is on.

The AWD is activated electronically, but is engaged mechanically. Its the best system out there, as you have the ease of steering of 2wd most of the time and you have true locked AWD when you need it.

The newer models do not have the hubs at the wheels, but have the "hub" armature/rollers setup inside the front gearcase.

 

Polaris AWD is an electromagnetic clutching system. Your rear wheels are "locked" all the time - the Magnum has a solid rear axle. When you turn on your AWD, you do not have 4 wheel drive until your rear wheels "slip" 1/5 of a turn. At this point, due to gear ratios, the front hubs (your AWD is located in both front hubs) will catch and start pulling. As soon as the rear wheels stop "slipping", the front wheels release their clutches and you are back to 2WD.

The "true 4WD" comes from the fact that all wheels are pulling when needed. If you are in a turn, the outer wheel in the turning radius technically disengages to allow it to rotate faster as required by the turn. - You do not notice this "loss" of the outer wheel as ratio's keep all 4 wheels turning as they are "slipping" through the mud/snow, etc.

 

very well said tennesse tider. you even tought me a couple of things that i thought i knew but didn't about the awd. thanks man.......................shea.................... .

 

Thank you guys for such a easy to understand explanation on the AWD system