Hi all - was wondering if you could help me with a problem. The 4-wheel drive on my '92 350L quit working. I was going to pull logs out of the creek below the house and found that I only had 3-wheel drive. I worked for a short time and suddenly the second front wheel stopped spinning. The 4x4 dash light is illuminated, but no power on the front wheels.

This isn't the first time I've lost 4-wheel drive. I've had to repair broken wires from the strut several times on both sides. However, this is the first time I've lost both wheels at the same time. I did find a broken wire yet again on both sides. However, after repairing the breaks, I still only have 2 wheel drive.

I'm sure it's possible that there is more trouble in the wiring, but tracing the wiring as best I can it all seemed to be in good order. I wonder if there is a mechanical issue somewhere? I don't really know what's going on inside the hubs. If it's getting current down there telling it to engage 4wheel drive, what might be causing the problem?

Just wondering if any of you have had similar experiences losing 4-wheel drive and what had to be done to correct it.

Thank you,

Kyle Sands <>< Alexandria, MN

 

If both wheels dont have awd then possible elec connection under front cover where they both plug in to their connectors? Also as they get older armature plates behind hilliard assy in hubs magnetize and can cause erratic awd(one side pulling) even if awd off. You can test for current at strut wires with test light with awd switch on and in gear. If no power then check further up into area under panel. Good luck

 

OPT - armature plates: are those the thin metal discs that are about the diameter of a silver dollar and have a small "tab" bent at 90 degrees?

Is there any way to check continuity down by the hub (any exposed terminals when the hub is apart), or will I have to remove the top cover and probe them from up there?

Thank you,

Kyle

 

Armature plates about 2" diameter with 3 small tabs, Just use test light with SHARP probe to test wire for current at strut hubs! OR can (if have hubs off) Have in gear with key on and awd on,see if plates sticks to hub coil,then switch off emergency switch to see if plates release releases easy!

 

OK - sounds like relative easy tests. I'll try them out and see what happens. Thank you,

Kyle

 

While your at it may be a goood idea to clean the units and change the fluid