I'm still learning how the AWD works on the wife's 05 Scrambler 500. BUT, if I understand it right, it is activated by sometype of armature that engages the front wheels when it detects the rear wheels spinning. Is this correct ???

If so, is there a way that I can "trick" the armature into thinking the rear wheels are spinning and "lock" the front wheels (for true 4wd) when I put it in AWD ???

Ideally, I'd like just to be able to have it operate as designed, but if I really needed true 4 wheel drive, I just flip a switch and it would lock the front.

Is this possible ?

 

That's why it was designed like this so it wouldn't be a bear to turn in full awd mode at all times as some atvs were. Designed to kick in and out as the situation calls for! Just had a post on a Ranger asking the same thing! OPT

 

Thanks OPT. You know your stuff, and helped me a lot so far. I appreciate it !!!

I'm sure that's why it is designed as it is, and I actually like it. That's why I would like to be able to keep that feature. BUT there are times when I need it just to be locked. Can I do it ??

 

It's not really possible, because the way it works is, with the AWD switch on the armatures are energized, which will position the rollers in the hub in such a position, that they will ramp up and lock the hub "IF" the input from the axles begin to turn faster than the wheels. The only time that can occur is when the rear wheels are spinning faster than the front; that said, the system works great as it only takes about a 1/4 turn of slippage on the rear wheels for the fronts to engage. When working properly it difficult to even feel when it kicks in and out.

 

Very eloquent and precise explanation John! OPT

 

Thanks OPT, I was an aircraft mechanic for 24 years and an instructor many of those years; my knack was that I taught in a manner that even a dummy like me would understand.

 

That was a very nice explanation John. Thankyou !!!

I had assumed that the front was activated by some type of resistance created in a relay or something somewhere as the rears started to slip. So I was hoping if I could figure out where to tap into, and how much resistance to give it, I could trick the front sensors into thinking the rears were slipping when they realy weren't.

There are times when I need the front to "pull" the bike in a straight line.

Well I guess my next question is: How do I test the drive system to make sure it is fully engaging the front drive when, and as, it is supposed to ?

 

You can jack the machine up with all tires off the ground to test the awd function,but as far as "pulling in a straight line" depends on the condition of the hub components. There will always be a little variation on which wheel will "kick" in first with this type awd system. Most times its not noticeable as mentioned, but sometimes you can feel one side or the other first engage. I believe this is the main reason that this awd system is being gradually changed to the centralized awd system for even pulling,plus less parts to have to maintain. If they finally work the "bugs" out of the all in one package! OPT

 

You can lock it in AWD by putting a smaller dia wheel/tire combo on the rear like "Tracks" have, but what would you gain?

 

Things will quickly start to break if you drove it like that....