4be posted:

Thanks for the reply yes was in two wheel drive. Can anyone else elaborate/help further.

4be posted:

By the way great explanation. Can u explain in a similar diff wind up?

Cheers

4be posted:

Thanks certainly do. I did try looking for a similar thread but could not find one.

Thanks again

4be posted:

Could you explain in a similar way(laymans terms) diff wind up.

Member - Roachie (SA) posted:

Okay 4be....here goes.....

Diff wind-up and Transmission wind-up are two terms used to describe what occurs to the drive-train of a 4x4 (usually part-time but can also occur to a full-time 4x4 with a centre diff lock).

FIRSTLY:.......Diff wind-up occurs when you drive a 4x4 on a solid surface (bitumen, concrete or even "good" gravel that doesn't have a loose surface).

Your diffs are designed to allow the wheels on either side of your vehicle to travel at different "speeds", as is the case when you go around a corner.....the outer wheel needs to travel further/faster than the inside wheel. If you have a front or rear diff lock and have it "locked" whilst trying to go around a corner, you will get diff wind-up in that diff, because the 2 wheels are forced to turn at the same speed. This places a LOT of strain on the diff components and will eventually break the diff or CV joint, or axle etc.

SECONDLY:.......In the same way, you can get "transmission wind-up". This is similar to diff wind up, but instead of the 2 sides of the front and/or rear axle being the culprit, we are now talking about the transfer case/gearbox getting the wind-up. The transfer case, when you're in 4H or 4L, forces the front and rear tailshafts to spin and the same speed. Once again, as you turn a corner or go around a bend, the front wheels take a different path to the rear wheels, requiring the front and rear tailshafts to turn at different speeds; if only by a relatively small amount. If you are driving on a hard surface in 4H or 4L with the front hubs locked, then the the 2 tailshafts are trying to go at the same speed and something is gunna break.

You can generally "feel" diff or transfer case wind-up through the steering wheel and hopefully you can stop and correct the situation before it becomes expensive!!!

When you're on loose gravel, wet roads, snow etc; there is enough "give" in the surface to allow the components to work through these issues and no damage is caused.

Hope this helps...

Roachie

Member - Roachie (SA) posted:

I should add that Transmission wind-up is more common than Diff wind-up. As I said above, diff wind up ONLY occurs if you have locking diffs (eg: ARB air lockers). It is nothing to do with driving on a hard surface in a part time 4x4 with the HUBS locked if the transfer case is in 2 wheel drive. Doing that will not hurt your 4by unless you exceed the recommended speed (around 80 k/h for a Patrol for example). However, it could affect your fuel economy and will cause unnecessary wear and tear on your front drive train if left like that for many thousands of kilometers.

Willem posted:

Geez Bill. That was a good explanation.

You must have a Post Graduate Degree in 4x4, eh?.........lol

Cheers

Member - Roachie (SA) posted:

Nah mate......I was dragged up, kicking and screaming, through the school of hard knocks. hahahaha

pt_nomad posted:

If you suspect you have transmission wind up - as described by roachie. When you shift from 4H or 4L and the 4wd light on your dash does not extinguish - trust the light. If you have even a little wind up and are driving on dirt roads it will clear its self, but the sure bet is to reverse the vehicle untill the light goes out. This would usually take less than 100m.
Paul.

4be posted:

Many Many Thanks!!! Ever thought about writting a book? Thanks again.

Trevor R (QLD) posted:

4be,

I think there is a few people that have thought about writing a book about Roachie, I am sure there is enough "history" surrounding him for someone to make a great read LOL!!!hehehehe.

Oh for sure there goes my ride in the ChevNissan come July ROFL.

Regards, Trevor.