I currently have permanent 4WD... risk of damage?

[Ginge]

So as the title says I have rigged the haldex controller so it is permanently on.

Now although this is great as far as I get no wheel spin but when in reverse it feels as though the hand brake is on and there is alot of resistance when driving slowly.

I understand that this is putting extra strain on the driveshafts etc however realistically how long can I leave it like this as It will be a few days until I can have it apart again and try and find my no communication error.

Any thoughts or input is greatly appreciated

 

[superkarl]

Firstly, how did you do it?

Secondly, I can.imagine it being hard abuse on the diff and haldex coupling in hard fast corners as it wont be able to alter torque delivery

 

[Ginge]

Opened the haldex controller by undoing the bolt at the end and bolted it in the open position. This wasn't designed to be a fix just to rule out the pump and diff as the fault.

 

[superkarl]

What do you think is the problem?

 

[Ginge]

It has got to be wire related, or both the controllers are knackered, or a sensor of some sort... Have read that it clicking on ignition can be down to a dodgy battery but it only happened once and has now proved to work.

 

[Endacy]

If the haldex can't 'slip' then the transmission may 'wind up' as the front and rear axles travel different distances when cornering. A centre diff between the axles or a slipping haldex deals with this but if it's locked then it can't. I wouldn't drive it too far really. Jack a wheel up with the handbrake off after a journey, if the wheel spins round then the transmission is unwinding and you'll know if that's an issue.

 

[jojo]

Basically, if you have it in constant 4wd mode, the S3 has no central diff to compensate for different rotational speeds between the front and rear axles. This will be putting a lot of pressure on the transferbox by your gearbox, and the S3's gearbox are quite fragile with this type of pressure, I've been told by a specialist.

 

[Ginge]

Thanks for the replies, just one last quick question, If i pull the fuse for the pump and controller etc will there still be a problem, the controller is locked in the on position but without any oil will it still lock the diff?

 

[auroan]

Good buy rear diff and gearbox/transfer box. The system is a wet clutch based. Lock it all up like that and your on a short journey to fecking your drive train.

 

[jojo]

Thanks for the replies, just one last quick question, If i pull the fuse for the pump and controller etc will there still be a problem, the controller is locked in the on position but without any oil will it still lock the diff?

I doubt the fuse will do anything if you have locked it on manually. The fuse takes away all power to the Haldex ECU, which leave the rear clutch open, hence 2wd, which is safer for the transmission if it's not working.