new to 4wd

scott19677 · February 2, 2014

I just got my new 4wd 2014 silverado. Is it normal to experience moderate to loud roar in drivetrain when making tight turns in 4wd? driving in snow and ice , not dry .

MikeNH · February 2, 2014

Hi and welcome!

I've moved this to the proper section of the forum. As for the noise, 4Hi and 4Low are not designed to allow for tight turns on dry pavement. With the transfer case locked, power distribution is split 50/50 front to rear and this won't allow for different wheel speeds which is needed for smooth cornering. If you need 4WD in these situations, you should use auto mode if your truck has it.

Silverado4x4 · February 2, 2014

DO NOT MAKE TIGHT TURNS ON DRY PAVEMENT WHILE IN 4WD, YOU WILL SNAP SOMETHING. Read your owners manual on this if this is your 1st 4WD. Surprised you didn't snap something in the drivetrain already.

oldscsc · February 2, 2014

Even with winter precipitation on the ground, especially when it has been thawed and re-frozen, tight turns can be a no-no. The key isn't what surface you're driving on, it's how much traction you have.

The truck may be able to grip enough in a snow/ice pack where it can't slip when turning, which is a necessity when using four wheel drive systems. As has been previously mentioned, if you're not sure which setting you should use, select Auto4WD.

This may sound like a lecture, but it is not meant to be! Improper use of the four wheel drive system can cause binding in the driveline components that will eventually snap and won't be covered under warranty = $$$$.

MPCOA · February 3, 2014

He said in snow and ice, not dry

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

502ci · February 3, 2014

He said in snow and ice, not dry Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

He edited his post...("Edited by scott19677, Today, 04:08 PM.")

I assume he added the part about "snow and ice, not dry" after they posted...

gmtech4 · February 4, 2014

now ladies ,,,,,,,you.d think i was in the middle of a cat fight ,,,but alas !!! its not me !!!! what a great day lol

OP,,,if you think you have a problem ,see your service manager or shop foreman and road test WITH him so YOU can show him/her/it the condition you are concerned about ,,,thats all ya have to do

end this crazy thread now mods !!!! lmao !!!!!(happy face thats smiling )

Imcrazy · February 4, 2014

I find automatic mode works much better in bad weather.

LaserBlueZ71 · February 8, 2014

Honestly, I have had my truck almost 3 years, I have yet to use the 4WD. Once in a blue moon I shift it to 4H on a dead straight piece of road for a few miles to keep everything working, but that's it.