Hello, my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder 5-speed whilst in 4X4 H and in a sharp turn will bind up. Any suggestions?

Question

It is possible to drive but ultimately will brake the car to a complete stop if no peddle is applied. Thank you.

Answer 1

This is normal for any 4X4 with a centre differential lock.

The reason is that during a turn a couple things happen.

a) the inside wheel always travels less distance than the outside wheel.

b) the front wheels will travel a greater distance than the rear wheels.

So with a diff in the locked position power is usually split 50/50 front/rear. The front wheels can no longer travel at a different speed to the rear.

This is essential for any real 4X4 it prevents all power from the vehicle being dumped to the wheel with the least traction (now 50% must go forward and 50% rear). Coupled with either an LSD on the rear or dual difflocks front and rear and the 4X4 ability is greatly improved off road.

(note it is not recommended to travel with the diff in locked positions on surfaced roads or other surfaces that supply good grip as mechanical damage could occur)

This also happens on RWD cars fitted with LSD. In the wet it can be noticed if hard acceleration is placed in a turn generally a wheel will lose traction causing the LSD to engage and forcing both wheels to drive at the same speed in turn causing the rear wheels to lose traction and move out side ways form the car (over steer).

Answer 2

the binding is normal. take a universal joint for a socket wrench and turn it at a minor angle, its smooth right? now try turning it at a massive angle, its not very smooth anymore is it?
i had a 1995 Kingcab xev6 4x4 and it did the same exact thing, as did my dads, (i had the manual tranny, he had the auto).

HOW EVER there is no center locking differential.
the transfer case in these trucks are a 2 speed gear driven design, not like an AWD transfer case.

ALSO, for the " Nissan Master Technician", you could never, repeat never, have a different gear ratio in one differential then the other, if you did, the front tires would spin at a different speed then the rear and basically grenade the transfer case.
in order to use a different gear ratio, you would have to run a different size tire then the rear, and we both know that isnt the case, that is unless you own/drive a mud rail that will run a 40" tire in the front and a 44" tire in the rear.

if you also read that same manual you are talking about, you will see that it also recommends replacing ALL 4 TIRES AT THE SAME TIME due to a smaller/worn tire causing a different gear ratio then another axle.

get a clue on how things actually work before making a post.
just because you are a "master technician" doesnt equate to much, anyone can remove and replace parts or hook it to the DRB or StarScan to have it tell them what is wrong.

Answer 3

While the owners hand book is resting in the glove box? 4 wheel drive is reccomended for soft surfaces because the front axle ratio is slightly higher than rear axle ratio for more front pull thru the mud sand ect... Pull out the owners manual and give it a read takes 1.0 hour and you will learn all the features and why you have to back up sometimes to get it out of four wheel drive. Click click click.

Answer 4

It sounds like to me that something is wrong with your brakes. Check the brake caliper, maybe the piston is stuck and this will make your pathfinder stop(as in any vehicle) once you let the gas pedal go

Answer 5

I had the same problem with my All Wheel Drive Subaru. The only difference is that my car was light enough that it would spin around like a top in the rain or snow.

I would hit up http://forums.nicoclub.com for more information.

Answer 6

If I'm reading this right...that is normal...believe it or not....when you put the vehicle in a tight turn in 4 wheel drive they tend to do that due to the front tires as well as the rear helping to pull the vehicle.

Answer 7

When in 4x drive your turning radius is longer because the front differential is engaged.You will always have to allow a wider turn when in 4x4