Tough to turn while 4WD engaged

[azcat90]

My 97 Limited 4WD (Automatic Transmission) feels like I'm going to break something when I turn it while 4wd is engaged - steering is stiff. Is this normal? What could be the issue? It has 287K miles.

 

[UnderFire]

Unless it's really, really bad, that's normal, the front wheels are getting power and that pulls on the steering and tries to pull it back to center.

 

[ThorInc]

Without momentum or with little momentum on pavement, it is normal to experience some "resistance" when turning the steering wheel.....it can actually jerk and chirp the tires especially in LO4. If you notice issues when you are going straight with significant momentum, I would be concerned.

 

[nissanh]

Don't use 4X4 on a paved road. If wheels are on a hard surface, and if wheels cannot spin, you will break internal gear wheels!

Use your 4x4 on non-paved roads. A wet asphalt road is fine if you want to make a turn but avoid as much as you can. On the other hand, you can use 4x4 on a dry paved road ONLY if you are going straight.

 

[azcat90]

Whew

Thanks - I was engaging it to get out of my crumbling asphalt driveway without spinning the rear wheels. Good to know that its normal. A flat driveway in Pittsburgh is a rare luxury.