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Herky Jerky in 4WD Mode

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Old 11-27-2013, 03:38 AM
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Default Herky Jerky in 4WD Mode

I have a 2013 JK and noticed it being quite herky jerky in 4WD mode while making slow speed turns, particularly when the steering wheel is fully turned. Is this normal? it doesn't behave this way in 2WD mode.
Old 11-27-2013, 04:10 AM
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Just keep driving in circles in 4 lo on pavement until all the gears are sheared off, and the jerkyness should go away....
That's the Canadian way...

Or

Ignore my sarcastic response, and take the advice of all the other posters in this thread

Last edited by 20jk08; 11-27-2013 at 08:18 AM.
Old 11-27-2013, 04:26 AM
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Originally Posted by iamchinoloco
I have a 2013 JK and noticed it being quite herky jerky in 4WD mode while making slow speed turns, particularly when the steering wheel is fully turned. Is this normal? it doesn't behave this way in 2WD mode.
Sounds like your front tires aren't slipping. Jeeps have part time 4WD. No center differential like an all-wheel drive. Engage the front axle only on surfaces like sand, dirt, mud, snow, ice, etc.
Old 11-27-2013, 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted by iamchinoloco
I have a 2013 JK and noticed it being quite herky jerky in 4WD mode while making slow speed turns, particularly when the steering wheel is fully turned. Is this normal? it doesn't behave this way in 2WD mode.
Do not drive your jeep on pavement in 4wd!!! I know the owners manual says that. When in 4wd the front wheels want to turn at the same rate as each other. When turning, the outside wheel needs to go faster which binds up the gears. 4wd should only be used when the wheels have the ability to spin if they need to.
Old 11-27-2013, 04:58 AM
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Watch this video. It's an old video but one of the best I've seen at explaining gears in a differential and how it all works.

http://youtu.be/K4JhruinbWc
Old 11-27-2013, 05:04 AM
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Originally Posted by iamchinoloco
I have a 2013 JK and noticed it being quite herky jerky in 4WD mode while making slow speed turns, particularly when the steering wheel is fully turned. Is this normal? it doesn't behave this way in 2WD mode.
Yep,normal
Old 11-27-2013, 05:30 AM
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[QUOTE=cava;3766337]Watch this video. It's an old video but one of the best I've seen at explaining gears in a differential and how it all works.

I really like those 1950's films. SImple, yet very effective. It seems it was the same person/voice that was narrating all of them.
Old 11-27-2013, 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by familytime
Yep,normal
That is how the dealer will test to make sure you 4wd is still functioning correctly.
Old 11-27-2013, 06:55 AM
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This is typical (and should be avoided when possible).

Knowing how to use a part-time 4wd system is one of the caveats of owning a Jeep Wrangler!
Old 11-27-2013, 09:52 AM
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thank-you everyone for their advice...totally makes sense now. the video really helped!


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