New to wranglers guy here so be gentle.

I have a 2011 jk rubi, first time putting it into 4hi was this past snow storm. (north east) It worked amazing great vehicle.

But the other day pulling out of work (roads still have snow and ice on them) I noticed while making the 90 degree turn that the jeeps front wheels were shaking back and forth. It was jerking the steering. It only did this while turning. No grinding or clicking or any sounds for that matter. I thought maybe it was just slipping on ice??? i tried it on two other streets with the same result. It seems to wobble/shake when i take either a 90 degree right or left turn. Only when 4hi is engauged. I havent tried 4Lo.

When the snow storm was going on I didnt have this feeling once. although it was mostly snow not ice.

Is this normal to feel on slick roads? or dry for that matter? am I just crazy?

This is my first true 4x4, before this my jeep was a WK, and i also have an AWD mazdaspeed 6

 

I know if your on dry pavement with 4-hi and do full turns it will do this. It causes the steering wheel to jump, almost like a binding effect.

 

It's normal. Look at the pics in this one.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ighlight=joint

When in 4wheel drive, the front axle has power. When you turn, these u-joints (at both ends of the axle, behind both tires) bind. The tighter you turn, the more they bind. That is what you are feeling. To 'fix' it, don't turn so sharp. And as your owners manual points out, don't use it on dry or hard packed surfaces.

 

great, thnx for the quick responses.

 

You are actually feeling the tires grabbing and slipping. The transfer case is constant drive when 4WD is selected and it doesn't slip internally to compensate for different wheel speeds when making turns. You must use 4WD only on gravel,wet or slick roads or it will eventually smoke the transfer case. It will last forever when used correctly. Remember on slightly damp or patchy snowy or patchy icey roads 2WD is best.

 

yeah patchy snow i will be using the 2WD.

oh another question, didnt notice it in the manual... on the 2011 it has the hill descent button... hows it used? im assuming its a hill descent button. it has a pick on a vehicle pointing on a down slop with an arrow.

 

I have a 2011, I tried the HD, the only place I would use it is a steep icy downhill. Used it today on a steep down hill of shale rock. While highly effective, it went at a snails pace...