Sorento 4 X 4 System

[Alan Hopwood]

We have just taken delivery last month of our new Sorento XE - our first 4 x 4.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the manually controlled 4 x 4 system is not for everyday dry road use as you would in say a Range Rover. Perhaps an obvious statement for the 4lo setting, but I was suprised to find having just tried the 4hi option that there was quite a bit of resistance from the drivetrain if you tried to turn the car - both forward and reversing. Don't worry, I didn't go far!!

So I take it then that in the XE you can't select the 4 x 4 for stability when running on dry roads??

Cheers




Alan

[beyond_help]

that is correct for part time 4wd, that is what you and i have. the TOD 4wd system is automatic and on all the time and comes on when wheel slippage is sensed

[Benjammin]

I have the same system on mine, and while it can be unnerving for a first time 4x4 user, it's perfectly normal. Even in slippery conditions, if you turn the front wheels while moving forward, and you hit a dry patch, you'll feel it catch, but in all of those situations I've been in, the 4x4 has not failed to get me going again.

Congrats on your purchase. May it fill your days with happy travel.

[Murphwiz]

Originally posted by Alan Hopwood@Apr 24 2006, 11:11 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the manually controlled 4 x 4 system is not for everyday dry road use as you would in say a Range Rover.

Quoted post

You are correct.
The part time 4wd system is only to be used in very slippery conditions, i.e snow, continuous ice or mud.

[Alan Hopwood]

Thanks very much for your replies - must admit I was a bit worried last night when I first encountered the characteristic.

One final point is that I asked the dealership today and they said it is because it is not fitted with a limited slip differential on the rear axle, yet the Kia UK web-site (and I believe the brochure) says that the XE has one as standard????

Have I been sold an older model or non-UK car??? It was only registered a couple of weeks ago.

[Murphwiz]

All UK Sorentos have a Rear LSD as standard.

[Benjammin]

Yup, you have the LSD. No worries.

[Alan Hopwood]

...but should a limited slip diff 'crab' in this fashion???

[Benjammin]

Well, are you talking about the front or back wheels? Because if you're talking front, then yes. The back wheels I haven't really noticed anything since they always recieve the drive power. But yes, when I slow down and turn, if I hit a dry patch, or it's not really slick, it will almost feel like the front end is gonna buckle on me. (Buckle is a strong word, but it sounds best)

[Marz]

Hi Allan, you probably felt the "grab" of the system because the road was not slippery. I tried mine in the rain on a wet road to see what it was like, and yes it feels heavier than normal. But once your out and about in an off road environment, like sand, dirt or gravel you tend to notice the heaviness less.
Just takes a bit of getting used to I guess. Congrats on your new purchase and I'm sure you'll love it when you get it off road.