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general information

Cars KIA Sportage SUV is a typical representative of the class Part Time 4WD, ie with all wheel drive. Usually on such cars is no center differential, which restricts the use of four-wheel drive mode only traffic conditions on rough terrain and roads with a slippery or loose surface. Attempts to activate the 4WD on dry asphalt involve a risk of failure of the transfer case and inevitably shorten the life of tires.

The main bridge leading to the KIA Sportage is back. In the event of need it is possible to hard (no center differential) connecting the front axle. If necessary, all-wheel drive mode may be expanded to include the transfer gear box (mode 4L). Hubs available equipped with automatic freewheel: mechanical, or - in the last modifications - vacuum. Clutches are connected automatically when you turn on the all-wheel drive mode, and a prerequisite for the connection of mechanical joints is the beginning of the movement (rotation of the front wheels), - considering this feature for cars equipped with mechanical (overtaking) couplings, the need for the transition to all-wheel drive mode should be anticipated in advance. However, we note that in practice the mechanical coupling shows itself as much more reliable (especially in the strong performance) than the vacuum, which the Russian climatic and road conditions quite quickly become useless.

This chapter focuses on the components of the transmission line located between the rear part of the engine and the drive wheels of a vehicle (except Manual transmission / AT - see chap. A five-speed manual gearbox shift and automatic transmission respectively). According to the purpose of the component can be divided into four categories: grip (models with Manual transmission), transfer case, propeller shafts and differentials assembly fitted front and rear axles. Below are descriptions of the structure and operation of each of the individual units, and check the status of procedures, removal / installation and maintenance are included in all four groups of components.