hi guys, this is one of the best videos I've seen explaining the CX-9 AWD system
video is showing a Lexus / Toyota but the CX-9 system is very similar if not the same, take a look if you are interested.
seems like such a waste of energy to keep that propeller shaft turning all the time, rear wheels in AWD system is only engaged when slippage is detected. no wonder my rear differential oil looks so clean !!! it's hardly ever used ! only when slippage is detected which is very rare only on snow days. BUT that damn transfer case is going all the time for no reason, wish they could design that "slippage clutch pack" upfront so the transfer case/propeller shaft only turns when slippage is detected, that would improve mileage and be more sensible/efficient and less wear/tear on the transfer case.
now this Mazda test am.mazdaserviceinfo.com/mazdaesi/index?page=detail_pagelet&id=TSB665
totally makes sense after watching the video, so the two guys up front turning the wheels are tricking the computer that the front wheels are spinning while the driver with gas pedal fully depressed (engine off) tricks the rear electronically controilled "clutch pack" to engage and if the rear propeller shaft does not rotate that means no power is going to the rear wheels.
now the Mazda TSB just assumes the weak link is the transfer case and something in the transfer case is damaged and not transferring power to the rear wheels and instructs dealers to replace transfer case
NOW HERE'S THE CATCH, Mazda never considers "damaged transmission splines" what if that is the weak link ???
if there's no connection from the transmission to the transfer case of course the propeller shaft won't rotate.
So putting in a brand spanking new transfer case is meaningless since the sheared transmission splines is not coupled to the PTU.
video is showing a Lexus / Toyota but the CX-9 system is very similar if not the same, take a look if you are interested.
seems like such a waste of energy to keep that propeller shaft turning all the time, rear wheels in AWD system is only engaged when slippage is detected. no wonder my rear differential oil looks so clean !!! it's hardly ever used ! only when slippage is detected which is very rare only on snow days. BUT that damn transfer case is going all the time for no reason, wish they could design that "slippage clutch pack" upfront so the transfer case/propeller shaft only turns when slippage is detected, that would improve mileage and be more sensible/efficient and less wear/tear on the transfer case.
now this Mazda test am.mazdaserviceinfo.com/mazdaesi/index?page=detail_pagelet&id=TSB665
totally makes sense after watching the video, so the two guys up front turning the wheels are tricking the computer that the front wheels are spinning while the driver with gas pedal fully depressed (engine off) tricks the rear electronically controilled "clutch pack" to engage and if the rear propeller shaft does not rotate that means no power is going to the rear wheels.
now the Mazda TSB just assumes the weak link is the transfer case and something in the transfer case is damaged and not transferring power to the rear wheels and instructs dealers to replace transfer case
NOW HERE'S THE CATCH, Mazda never considers "damaged transmission splines" what if that is the weak link ???
if there's no connection from the transmission to the transfer case of course the propeller shaft won't rotate.
So putting in a brand spanking new transfer case is meaningless since the sheared transmission splines is not coupled to the PTU.
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