Front Wheel Drive

http://Hyundai-SantaFe.autoboardz.com/Front-wheel-drive-ftopict137854.html (Front wheel drive question)
I'm having a senior moment here, as I cannot remember which of the front wheels in my 2003 Malibu is the drive wheel (i.e. the one that gets the power). The drivers side or passenger side? I need to know this when I get my tires rotated next time, as I want to put the tire with the most tread on..
« They both get power equally or you would not be able to steer it and keep it on the road. I do not know where this "one drive wheel" bussiness ever started for front or rear axle. »
« I believe it's the passenger side. Steve »
« A open differentail sends the same torque to both wheels, it can do nothing else. A front wheel drive car with one wheel drive would pull so bad in heavy throttle that you would do be able to keep i.. »
« Yes. »

http://Hyundai-SantaFe.autoboardz.com/wheel-drive-front-wheel-drive-SUV-ftopict192897.html (All wheel drive vs. front wheel drive SUV's)
what is the safety advantage of AWD vs. front wheel drive SUV's? All I know is that AWD's don't get stuck in the mud as easily. Any other good points?
« When comparing AWD vs. FWD: An AWD vehicle will get better traction and handle better in the rain, snow, and other slippery surfaces like leaf-covered streets. In a climate like CA where it doesn.. »
« AWD vehicles are driven by all four tires, so they are inherently more stable and predictable in adverse conditions. Having said that, there is not a car on the road that can overcome sheer stupid.. »
« False. A two wheel drive car with snow tires (or tires otherwise appropriate for conditions) will, on the road, always be more capable than an all wheel drive vehicle with all-season or otherwise .. »
« That last statement sure is true. Several years back I had a 91 camry and was in a town about 30 miles away when it was snowing. The 4WDs were passing me on the interstate, but about 5 miles do.. »

http://Hyundai-SantaFe.autoboardz.com/2003-Ram-DC-front-drive-shafts-save-gas-ftopict139708.html (2003 Ram DC front drive shafts to save gas?)
Since the front axles are always turning, is there any reason you couldn't disconnect the front drive shafts and axles to save gas? I never use 4x4 any more. What was Dodge thinking when they decided to get rid of locking hubs??
« You could remove the front drive shaft but axles shafts would still turn and so would ring gear. Dodge did it his way to save money and to make engaging 4wd a no brainer because the front axle is .. »
« I was planning on removing the axles too. I'm not sure if the front differential will leak oil at the output shafts once the yokes are removed. Is it safe to say the yoke will not stay in without th.. »
« The wheel yoke will stay in place but the diff would leak oil like a sieve whithout axles in place. If you are serious, you should look for a tube axle used in some models or Dodge Pickups with 2w.. »
« Why did you get a 4x4 in the first place then? If you're serious about this, the you need to remove the axles, remove the U-joints, then re-install the outer stub shafts, because they hold the whee.. »

http://Hyundai-SantaFe.autoboardz.com/locked-front-drive-shaft-ftopict184068.html (locked front drive shaft)
I have a "99" Chevy Silverado. The problem is the four wheel drive is locked in place. I have the auto 4 wheel drive push button on my truck. The 4 wheel drive is not engaged, but it is locked and the drive shaft spins even though I have it set on 2 Hi. What could it be?
« Could be a lot of things but the button or the control module would be my first guess because two things need to lock for 4wd. The front axle disconnect and the Tcase. The fact that neither is doin.. »
« I'm missing something. Are you saying you can or can't turn the drive shaft if you get under the truck and try? With the truck stopped of course:) Al »
« Sno, How did you determine it's not in 4 wheel drive or the axle is not disengaged from what he wrote? I can't. He said "it is locked and the drive shaft spins even though I have it set on 2 Hi." .. »
« Maybe but still the same in that either the tcase in that failing to disengage or the axle disconnect failing to decouple would cause drive shaft to turn with vehicle motion. If you jaceup one front.. »

http://Hyundai-SantaFe.autoboardz.com/Front-wheel-drag-ftopict248743.html (Front wheel drag)
I have a 2005 Subaru Forester all wheel drive that I bought used so I have no idea if this is normal or not. After driving for a while, and I park the car, when I first start to drive again and turn the steering wheel it feels like the front tires are dragging, it does it sometimes when I turn a c..
« yes and no. i find that awd does bind a little, but it sounds more like your power steering pump is a bit lazy, and not kicking in right away. i would check the accessory belt for wear, and repl.. »
« Can we all assume that the front tires are properly inflated? »