Front differential cold weather shudder

[matrix243]

It's -30C here and this is more evident then ever before. I can feel what I think is the front diff torsen shuddering badly on slow tight turns and even feels like traction control kicking in just driving straight. Would this be like caused by poor fluid possibly? It binds up pretty badly in tight parking lot turns. Never thought of it till now but what kind of stress does that put on the rack or power steering? Wonder if that can cut down the life of the steering system.

 

[Sozzy12]

Maybe water in the fluid? Incorrect weight fluid? Not sure if the torsen needs friction modifier. Anyone know?

 

[matrix243]

Maybe water in the fluid? Incorrect weight fluid? Not sure if the torsen needs friction modifier. Anyone know?

No friction modifier needed.
And I've done almost nothing for water crossings so any water that gets in was from rain.

 

[bwep]

It would not be your front diff unless you have it in 4 wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions nothing spins in there. Axel and transfer case are disconnected.

 

[FordTechOne]

Is this with the truck in 2WD? If so, the IWEs should be disengaged, so the front axles/differential would not be turning.

 

[matrix243]

In 4wd

 

[matrix243]

Guessing gear mechanism is too slow to disengage probably from fluid.

 

[EricM]

-30C ***** everything up.

 

[FordTechOne]

In 4wd

Using 4WD on dry surfaces in a G1 will cause the driveline will bind up and shudder; the axles are mechanically locked together. 4WD should only be used on loose surfaces.

 

[EricM]

Yea, it's a real 4WD system- it all turns at the same time, you can't be making sharp turns in parking lots in 4WD. The truck is telling you to quit that shit.

It should be able to be driven in a straight line in 4WD without issue, no matter the surface. If it can't go in a straight line in 4WD smoothly like you say-something is not right.