AWD Tires Question

[eazy2g]

A lot of people that I've talked to have different opinions about tires on an AWD car. For big trucks I don't think my question would apply but its kind of confusing if I were to apply the same concept to the car.

When putting tires, should they always be the same exact brand (with matching thread patterns) all around? Can you do them in pairs? For example, matching pairs in the front and matching in the back? And what about staggered? Is it safe or even okay to run staggered set up on an AWD?

I've heard all kinds of stuff, transfer case getting too much stress, drive line getting stress, power to the ground will be thrown off....

Sorry if all these have already been answered somewhere. If so, please point me to the thread.


thanks!!

 

[steve]

All the tires need to be the same diameter, all the time, and the easiest way to ensure it is to have all four be the same brand and size.

The viscous couplers in the AWD system (center and optionally rear) resist differences in the the speed of the coupled shafts. When there is a difference it causes shear in the fluid and plates in the coupler and in large amount heats the fluid until they are forced together and lock. Excessive shear can damage the coupler.


http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...ged-9-7-torque-split-division-slip-drive.html