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Re: 06 Trailblazer with bad front differential
As mentioned, the Auto 4wd won't engage until the rear wheels start to spin. Just travelling down the highway, the truck works in 2wd...the front diff is (or should be) disengaged.
If the front were engaged, it would not be a critical factor going down a relatively straight highway. But she would definitely feel the truck be difficult to turn in more than slight curves on dry pavement, especially when travelling at low speeds.
A truck with AWD has a center limited slip differential to cope with a differing front and rear driveline speeds...regular 4wd has a simple transfer case that locks the front and rear together with no slippage when the Auto 4wd engages or 4HI is selected. AWD was only standard on the top of the line TB SS for 2006. The rest had the Auto 4wd or variants thereof.
All you'd have to do is remove the front diff plug and to a dip test on the fluid, dab it and sniff it to see if it is the smell you experienced.
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Current Garage:
2009 Honda CR-V EX
2006 Mazda 3i
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2003 GMC Envoy XL
2000 Honda ST1100
2000 Pontiac Sunfire
Vehicle History:
2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD - 1999 Acura Integra GS - 2004 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 - 1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd - 1995 Chevrolet C2500 - 1992 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L - 1992 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab 4.3L - 1995 Honda ST1100 - 1980 Yamaha XS400 - 1980 Mercury Bobcat.
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