Renault Duster 4x4: inclusion of all-wheel drive and principle

If hunting and fishing are your favorite hobbies, the Renault Duster 4 4 is irreplaceable. It has optimal dimensions for moving along narrow country roads. The vehicle's cross-country ability does not cause any complaints from the owners. The car will take you to your dacha or to a picnic spot in nature without any problems.

Operation of Renault Duster has its own characteristics related to the rear wheel drive device.

How to turn on all-wheel drive

The electronic traction control system (ETC) is responsible for the vehicle's stability on the road. The result of this option is to block the possibility of slipping of a wheel that hits softer ground.

In addition, the ETS determines the need to connect the rear axle when road conditions worsen. The function operates automatically, but can also be adjusted at the driver’s request.

The drive is controlled using a round mode switch on the center console (near the gear shift knob). It displays the following positions: 2WD – AUTO – LOCK. They mean the following:

The 2WD driving mode is selected for driving on good roads. These are city streets or country roads with high-quality road surfaces. Only front-wheel drive is connected - and in this case the Duster is no different from other front-wheel drive cars. Driving with the switch in the 2WD position helps to save fuel and allow the engine to operate at optimal speed. If you do not need to travel outside the city, you can use this function constantly.
LOCK – this term means turning on all-wheel drive. In this case, the distribution clutch in the rear axle gearbox is blocked. Traction force is distributed to all wheels. This mode should be used when driving off-road or on slippery roads. For driving in LOCK mode, a speed limit is provided (no more than 70-80 km/h) in order to maintain the functionality of the gearbox.
The position of the AUTO switch ensures that the choice of driving mode is carried out by the on-board computer. It determines how much power should be sent to the rear wheels if road conditions change. When driving on the highway, only front-wheel drive will work. If the road gets worse, part of the power (up to 50%) is transferred to the rear wheels. This significantly increases the stability of the car on bad or slippery roads, ensuring the safety of the people inside.

For beginners, it is recommended to use the AUTO function. This will make driving easier for an inexperienced driver.

Versatile hard worker

In the front-wheel drive version, Duster's first gear works the same as in the vast majority of cars with manual transmission. Its gear ratio is smaller (3.73), which makes the car accelerate faster. He lightly pressed the pedal, and the crossover already rushed forward. At the peak of the thrust of the 115-horsepower 1.6-liter engine, such a “Duster” in first gear moves at a speed of 40-45 km/h. Therefore, the five-speed is more convenient in the city, but goes off-road.

As a city car, the front-wheel drive Duster is incredibly good. He reacts more interestingly to the stimulus. Due to the large door opening, you do not sit in the driver's seat, but enter as if you were entering a personal office. The door swings open, so you're not afraid to hit the roof with your forehead or eyes. At the same time, the “wicket” is very light.

Tests of front-wheel drive begin at the end of winter, when the February-March snowfalls finally defeat utility networks, and construction sites turn into impassable snowdrifts. Getting home is difficult. But the front-wheel drive Duster has high ground clearance. And for a crossover these problems are not as terrible as for the vast majority of “puzoterki”.

Its center of gravity is slightly shifted forward. The rear axle is missing, as is the driveshaft, causing the car to pile up more on the front wheels. Therefore, the tightness is not bad. The Duster crawls up steep slopes much better than sedans and sedans on its B0 platform.

But it can't ram snowdrifts like the Defender. As soon as the front end plunges into the virgin snow, the skid begins.

But in the summer, the front-wheel drive Duster climbs into almost the same place as the all-wheel drive one. He doesn't care about a dirt road with puddles or a dirt road with potholes. The difference in cross-country ability is noticeable only on mountain slopes, where the drive wheels are suspended when moving. Even when you go fishing or to a remote village, you can only do it with front-wheel drive.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of Renault Duster all-wheel drive is similar to Nissan models: Terrano, Qashqai, X-Trai. The engine and gearbox are located transverse to the axis of the machine. To transfer torque to the rear wheels, a transfer case with an angular gearbox was added to the gearbox. The latter is necessary because the driveshaft connected to the rear axle runs along the longitudinal axis of the car.

The driveshaft is connected to an electromagnetic clutch, which controls the transfer of load to the rear wheels. Since it is necessary to transmit torque to the transverse rear axle, another angular gearbox is installed at the rear, combined with a differential. This, in turn, allows you to distribute forces on the wheels in such a way as to prevent slipping when cornering. This is the diagram of the rear axle gearbox.

The control clutch does not lock unless voltage is applied to the coil. In this case, no force is transmitted to the rear axle. Conversely, when locked, it allows up to 50% of the power to be transferred to the rear axle. This is done automatically (AUTO) or at the driver's discretion (LOCK).

Feeling the difference

Well, how can we not remember the stereotypes regarding handling! During the rearrangement (simulation of avoiding an obstacle), it turns out that the Duster 2WD is faster and, most importantly, easier to drive. He, unlike 4x4, does not at all strive to perform the maneuver sharply. On the contrary: at first the monodrive surprises with large rolls and too calm reactions to turning the steering wheel.

The all-wheel drive with its more active independent rear suspension behaves more assertively, and at times even restlessly, as if spurring the driver to respond. This car drives very confidently, especially considering the lack of a stabilization system.

However, it is easy to make a mistake on it, and in the extreme, skidding of the rear axle will force you to slip out of the corridor. “Renault” with front-wheel drive requires you to twist the steering wheel from the heart in the fight against lag and understeer, but, unlike its brother, it slides more softly.

Both Mazdas have a sensitive stabilization system that intervenes in the control process quite early. But front-wheel drive again turns out to be clearer. So here, too, the advantage in the speed of rearrangement is with front-wheel drive and 17-inch wheels.

Public roads helped to finally set priorities. They showed better comfort of the single-wheel drive Mazda and its more correct behavior in corners. All-wheel drive on 19-inch tires does not like unevenness at all: vertical rocking and even slight yaw appear.

This is not critical, but how much more comfortable and simpler is a front-wheel drive car. Moreover, such a crossover listens to the gas pedal much better. No thoughtfulness, no languid pauses even when the automatic transmission shifts to higher gears. The 4x4 version often suffers from failures, especially when the accelerator is pressed sharply.

What about “dusters”? Here, a car with front-wheel drive also turned out to be more comfortable. And even more noticeable than in the case of Mazdas. Both Renaults cope well with uneven road surfaces; this family dignity cannot be taken away from them. But if an all-wheel drive Renault still makes you feel the depth and size of potholes, sometimes quite sharply, then under the wheels of a front-wheel drive car most of them seem to dissolve, causing only slight swaying of the body. The most interesting thing is that the wheels on the Dusters are the same; the differences are rooted in the suspensions.

Technical features of the coupling

The coupling connection consists of 2 parts: driving and driven. The first is connected to the driveshaft, and the second is connected to the main gear of the rear axle gearbox. When voltage from the on-board computer (2-8 V) is applied to the solenoid, the parts are attracted to each other. The force of connection of the parts is regulated by a ball “drive”, which allows you to dose the force transmitted to the rear wheels (according to the relay principle).

The electromagnetic clutch functions (transmits torque) when moving both forward and backward. It is triggered at the moment when, through the ABS sensors, the control unit receives information about the delay in rotation of the rear wheels in relation to the front (drive). If not full voltage is applied to the electromagnet, then the connection of the parts will be incomplete. In this case, the force on the rear wheels will be less than 50%. There are no temperature sensors. Temperature shutdown occurs automatically, according to data from ABS sensors.

Let's go! –

heard one of the authors in response to the thoughtful reasoning outlined above.
- All this is correct, but now take this trunk and take it to that Duster over there! When, instead of the usual foreign test drive, Za Rulem offered to take part in driving the car to Moscow, doubts arose only about the choice of route. In order to be on time with the material for this issue, I had to abandon the idea of coming to Russia in a Duster. We preferred one and a half thousand kilometers of Spanish-French highways and a small but indicative part of the prairies... or whatever they call it, where you drive off the asphalt.

Another sign is on the instrument panel: symbols D and 4WD LOCK

To say that an all-wheel drive Duster with an automatic transmission immediately stands out against the background of its front-wheel drive older brother is to sin against the truth. Set the mode to 2WD - and here you have the same car. Go and feel how much the gear ratios in the transmission have been changed (answer: increased by about 5%).

By the end of the second day, consumption measured at 10.2 l/100 km at an average speed of 72.9 km/h. It could have been smaller, but for this the “automatic” lacks a couple of steps. “Duster” is by no means a testing ground for new technical solutions; it tries on time-tested (read: inexpensive) units.

The trunk of the 4x4 version is 67 liters smaller because it has a higher raised floor. But the spare tire is placed directly under it, and not fastened outside in the rear overhang. Getting it out of there, much less putting it away, is a dubious pleasure.

When overtaking, the automatic transmission decisively shifts to a downshift, forcing the engine to howl in an attempt to accelerate the car. Alas, its efforts are lost somewhere between third and fourth gears, so the sluggish advance doesn't match the noise effects at all.

What could go wrong

The key to long-term operation of the machine is timely maintenance. Since Duster is often used in extreme road conditions, you should periodically check the belt tension and the serviceability of the suspension. The weak point may be the cardan shaft crosspieces. It is necessary to check them for play at all four attachment points. There are companies that replace the driveshaft assembly and balance it.

You should not forget about timely oil changes in the transfer case (front corner gearbox) and the rear axle gearbox. The timing depends on the operating conditions. If the car is often subjected to overloads when driving off-road, then the oil in these units is changed every 30,000-40,000 km.

Duster suspension design principle

Renault Duster front suspension is independent type, MacPherson format. The main components of the suspension are gas-filled shock absorbers. They are better than oil ones due to a softer ride and longer service life. Two triangular arms are connected to the subframe, which are connected to the steering knuckle using a ball joint. The stand is located in the inner part of the mudguard, reinforced with a spring.

The Renault Duster 4x4 suspension is completely independent, both front and rear. This improves the car's behavior at high speed, but reduces the ability to operate off-road.

Summarizing

According to owner reviews, all-wheel drive on the Renault Duster is reliable. In order for the system to work for a long time and without breakdowns, the driver must pay attention to his driving style. It should be remembered that the main driving mode is 2WD (or AUTO).

Connecting all-wheel drive is not required so often, even on difficult roads. Use the LOCK mode only when absolutely necessary. After overcoming a dangerous place, you must immediately switch to AUTO. This will relieve the transfer case and rear gearbox from excess load and avoid damage. Replacing these units is expensive.

The all-wheel drive Renault Duster has good cross-country ability. The model fully meets the requirements for budget SUVs.

FUN MATH

We took the Mazda CX-5 and Renault Duster, the hottest new products in the class. The all-wheel drive Duster even has a different rear suspension than its single-wheel drive brother - independent. Gearboxes for cars with a 2-liter engine are also tied to the number of drive wheels: automatic (and only it) is available in the 4×2 version, while 4×4 comes exclusively with a six-speed manual. In the Mazda CX-5, on the contrary, the type of drive has almost no effect on everything else. Even the level of equipment – thanks to option packages for the Touring and Sport trim levels. The biggest differences are in the tires and wheels. The 4×4 car is shod with 19-inch tires, the 4×2 modification is content with 17-inch ones.

Let's start measuring. Having driven the cars onto the scales, we find that all-wheel drive adds 70 kg to the Duster, and more than a hundred to the Mazda. Although, against the backdrop of a total curb weight of 1400–1500 kg, this is a trifle. There is not much difference in geometric cross-country ability; the front-wheel drive Duster has the latter even a little better.

Of the two Renaults, the all-wheel drive accelerates faster, but this is mainly due to the manual gearbox. The situation with Mazdas is more interesting. The mono-drive is more assertive during acceleration, which can be felt even without measuring equipment. Front-wheel drive has only a slight loss in maximum speed, but this is due to the selection of gear ratios and the large wheels of the 4x4 version. Both cars reached top speed in fourth gear, but the 4x2 on 17-inch tires hit the rev limiter early, unwilling to accelerate into the next gear, fifth.

By the way, the braking distance of both purely front-wheel drive cars turned out to be noticeably shorter.

Off-season difficulties

However, in spring or autumn there are still places where all-wheel drive is indispensable. For example, you need to drive a couple of kilometers to your dacha. And after the snow melted, the road was destroyed by a truck, which deepened the rut, and it became impassable for cars. Everyone is taking a detour through the virgin lands. Soggy loams overgrown with grass easily wrap around the wheels and the car gets stuck. Of course, the electronics of the front-wheel drive Duster help somehow get out. But you can’t argue with the laws of physics, and if there is no hook, then the crossover sinks out of the blue.

agu1954 › Blog › 11 Electric coupling of the rear gearbox on Duster 4x4

I apologize right away that this article is not about the Lacetti. But I think it will be useful to many Duster drivers. This is my son’s car, and I can do whatever I can to help keep him in check. So many people struggle with this problem. In general, the “saw” caught fire - the failure of this very clutch and the car turned from an all-wheel drive horse into a two-legged crossover. Poking and humming did not help. We decided to remove the clutch. It can be easily removed without removing the gearbox. — Drain the oil from the gearbox. — Remove the breather tube — Disconnect the wire block and the corrugation clips — Disconnect the cardan — Unscrew the 6 bolts securing the coupling and one securing the wires. — Make a mark on the flange for the cardan, how the coupling is connected to the gearbox. — Tear off the coupling from the sealant gasket and the rubber seal of the wires from the gearbox and remove the coupling. The most difficult thing is to tear off the sealant gasket. I rested the jack against the cardan flange from below and tore it off with a hammer blow on the cheek of the jack. We take the muff in our hands and carry it to the table. Disconnect the internal connector and examine the wires. Our black one was torn inside the insulation. We change the wires. To do this: Push the terminals out of the internal connector towards the wires. Tight but that's it. There are no locks, they are glued. The wires were taken from a dead computer power supply. We soldered it to the contacts of the internal connector and to the remaining tail of the external one. We press the back of the contacts for better contact and insert them into the housing until it stops. Clean the ends of the gearbox and coupling from the old sealant gasket, apply a new one to the gearbox. We place the coupling aligning our mark on the flange. We catch the stopper in a stubborn place, insert the rubber seal for the wires into the recess. Carefully seat the coupling all the way and tighten it with bolts. Top/bottom long bolts 4 pcs. and 2 shorter ones on the sides. We install the cardan, connect the breather, connector and clips of the wiring corrugations. Let the sealant-gasket dry and pour oil into the gearbox. Epilogue. The stopper, photo 2, allows the contact group to “swing” and the wire on the connector block breaks. The movement of this play is about a centimeter back and forth. The stopper has the shape of a round pin, and the groove (I forgot to take a photo) is square. The block is placed with the wires forward on the coupling, the rubber coupling on the gearbox. Turning the wires from the block 180` In general, an asshole designed this gearbox. The problem has disappeared. The car became all-wheel drive again.

Recommendations

So, with a Renault Duster car you will always have the opportunity to control the drives, turning your car either into an SUV or into an analogue of a passenger car. This is easy to do using a washer with the listed modes that are responsible for the operation of the distributor coupling.

With proper control of the Duster, the car will be able to travel perfectly on any road, and operation will not cause any problems. This variable crossover from Renault is the best option in its price range and is undoubtedly worthy of the attention of Russian motorists.

And then a video about how the Renault Duster all-wheel drive behaves off-road:

Problems and their solutions

Working fluid leak

A malfunction that was easily detected by the owner was a leak of hydraulic fluid from under the drive seals. Of course, a puddle does not form under the car, but the drips are clearly visible. Replacing a cheap part is complicated by the fact that the oil seal must be installed simultaneously along the outer and inner diameters. And, of course, it is necessary to dismantle the drive. All work costs approximately 4,000 rubles.

Possible areas for a working fluid leak: 1 - drive oil seal; 2 — speed sensor; 3 - solenoid valve for fluid flow modulation; 4 - plug; 5 - heat exchanger; 6 — valve body cover

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Nikolay | The 4th of October

I recently purchased a Renault Duster at a showroom in Balashikha. My brother bought a Renault Kaptur there three years ago and was pleased with both the interior and the sales consultant Boris Filippov. I really didn’t regret at all that I turned to Boris. A very competent specialist and a delicate person, no persuasion; equipment, conditions, discounts - everything is transparent. If anyone still has doubts about choosing a salon, I recommend AutoHermes in Balashikha and sales consultant Boris Filippov.

Irina Kl | September 30th

Good afternoon In September I purchased a Renault Duster car from your salon, I was very pleased with the work, the attitude and attention of the management employees, in particular the sales manager Boris Filippov, I am very grateful to him for his work, there are more people like this.

Elena Viktorovna | September 18

Good afternoon On 09/12/20, my husband and I purchased a Reno Sandero car at the Autogermes car dealership in Balashikha and were very pleased with the purchase and service. Having previously contacted sales manager Maxim Smirnov by phone, we received complete information about the availability of cars, equipment and cost, which corresponds to the information on the car dealership website. Arriving at the salon on the appointed day, we made sure that the information was correct once again. We were very impressed by the competence of the manager Maxim Smirnov; he explained everything to us clearly, competently, in detail and attentively, without missing a single detail. Maxim is a professional in his field, we wish there were more managers like him. We are very grateful to Autohermes in general and Maxim, in particular, for the purchased car and for the truthfulness (we have sadder experiences), as well as for the efficient, although not very fast, service of the car dealership. Sincerely, Elena and Valery.

Victor Karasev | August 29

I want to write a real review about buying a new car. When we first visited the AutoHermes Renault showroom, we didn’t have what we wanted. My wife and I wanted a black Duster with air conditioning, 1.6 liter. We were met by manager-consultant Artem Ognev. An experienced and, one feels, qualified specialist not only in sales, but also in the cars themselves. We are looking, but it is not in stock (as they say everywhere that everything is there). He warned that I would have to wait a week for delivery from the factory and offered to make an advance payment. Of course, and this is natural, I was tense, but I agreed. And then it began. I didn’t think we still had such managers! He called every day, reassured us about the delivery, and told us about the car. You know, I believed it! And, indeed, as he said, I received the Renault Duster car exactly on the day as he promised. This employee = HONOR AND PRAISE. And universal recognition! What can I say about the Trade in system? They rated my old car at the lowest level. Sell yourself and don’t be fooled by incentives (besides, they are small - ask). The overall impression of the salon is good. Buy and be Happy.

Nikonorova Elena | August 28

Hello. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the sales consultant at the Renault AutoHermes car dealership in Balashikha, Boris Filippov, for his professional assistance in purchasing a car. I would especially like to note his attentiveness to the client, sensitivity and competent advice. Thanks to Boris, we became the proud owners of a Renault Duster. I would like the management of the salon to note his work, because buying a car did not become a nightmare, as they usually say. Everything is clear, competent, honest and with a great mood. I always recommend your network, and now only Balashikha, despite the fact that we live on another end of Moscow. Such employees are worth their weight in gold and they are the ones who represent the face of the company. Sincerely, Nikonorova Elena.

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