Honda Stepwagon 4WD - Explained

[HarryM]

Just to put you in the know that the following spec has 4WD only:

RF2
RF4
RF6
RF8

any uneven numbers are not!

[HarryM]

The 'real-time 4 Wheel Drive' (rt4WD) system is basically the same implementation as that on the out-going 2nd Gen CR-V/Stepwagon. To recap, this system makes use of a viscous coupling clutch to transfer power to the rear differential. It is 'real-time' in the sense that it engages only if there is a speed differential between the front and rear wheels. With real-time 4WD, the CR-V functions as a FWD under normal driving conditions. Under tougher conditions, if the front wheel breaks traction, it will be spinning faster than the rear wheels. When that happens, the viscous clutch has a hydrualic circuit that engages the clutch plates to transfer drive to the rear wheels. On this new CR-V/Stepwagon, the viscous clutch has been improved to transfer an extra 20% torque to the rear when the front wheel begins to slip under the same conditions. Max distribution of torque between front and rear wheels is still 50:50.