Jon,

Just a minor correction to your statement about the Element's AWD system, it is a viscous coupler not electronic.  Some Acura's, those with the SH AWD(Super Handling AWD) system have electronic systems but CR-V's and Elements use a VC.

Mark in AK
Continental Honda & Acura

----- Original Message -----
From: Jon Kanas <kanas@QADAS.COM>
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2006 3:52 pm
Subject: AWD and Tires
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> Good Evening Lee,
>
> AWD vehicles have either mechanical (viscous coupling like a
> Syncro) or
> electronic sensors which effectively measure wheel slip between wheels
> and lock the differential between the front and rear when there is a
> difference in speed.  For a Vanagon, I believe that a 6%
> difference in
> speed of rotation is the specification to induce lockup.  I looked at
> Elements when I was looking for a new car last year (ended up with an
> Outback XT).  I believe that the Honda system is electronic.  The
> wheelsensors for the ABS send signals to the traction control
> computer, which
> engages the front/rear differential when a difference is detected.
>
> The short and long of this is that there is a significant
> probability of
> driveline damage on any AWD vehicle if tire wear is sufficient
> that the
> AWD fully engages while you are on dry pavement.  Furthermore, you run
> the risk of Honda declining to honor the warranty on your Element
> if the
> tires are not essentially identical on all four corners, and you have
> any driveline problems.  I strongly recommend replacing all 4 tires,
> then selling the two "OK" leftovers on Craigslist to recover some of
> your expense.  You'll also avoid the "tire recycling" fee for
> those two
> tires, if you have such in your state.  The Element has a front-drive
> bias, meaning under no-slip conditions the front wheels propel the
> car,hence greater wear on the front tires.  You are probably a
> candidate for
> rotating the tires front to rear on a frequent basis to equalize this
> wear pattern.
>
> I have, unfortunately, encountered the situation where an odd-size
> tire(compact spare) made our 1995 Outback essentially undrivable
> after a
> flat tire as the AWD would engage unexpectedly when turning,
> making the
> car very unmanageable during one very exciting freeway exit adventure.
> To make matters worse, the puncture we had was on the sidewall,
> and we
> ended up giving up three perfectly good tires in order to replace one.
> AWD systems are very sensitive and well engineered, and also
> incrediblyexpensive if you break them.
> --
>
> Best Regards,
> Jon B Kanas
>
> Longmont, Colorado; Cultural Center of the Universe
> Email: kanas@qadas.com <mailto:kanas@qadas.com>
> Website: http://www.qadas.com/~kanas <http://www.qadas.com/%7Ekanas>
> AOL Instant Messenger ID: KanasColo
>
> Whenever morality is based on theology,
> whenever right is made dependent on divine authority,
> the most immoral, unjust, infamous things can be justified and
> established. -Ludwig Feuerbach, philosopher (1804-1872)
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---
>
> Date:    Wed, 8 Nov 2006 22:54:56 -0800
> From:    Lee Kouns <LeeKouns@WEBTV.NET>
> Subject: NVC Question on AWD and tire tread depth
>
> Are there any all-wheel-drive experts out there who can enlighten
> me on
> something?  Here's my situation:
> 1) The front two tires on my AWD Honda Element need to be replaced.
> 2)  The rear tires seem barely worn.
> 3)   I'm thinking of replacing the front tires only, with the
> exact same
> tire that is currently on the rear.
> 4)   I've been told by a tire dealer that if there is too much
> wear on
> the rear tires that I risk damaging the drive train.  (The
> transmissionis manual--if that matters)
> Is there truth to what the tire dealer is telling me?   If so, how
> muchwear on the back tires is too much?   I'm wondering if  the
> dealer just
> wants to sell me 4 tires instead of 2?
>
> As always, any comments on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
> Lee Kouns
> '88 Westy
> '04  Honda Element
>
> ------------------------------
>