Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Sat Appointment Only
  • Sun Closed
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419-782-7827 | 1735 Spruce St Defiance, OH 43512

4X4 SERVICES

Comprehensive 4x4 and All-Wheel Drive Vehicle Services

When it comes to maintaining your standard 4-wheel drive (4x4) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, the skilled technicians at Northwest Automotive LLC possess years of experience and specialized knowledge.

AWD systems operate as full-time 4-wheel-drive setups, where all four wheels receive torque from the engine simultaneously. These intricate systems require unique attention, and we're here to cater to their distinct needs. Below are some of the services we offer:


Alignment
Wheel alignment is a fundamental aspect of vehicle maintenance that entails adjusting the angles of the wheels to match the manufacturer's specifications. This process allows for the proper operation of the suspension and steering systems, reducing tire wear. Our experts excel in this complex procedure, ensuring precision alignment for your vehicle.

Differentials
The differential plays a pivotal role in distributing engine power to the wheels. It enables each wheel to rotate at different speeds, especially crucial during turns. To guarantee that your vehicle's differentials operate flawlessly, regular inspections and servicing are essential.

Driveline
The driveline serves as the vital link between the engine and the wheel axles. It encompasses the powertrain components, excluding the engine and transmission. Any malfunction in the driveline can immobilize your car since it hinders the transfer of energy from the engine to the wheel axles. Therefore, it is imperative to have your car's driveline routinely inspected and serviced.

Hubs, Seals, Studs, & Nuts
Wheel hub motors, or wheel motors, are electric motors integrated into the wheel hub itself, directly driving the wheel. To ensure a safer and smoother ride, it is crucial to replace damaged or worn-out wheel hubs promptly.

Maintaining functioning seals is essential for effective oil and grease sealing, particularly under diverse temperature and environmental conditions. Worn or damaged seals permit contaminants to infiltrate the bearing unit or cause lubricant leakage, leading to premature bearing failure. To safeguard your bearings, it's crucial to replace worn seals with new ones.

Studs are threaded fasteners that secure your truck's wheels to the wheel hub, via the brake disk or drum. If these wheel studs become stripped or damaged, they can pose serious safety risks. For your safety, replace any compromised wheel studs with high-quality replacements promptly.

Wheel nuts or lug nuts are fasteners that secure your vehicle's wheels to the threaded wheel studs on the wheel hub. Worn-out or damaged nuts jeopardize the secure attachment of your wheels to the hub, posing a risk of wheel detachment. To ensure the safe and secure fastening of your truck's wheels, reach out to Northwest Automotive LLC in Defiance, OH today.

Transfer Cases
The transfer case plays a crucial role in the four-wheel drive systems of both 4x4 and AWD vehicles. It receives power from the transmission and transmits it to both the front and rear axles. This transfer of power can be achieved through a set of gears or, in most modern cases, chain-driven mechanisms. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and axles via driveshafts.

Transmissions
Transmission repair is a matter of paramount importance, as the transmission is closely linked to key vehicle components, impacting your overall safety. Our transmission services encompass tasks like filter replacement and fluid draining to prevent transmission damage. If you encounter transmission issues such as shifting problems, slipping, stalling, fluid leakage, or a lit service indicator, it is imperative to schedule an appointment.

Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings reside within the wheel assemblies and enable the wheels to spin freely while being connected to the brake system. Over time, they can wear out, leading to a vibrating suspension and noisy operation while driving. In severe cases, if they fail entirely, your vehicle can become challenging to control and unsafe to drive. The replacement interval for wheel bearings varies, but periodic checks for leaks and wear are crucial.


4x4 FAQs

Is there a difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive?

Both all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) engage all four wheels, but with a twist. AWD uses three differentials (front, rear, and center) for continuous power distribution, making it ideal for everyday driving with improved traction. 4WD typically uses two differentials and can be switched between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes, offering more control for off-road adventures.

Are 4x4 vehicles meant just for off-road driving?

While off-roading is their specialty, 4x4s aren't just for outdoor enthusiasts. Their enhanced grip and stability tackle slippery city streets and uneven landscapes with ease, offering peace of mind for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values dependable performance in diverse conditions.

Is running a four-wheel drive expensive?

Four-wheel drive fuel economy and maintenance might seem daunting, but it's a nuanced picture. Frequent off-road adventures and towing will impact costs differently than city commutes. Analyze your driving habits and needs before comparing 4x4 and 2 wheel drive costs.

To learn more about our 4x4 services, call us at 419-782-7827 or request a quote by clicking below:


Request Quote


Discover More About 4x4 Repair Services At Northwest Automotive LLC in Defiance

Transmission Repair Services
Car & Truck Care Services
Alignment Services

NAPA Service Assistant


What Our Customers Are Saying

Very happy with the service!!! They came and picked my truck up, repaired my tire, and brought my truck back to me within time frame they stated. Today my tire went low, they worked on my truck immediately. Would recommend them to anyone, they are very friendly and accommodating. 5 star rating from me!!!!

, 12/16/2021

Awesome shop!! Not only was the estimate the lowest I received, the entire exhaust system was replaced (headers on back), the work was completed in under 2 hours. I m a U.S.Army Veteran and my car had a misfire situation going on due to bad coil pack, well Tim & his guys found me a coil pack and put it on NO CHARGE!! I would recommend this shop to any & everyone!

, 10/13/2021

reviewicon

Tim and the guys do great work here and are honest I definitely recommend these guys for any repairs

, 09/28/2021
I have a 2011 Jeep Liberty, the A/C stopped working, so I called up Tim and told him. He said can you bring it in today at 1:00pm? I said yes. So I took it in, they found that all the Freon was out of the unit. So they put more Freon in plus added some dye to find if the system may have a leak. So I paid the bill. Tim said, if you have any further problems bring it back. So the next day I started my Jeep up. The A/C stop working. So I called them back on Saturday. Can you bring it back on Monday at 2:00pm? I replied yes. Returned back to Northwest Automotive. They took my jeep in and recharged the A/C unit, and checked the system for any possible leaks. So Tim filled me in on no signs of dye so go ahead drive it and if any further problems bring it back. So how much money do I owe you? He replied nothing. The next day I drove my Jeep the A/C stop working again. So I called them back and told them. Can you drop it off so we can get to work on it Monday morning. I said yes. So I called them up Monday around noon and asked how are things going with my jeep? He replied that we believe we have found the leak. So he asked you said when it would set over night that the next day it not work? I replied yes. He asked if you don't need your Jeep back today, we will let it set overnight and check and see if it is still working in the morning. So I replied yes. I called them back the next day and asked how are things going with my jeep? Tim replied it is working fine. He asked if I would pick it up later today, l said that is fine because I will not be in town till around 3:30pm. Because I was at work. So went to pick up my Jeep. Tim said I believe the problem was from the low pressure valve. It should be alright. I replied so how much do I owe you. He said nothing, if you have any further problems bring it back. I believe he is a fair and honest person. I will respect that and I will bring him some more business. Thanks again.

, 07/16/2021

Northwest Automotive didn't charge me to look over my Geo Traker, even though I didn't end up having anything done to it. Will be going back to them.

, 04/26/2021

reviewiconLeaf Springs
Undercar Services, near Defiance, OH

Northwest Automotive did it right again. Out read leaf springs on the Firebird and the stance was back where it's supposed to be! Very good job again! Thanks!

, 03/12/2021
  • AERA (Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association)
  • ASE Certified - Automotive Service Excellence
  • BBB Accredited Business
  • NAPA AutoCare Center
  • Jasper Engines & Transmissions
  • Mobile Air Conditioning Society
  • WIX Filters
  • ALL-DATA
  • IDENTIFIX
  • UNOH Alumni - University of Northwestern Ohio
  • Defiance Ohio Police
  • Car Care Aware
  • Call Us For Service: 419-782-7827