General Panda 1.2 4x4 Viscous Coupling vs ELD

[rafpanda]

Hi guys,

I am looking at 4x4 Pandas, thinking of buying one soon. I have been looking for a version with viscous coupling because I believe future problems will be easier to solve, however I wonder if the versions with ELD are reliable? I have been discarding any ad I see with a ELD.

I already have a 2004 2wd Panda 1.2 (in another country) so that's another reason I am looking for the earlier models but if it's worth it I could consider the later models too.

I searched the forum and found a lot of posts discouraging buying these cars but they can still be found cheap here in Europe and I like Pandas and 4x4 would be useful.

Appreciate any help/opinions!

 

[koalar]

Viscose coupling do fail

The plates lock together as the liquid goes off

They are welded shut so it's not easily replaceable

It is possible to drill a hole top and bottom and flush and renew the liquid, however finding someone with the knowledge, at least here in the UK isn't easy

Replacement is also around £1000 here in the UK

4x4 here weren't a big seller not many pre 2007 left on the road, rear sills, rear subframe and viscose coupling has scraped most of them

The hydro electric system used in the ELD seems to hold up reasonably well, of the two I know that have failed one I have know idea if it got repaired the other was a simple solenoid or sensor, can't remember now


There is at least one heavily modified 4x4 that been converted from viscose coupling to ELD

 

[rafpanda]

Viscose coupling do fail

The plates lock together as the liquid goes off

They are welded shut so it's not easily replaceable

It is possible to drill a hole top and bottom and flush and renew the liquid, however finding someone with the knowledge, at least here in the UK isn't easy

Replacement is also around £1000 here in the UK

4x4 here weren't a big seller not many pre 2007 left on the road, rear sills, rear subframe and viscose coupling has scraped most of them

The hydro electric system used in the ELD seems to hold up reasonably well, of the two I know that have failed one I have know idea if it got repaired the other was a simple solenoid or sensor, can't remember now


There is at least one heavily modified 4x4 that been converted from viscose coupling to ELD

I am aware that they can fail but replacements here in Europe are around 300EUR, a refurbished unit should last a lot of years.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I have only coming up 80,000 km of eld experience. All I know is its been OK so far and it works almost seamlessly. I engage ELD / OFF ROAD MODE regularly to make sure its regular. If never worked who knows if it will get stuck in or out of 4x4. It seems a great system.

 

[rafpanda]

I have only coming up 80,000 km of eld experience. All I know is its been OK so far and it works almost seamlessly. I engage ELD / OFF ROAD MODE regularly to make sure its regular. If never worked who knows if it will get stuck in or out of 4x4. It seems a great system.

Do you know if there are any usual problems with that system? How many km/miles does your car have?

 

[The Panda Nut]

Do you know if there are any usual problems with that system? How many km/miles does your car have?

Im reliably inform,ed that the 4x4 system is essentially the same as in the Range Rover and there are not any substantive issues as far as I am aware. Try googleing 2012 Panda 4x4 problems? Ive had two totalling 80K km. No issues at all.

 

[svennelainen]

I've owned several Subarus and wasn't light footed and we did some heavy tuning. My friends and I serviced them on my garage bench, it is messy but actually not that difficult. The viscos sure took a beating and the problem is over heating which damage the fluid. The silicone is shear hardening (not by heat) and when there is a huge shear occuring i.e. the discs move with high difference relatively, the fluid stiffens and the discs become "glued" together. When fluid is ripped above its holding capacity it overheats. Too much over time and it becomes stiffer and stiffer.

The problem with the Panda visco is being welded shut. There is at least one workshop in Italy that service them by cutting them up, clean refill and re-weld.
I THINK they are still in business. They have also a short video of the process.

GIUNTO VISCOSO FIAT PANDA 4X4

GIUNTO VISCOSO FIAT PANDA 4X4 - Lealericambi.com

www.lealericambi.com

I am considering welding a flange to the housing instead, so I can service the visco without cutting it up every time.
A cheap source of the visco fluid is any Scania Parts center. Their fan visco coupling silicone oil is commonly used to service VW T3 viscos.

 

[DaveMcT]

The 169 4x4 rear subframe is notable for rust and parts are not available. Though you can get new swing arms. Anyone buying one should jack up the back end and thoroughly check the subframe. Any parts that are rusting could be reinforced and galvanised before they get too bad but it wont be a cheap option. You will be stuffed when it does rust to failure, because (even if there is metal to weld to) there won't be any datum points to work from.

Fiat Panda 4x4 Rear Subframe for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for Fiat Panda 4x4 Rear Subframe. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk

This has a confusing title but is for a 169. (312 model has something more like the 4x2 rear axle).

Right

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/22590905...0uWHMHpnFlbETJ2ObRWFom/R5KU=|tkp:BFBMyr3QnPNl

Left

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