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.