MAZDA 323 is also available in a four-wheel drive version. Additional elements are required to drive the rear wheels. The drive of the front and rear wheels is connected by a cardan shaft. The cardan shaft drives the rear wheel differential, from which two drive shafts extend to the rear wheels.
To compensate for the different rotation speeds of the front and rear wheels, for example when turning, a transfer case is required (intermediate differential). The transfer case is designed as a set of planetary gears with a sun and crown gear. Models from 10/90 with a turbo engine: The transfer case is equipped with a self-locking viscous clutch, which automatically connects the rear axle when there is a difference in speed between the front and rear wheels. A small difference in speed is acceptable, but the greater the difference, the more the clutch is locked, due to which more force is transferred from the rear wheels to the road. Cars without a turbo engine, as well as all models up to 9/90: The transfer case can be locked by the driver via a switch on the center console. An electric motor engages a cam clutch, which closes the transfer case. Thanks to this, the car can move freely in deep snow or mud if one wheel slips.
Attention! Under normal conditions, the intermediate differential must be constantly engaged, since otherwise the drive axle is heavily overloaded when turning; in addition, the dynamic characteristics deteriorate. The transfer case is fixed to the gearbox, but has a separate oil filling. Transmission oils must be replaced as part of regular maintenance.
Manual transmission: The box is filled with 2.6 l (turbo engine up to 9/89: 3.6 l) oils for automatic transmissions DEXRON II above -18°C, API class GL-4, viscosity SAE 75 W-90.
Transfer case: Fill with 5.0 liters of API GL-5 transmission oil, viscosity SAE 90. At temperatures below -18°C, API GL-5 SAE 80W oil is prescribed.
Rear axle differential: Filled with 0.65 liters of API GL-5, SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90 transmission oil, this oil should also be changed regularly as part of maintenance. Repair work on differentials should be carried out in a specialized workshop.
Caution! For towing of all-wheel drive vehicles, see. Introduction.