Power Flow

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 GMC Yukon XL, 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and 2012 Cadillac Escalade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Power Flow

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

When the BW 4485 is operating in the AWD mode, the power flows from the transmission to the transfer case input shaft (1). The input shaft (1) delivers the power to the planetary differential (4). The case of the planetary differential (4) is splined to the input shaft (1). The planetary differential (4) splits the torque 40 percent through the front differential pinion gears (3) to the front sun gear (8). The front sun gear (8) is engaged with the drive sprocket (2), which drives the chain (9) to the front output shaft (10), and power is delivered to the front propeller shaft. 60 percent of the torque to the rear output shaft (6) goes through the rear differential pinion gears (7) and rear sun gear (5), which is connected to the rear output shaft (6) and to the rear propeller shaft.