How it works, features and generations of the Super Select transmission
Content
Mitsubishi's Super Select transmission revolutionized all-wheel drive systems in the early 90s. The driver requires one shift of the lever, and at his service - three transmission modes and a downshift.
What is Mitsubishi All-Wheel Drive Transmission
The Super Select 4WD transmission was first implemented on the Pajero model. The design of the system made it possible at speeds up to 90 km / h to switch the off-road vehicle to required travel mode:
- rear;
- four-wheel drive;
- four-wheel drive with a locked center differential;
- reduction gear (at speeds up to 20 km / h).
For the first time, the Super Select all-wheel drive transmission has been tested on an off-road vehicle for the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance sporting event. After high marks from experts, the system is installed as standard on all SUVs and minibuses of the company.
The design instantly switches the mono drive to all-wheel drive on slippery surfaces. When driving off-road, the center differential is locked.
The low gear allows for a significant increase in the torque on the wheels.
Generations of the system on Pajero Sport and other models
Since its serial production in 1992, the transmission has undergone only one modernization and one update. Generations I and II are distinguished by small changes in the design of the differential, and the redistribution of torque. The modernized Select 2+ system uses the Thorsen, which replaced the viscous coupling.
The system consists of two main elements:
- transfer case for 3 modes;
- reduction gear or range multiplier in two stages.
Clutch synchronizers provide mode switching directly while the car is moving.
A characteristic feature of the transmission is that the viscous coupling only adjusts the operation of the differential when distributing torque. When driving around the city, the node is inactive.
The table below shows the use of the Super Select transmission in Mitsubishi vehicles:
| Super Select of the first and second generation and 2+ | ||
| 1 | 2 | 2+ |
| Mitsubishi L200 Pajero (I and II) Pajero Sport Pajero Pinin Delica | Pajero (III and IV) Pajero Sport (XNUMX) | Mitsubishi L200(V) Pajero Sport (XNUMX) |
Principle of operation
The transmission of the first generation uses a symmetrical bevel differential, the moment is transmitted through a gear sliding gear with synchronizers. Gear changes are carried out with a lever.
The main characteristics of "Super Select-1":
- mechanical lever;
- distribution of the moment between the axles 50x50;
- reduction gear ratio: 1-1,9 (Hi-Low);
- use of viscous coupling 4H.
The second generation of the system received an asymmetrical all-wheel drive, the torque transmission ratio changed - 33:67 (in favor of the rear axle), while the Hi-Low reduction ratio remained unchanged.
In the design, the mechanical control lever was replaced with an electronic one using an electric drive. By default, the transmission is set to travel mode 2H, with a leading rear axle. When the all-wheel drive is connected, the viscous coupling is responsible for the correct operation of the differential.
In 2015, the design of the transmission was refined. The viscous coupling was replaced by a Torsen differential, the system was named Super Select 4WD generation 2+. An asymmetrical differential was left in the system, which transmits power in a ratio of 40:60, and the gear ratio of 1-2,56 Hi-Low has also changed.
To switch modes, the driver just needs to use the selector washer, there is no “hand-out” lever.
Super Select Features
The all-wheel drive system has four main and one additional operating modes that allow the car to move on asphalt, mud and snow:
- 2H - rear-wheel drive only. The most economical mode, used in the city on a regular road. In this mode, the center differential is completely unlocked.
- 4H - all-wheel drive with automatic locking. The transition to four-wheel drive can be carried out at speeds up to 100 km / h from 2H mode, simply by releasing the gas pedal and moving the lever or pressing the selector button. The 4H provides maneuverability on any road while maintaining controllability. The differential will lock automatically when wheel slip is detected on the rear axle.
- 4НLc - four-wheel drive with hard blocking. The mode is designed for steep terrain and for roads with minimal grip: mud, slippery slopes. 4HLc cannot be used in the city - the transmission is under critical loads.
- 4LLc - active downshift. Used when it is necessary to provide the wheels with maximum torque. This mode must be activated only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
- R / D Lock is a special locking mode that allows you to simulate the locking of the rear cross-axle differential.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main plus of the transmission from Mitsubishi is the switchable differential all-wheel drive, which surpasses the practicality of the famous Part-Time. It is possible to change driving modes on the fly. By using only rear-wheel drive, fuel consumption is reduced. According to the manufacturer, the difference in fuel consumption is about 2 liters per 100 kilometers.
Additional benefits of the transmission:
- the ability to use four-wheel drive for an unlimited time;
- ease of use;
- universality;
- reliability.
Despite the clear advantages, the Japanese all-wheel drive system has a significant drawback - the high cost of repairs.
Honors from Easy Select
The Easy Select transmission is often referred to as the lightweight version of the “Super Select”. The main feature is that the system uses a rigid connection of the front axle without a center differential. Therefore, the four-wheel drive is manually engaged only when necessary.
Never drive a car with Easy Select with all-wheel drive engaged. Transmission units are not designed for constant loads.
Useful video
Check out the video below for more information on how the Super Select transmission works:
It is worth noting that while Super Select remains one of the most versatile and simple all-wheel drive systems. There are already sophisticated electronically controlled options, but they are all significantly more expensive.
