tomjv

How does it work(mechanically)?
Should it make noise? Like grinding, rubbing ?


I tried out the hill decent today and it makes a grinding/rubbing/chaffing noise from under the driver side (transfer case)? Is this normal. It's nothing crazy, but it's there. I'm not a noise freak either.


TomJV

excell

It's done entirely through the ABS (anti-lock brakes) module, it uses the module to brake each wheel to keep the desired speed. It's totally normal to hear grinding and whirring, exactly like if ABS activated in a panic stop.

moparado

Yep as excell said its probably the brakes making the grinding noise.

WildernessLVR

For those without the system on your trucks, you can accomplish exactly the same mechanical functions of the hill descent control without all that noise, by using tow/haul or even better manual shifting and applying the brakes yourself to control the speed.


(and not criticizing anything, just passing on some info...)

Old64

Does "Hill Descent" keep the truck from sliding sideways when going down a hill that's very icy by applying individual brakes to keep it straight?

Ricktwuhk

Hill Descent applies the brakes INDIVIDUALLY, so no, you can't manually shift and apply the brakes yourself and get the same effect - you have no way to only apply the brake on the right front, or let off the left rear.

It apparently does work well on an icy/slippery hill to maintain the vehicle at a constant speed going straight.

chimmike

HDC's main purpose, in my understanding, is to maintain a controlled speed while descending a steep hill. I do not think it has anything to do with the surface (or keeping it straight), you may want to confirm with your owner's manual.

TwinSpinFX4

Like Rick said, my understanding is that the system sends pressure to the brake calipers individually as if you had 4 brake pedals, with the intention that the system will not bind all 4 corners at the same time which should help with sliding and stability. The noise is normal and I think the manual states that the system could overheat after prolonged use.

Old64

Thanks guys. Looks like I have some reading to do!

icecoldak

You will not be able to do what the computers are doing to your brake system going down a slippery muddy hill or loose dirt ect.....each individual wheel will get the braking it needs as the computer detects slip---