MECHANICAL COUPLING PANDA 4WD - mod. 312 (2012-2023) - 169 (2009-2011)

This version of the Prometeo Mechanical Coupling can fit to Panda 4WD equipped with series electro-hydraulic coupling (approx. made since 2009 to 2023).

In short, this coupling can fit to the following models:

• Panda 4x4 model 169, approx. made since 2009 to 2011;
• Panda 4x4 model 312, made after 2011

Series electro-hydraulic coupling ("Giunto Elettroidraulico") is fixed to the rear axle, as shown in the following picture:

For Panda versions with series viscous coupling (made until 2008), right Prometeo mechanical coupling is available here.

This transformation kit is dedicated to all those who had the old Panda and regret the traction system!!!
In fact, the first and second series of Panda 4x4 has greatly grown in comfort and roominess, but surely has a traction system less effective than the progenitor.

Operation is very simple: a lever in the passenger compartment (behind the parking brake) allows you to choose between two types of traction:

• 4x4, that is front bridge and rear bridge rigidly connected, as in the old Panda and as in many specialized off-road vehicles;
• 4x2, traction only on the front deck: useful to reduce fuel consumption on surfaces with good grip

Watch the video that highlights main phases of assembling procedure of this Mechanical Coupling!

The kit consists of the joint and the lever: the joint is installed in place of the standard viscous one and the lever is fixed in the cockpit. 

The lever will then be covered with the standard tunnel, which requires a simple change by eliminating the housing of the rear cup holder. A small hole 10mm in diameter will be made on the body of the car to pass the control cables between the cockpit and the joint.

No further changes are necessary, as the entire system uses holes and supports already existing on the car. So the installation of this kit is perfectly reversible.

The coupling lever fits perfectly into the tunnel between the front seats

The PROMETEO coupling has been designed for off-road use of the Panda 4x4

The construction of the joint is particularly accurate, all the external components are made of stainless steel and the case is made of aluminum. 

These measures eliminate the problems of rust, typical of vehicles on difficult paths. The bearings used are of excellent brand (SKF).

The joint is made of corrosion resistant materials suitable for the most demanding off-road applications

Operation under the vehicle to install the control cables is minimised.

As mentioned, the installation does not require irreversible changes to the car. Despite being a simple operation, it was decided to entrust the installation of the joint only to professionals. Therefore this product can only be purchased and installed by mechanics.

Like all technical products Prometeo Meccanica the joint is built in Italy and guaranteed 2 years. However, we point out that incorrect use of the car off-road or improper use of the joint on surfaces with excellent adhesion can wear out the transmission components.

We guarantee our product, you guarantee us to use the car and not to abuse it beyond the limits of reasonable!

The Prometeo coupling can only be used legally off-road!

Advantages and defects of the Mechanical Coupling

Advantages:

• Greater drive of the car
• Guarantee to have 4 wheels always in grip even downhill
• In 4x2 mode decrease in friction and consumption

Defects:

• As the coupling control is not synchronized, it is possible to fix the lever when the vehicle is stationary. It is therefore advisable to insert the vehicle in a light motion
• 4x4 traction is recommended for use only on low grip surfaces.
• Noise: the Prometeo coupling can highlight more clearly a noise problem derived from the transmission shaft of the Panda 4x4; it is not a defect of our coupling, but a problem of the transmission congenital in the Panda 4x4

Anyway, tests made and customer feedback tell us that noise is less accentuated (or completely missing) than what is normally perceived with the version that replacing viscous coupling (mod. 169 until 2008).