Locker Help
06-23-2009 | 07:40 AM
#11
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,882
Likes: 172
From: Maine
Originally Posted by ;1196738
The factory locker uses an electric solenoid (3) to mesh 2 large toothed rings (item 2 in graphic). These lock the left and right output splines to one another. When turning, they are tying to turn at different speeds and that puts alot load on the parts between the splines to keep them from doing that. Item 2, the locker rings engage straight in and out. This is also why sometimes it takes little time to get them to lock, the teeth are bumping into each other and need a little difference in speed. If is taking time to disengage, drive in a straight line and wiggle left and right to get them to seperate. Be on looose ground when using the locker.
The loud popping is either a broken part, or hopefully, the locker jumping teeth. Either way, to get them to engage or disengage, your "wiggling" should only be slight left to rights to get the teeth lined up (to engage) or unloaded (to disengage).
The loud popping is either a broken part, or hopefully, the locker jumping teeth. Either way, to get them to engage or disengage, your "wiggling" should only be slight left to rights to get the teeth lined up (to engage) or unloaded (to disengage).
The dog clutch locks one side gear to the diff case. This makes it so the spider gears can no longer rotate separately from that shaft. In not rotating, it drags the other axle shaft around with it. That's why there are 4 spider gears in the locker differential. They take the load of being locked.
The op's problem is he has exceeded the dog clutch's capability to stay engaged under load. The square dogs are probably rounded off.
I agree with RCJeeper, in that the noise is the clutch dogs jumping teeth.
Or, it could be something else.
Edit to add: There is the possibility the op is correct about the locker intentionally slipping by under extreme loads. The picture in RCJeeper's post shows square teeth on both sides of the clutch. If they were slightly tapered, they would slip by under a designed load limit. That would prevent broken parts that could leave you stranded.
Last edited by ronjenx; 06-23-2009 at 07:53 AM.