Keep in mind that there are both manual and automatic locking differentials. Most AWD and 4WD vehicles come with a center lock that allows you to split the speed difference between the front and rear axle, and often these locks are designed to be engaged when you’re about to lose traction.
Unlike an open differential that allows both wheels to turn at different speeds when turning corners, the locker forces the axles to rotate at the same speed and is designed to only be engaged once traction is lost. However, when traction is needed, the axles can be mechanically locked together forcing the wheels to rotate at the same speed. The disadvantage is that if you’re driving in mud or snow, one wheel can spin with no traction while the wheel with better traction achieves half the overall torque the vehicle would’ve otherwise used to get unstuck.ĭuring turns, a locking differential operates like an open differential - the wheels can rotate at different speeds. The main benefit of this is the basic function of any differential - enabling the axle to turn more effectively and allow the outside wheel to move faster to cover more ground (in addition to being cheap to produce). This is advantageous for roads and even surfaces with traction. In an open differential, the amount of torque is divided equally between the wheels. Open differentials are common among many commuter cars and trucks that aren’t used for off-roading or heavy towing. Locking Differential VS Open Differential Lockers are used to overcome a limitation of an open differential in off-road conditions by locking the center, front or rear differential to distribute power and torque evenly to both sides of the differential. When you lock a differential, the axle can turn both wheels simultaneously regardless of any traction difference. Locking differentials, or “lockers”, allow you to lock the center, front, or rear differential to evenly distribute power and torque to all the wheels on the vehicle. This pushes equal power through to all wheels. How does an Electronic Locking Differential work?Ī differential lock secures the differential in place, making all the wheels on the axle move at the same speed. Cars only have one differential, but 4X4 vehicles can have up to three differentials – front, center and rear. This differential directs power to the wheel that is easiest to rotate - providing different power to each wheel according to its needs.
As such, all powered axles - front and rear in a 4WD - have a differential. The four wheels on your 4X4 need to be able to run at different speeds, to enable your vehicle to turn corners efficiently. The differential of a vehicle is the gears that send power to each of the wheels of the car.
We’ll outline the differences so you can better understand how everything works and have a smoother, safer, and better driving experience. This can sometimes create problems when off-roading and maneuvering on difficult or slippery terrain, which is why differential locks exist.ĭepending on where you’re going or what you’re driving, knowing the difference between the various differential locks on your vehicle and how they interact with your drive train will determine the difference between being stuck and having a smooth ride. On a vehicle with 4WD, each of the wheels receive power independently from the others.
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