Rear Differential Lock, do you know what it is and how it works on your vehicle?
Well, I am so amazed as some of my viewers in my Youtube channel, asks me about this driving mode even though my Mitsubishi Monterosport is a 4×2 SUV.
I don’t even have a single idea about this mode either. So I thought I have to research about it and write a short post that will explain the purpose of rear differential lock system in utility vehicles.
So to those fans who pitched this question to me, thank you to all of you and this blog post is the answer to your queries.
What Does a Locking Differential Do?
More known as lockers, what a locking differential do is to “lock” the axles together to provide 100% torque to the wheel with traction. Locking differentials can either be available at the front or rear, which is of course found in 4 wheel drive vehicles.
To give you a better perspective, in normal driving of a 4×2, rear-wheel vehicle, the front wheels has no differential and are free to turn at any speed. The same principle in a front-wheel drive cars where the rear wheels have no torque or power.
Now in 4 wheel drive vehicles, they either have front or rear wheel lockers but most often the conversation is focused on rear diff lockers.
During turns, a locking differential functions as an open differential where the wheels can turn at any given speed. When the traction is needed (like if you are stuck in a mud or in an uphill turn), the axles can be locked together which forces the wheels to rotate at the same torque and speed.
So engineers designed lockers to specifically address the unpredictable terrain in off-roading situations especially when one wheel is off the ground or have less traction.
Once the axles are locked, the wheel with less or no traction won’t get any torque and the wheel with traction receives all the power, which allows the vehicle to move and overcome the difficult surface.
Summary
So there you have it guys! A locking differential in either front or rear wheels, when engaged, disables both wheels to spin freely and ensures that the wheels spin at the same rate, applying unequal torque to each tire on the axle.
The main purpose is to reduce the risk of losing traction or wheel spinning.
Still confused? Watch the video below and learn the complete 4-wheel drive system yourself!
Image Credits:
CarsGuide.com.au
https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/advice/diff-locks-what-they-are-and-how-they-can-help-you-get-the-job-done-79535
ToyotaJeff Reviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI-nbm0tiMQ
