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AIR LOCKER LOCKING DIFFERENTIALS
Design
& Engineering
The Air Locker design process involves exhaustive testing.
Computerised Finite Element Analysis (FEA) allows us to
subject each Air Locker design to "virtual" off road simulations
far more extreme than those encountered in real life. Destructive
laboratory testing is carried out to ensure the strength
of the Air Locker exceeds that of the axles or other driveline
components.
Environmental test cells subject prototype models
to high (+120C) and low (-24C) temperature running conditions,
as well as harsh wheelspin engagement for cycle durations
of more than 20,000 actuations. Finally, field-testing is
carried out in the harshest environments imaginable.
Once the design phase is complete, Air Lockers are
manufactured at
our state-of-the-art facility in Melbourne, Australia. Available
for both front and rear diffs, we have Air Lockers in
over 100 configurations
to suit a wide range of vehicles around the world.
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The world's most highly regarded traction aid, an
ARB Air Locker is
a driver controlled locking differential originally designed
to give serious 4 wheelers the traction needed to combat
extreme off road terrain. When extra traction is required,
the driver activates the Air Locker via a convenient dash
mounted switch. Pneumatic pressure, supplied by an
onboard air compressor
engages ARB's patented locking mechanism within the Air
Locker, thus preventing the wheels from turning independently.
The Air Locker is deactivated by flicking a switch, returning
the differential to normal.
ARB Air Locker's patented design has proved ultra dependable,
even in the most arduous conditions. It's strength lies
in its simplicity - minimal moving parts ensures maximum
reliability. All structural components are manufactured
from aerospace grades of high alloy steel, and where possible,
we increase the number of differential pinion gears to distribute
torque loads evenly. Many recent Air Locker designs also
utilise timed gear sets to further improve strength, a design
feature that has led to a second US patent on the product.
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Toyota
7.5" IFS Air Locker, shown with OEM crown wheel & bearing
