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When
making a turn, the outer wheels of a
vehicle must travel faster than the
inner wheels. It is up to the
differential to act as a balance
arm, establishing constant
equilibrium of torques and forces
between the left-hand and right-hand
driven wheels. In standard (or open)
differentials, power is directed to
the wheel offering the least
resistance. This works well when
making a turn, but in a situation
where one wheel is lifted off the
ground, it causes the suspended
wheel to turn while the other
remains motionless.
Limited-slip (or positraction) and
locking differentials are
traction-increasing devices. Locking
differentials transfer all available
torque to both wheels. The teeth of
the spider assembly engage with
those on the locker clutch, causing
both axle shafts to operate as one.
Locking differentials don't allow
one drive wheel to spin while the
other remains stationary. Instead,
they keep both wheels in drive mode,
but unlock to permit different wheel
speeds when turning. The engaging
and disengaging of the teeth on
automatic locking differentials
often causes a banging and clunking
sound. Manual locking differentials
usually use an electric motor or
vacuum diaphragm to engage the
locker, reducing this noise.
Limited-slip
differentials allow different wheel
speeds when turning, but when one
wheel loses traction, greater torque
is transferred to the wheel offering
more resistance. Limited-slip
differentials make use of friction
between clutch plates, as opposed to
the meshing teeth employed by
locking differentials. Transferring
less torque per side, limited-slip
differentials are generally smoother
and quieter than locking
differentials, but still sometimes
"chatter" when transferring torque
to the wheel with traction.
In
some differential applications, a
friction modifier additive is
necessary to reduce chatter. AMSOIL
Slip-Lock Differential Additive is
formulated with advanced friction
modifiers and is designed to
eliminate gear-housing chatter in
cars, trucks and SUVs equipped with
limited-slip, positraction and
locking differentials. It also
reduces the banging and clunking
associated with automatic locking
differentials.
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential
Additive is formulated for use with
both synthetic and petroleum gear
lubricants and safely replaces
manufacturer recommended friction
modifiers. Its convenient flip-top
dispenser provides quick and easy
application to the gear housing. One
four-ounce bottle of Slip-Lock
treats differential capacities of
two to four quarts. It is not for
use in automatic transmissions or
other applications requiring ATF.
NOTE: AMSOIL Synthetic Gear Lubes do
not require the use of this
additive. However, not all
differentials respond the same and
if chatter is noticed, the addition
of AMSOIL Slip-Lock will eliminate
it. For chattering differentials not
running AMSOIL Gear Lube, this
product is an excellent solution to
the problem. |