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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.
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