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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. |
