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Please note - some technical features may differ between models.
ARB Air Locker’s patented design has proved extremely reliable, even under the most arduous conditions. The Air Locker’s strength comes via structural components manufactured from aerospace grades of high alloy steels. ARB engineers increase the number of differential pinion gears, where possible, to distribute torque loads evenly, thus adding to the overall strength of the differential. Many recent Air Locker designs utilize timed gear sets, which further improve strength. This latest introduction to our design and manufacturing process has led to the acquisition of a second US patent on the product.
The design process of an Air Locker involves countless hours of testing. Computerized Finite Element Analysis (FEA) allows the designer to subject each Air Locker design to 'virtual' off road driving stress simulations much more extreme than those experienced in real life.
Destructive laboratory testing is carried out on prototypes 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 temperature running conditions (120°C), low temperature running conditions (-24°C), and harsh wheelspin engagement, for cycle durations of more than 20,000 actuations. Finally, field-testing is carried out with units being fitted to test 4WDs - from Jeep Wranglers to Toyota LandCruisers - operating in the harshest environments imaginable.
Once this exhaustive design phase is complete, Air Lockers are manufactured in Australia by ARB, and sold throughout the world.
 Differential
Case |
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Fully machined one piece nodular iron diff carrier case offers the rigidity of a one piece factory differential with twice the standard number of pinion gears to cope with the torque  |
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 Flange
Cap Assembly |
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Fully machined nodular iron flange cap incorporates the stationary side of ARB’s tough, proven and patented timed locking mechanism.  |
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 Splined
Side Gear |
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The highest grade of nickel alloy steel, aerospace grade surface treatments, and ARB’s own patented timed locking system make this the most ‘lockable’ gear in the industry  |
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 Pinion
Gear |
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ARB has re-defined differential gear tooth geometry to yield structural advantages of up to 30% over commercially available high strength gears.  |
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 Clutch
Gear |
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ARB’s patented locking system actually supports the side gear teeth, giving you more torque handling exactly when you need it.  |
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 Spider
Block |
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A billet machined alloy steel spider block supports the cross shafts, using the torque applied at each shaft to support the next shaft along  |
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 Long
Cross Shaft |
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Alloy steels and performance surface technology make for a high pressure running fit that can handle an enormous amount of punishment.  |
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 Cross
Shaft Retaining Pin |
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Custom made one piece hardened retaining pins lock into the assembly using a tapered thread junction.  |
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 Bonded
Seal |
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steel reinforced, elastomer bonded annular seal has been proven to handle 20,000+ cycles under the most extreme climactic temperatures on earth.  |
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 Return
Springs |
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Where other locking differentials depend on complex external actuator systems to engage and disengage the lock, ARB Air Lockers use between 4 and 12 return springs to support the entire profile of the locking gear for a fast, positive, and independent disengagement when the air is exhausted.  |
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 Air
Supply |
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At the flick of a dash mounted switch, compressed air is delivered to a seal housing assembly via a nylon air line.  |
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Solenoid Valve |
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Manufactured from a machined and anodized billet, and sealed against moisture and dust to IP54 standards, ARB’s heavy duty solenoid controls the air actuation. A low watt coil ensures extra long life and protection against hot environments. Please note - some technical features may differ between models.  |
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