Maintenance and Care Tips For Air Locking Differentials
ARB Air Locking Differentials allow a vehicle to have increased traction by locking axles at a 50/50 left-right split. This provides greater traction, making a vehicle more capable, allowing you to get to where you want to go easier. These drive train parts are exceptionally durable, easy to use, and reliable. In order to keep them working perfectly, there are things you can do to maintain and care for them. Here, we’ll look at maintenance and care tips for air locking differentials. Don’t worry, there aren’t too many. Like other vehicle transmission and drivetrain parts, a little maintenance will help extend an air locking differential’s service life.
The Basics
An ARB Air Locking Differential system is composed of pneumatic, electric, and mechanical drivetrain components. You have an air compressor to actuate the locking diff, the electrical components needed to power the air compressor, and the locking differential itself which locks the axles for maximum off-road traction.
There isn’t a lot of maintenance on ARB Air Locking Differential systems. However, there are things that should be done regularly to ensure things are working properly and will extend the product’s service life.
First things first, periodically inspect the differential’s components. A good time to do this is at oil changes. Pop under the rig to check air lines and fittings. Make sure your electrical connections are secure. Test to check you have power to the system. If you’re off-roading frequently, you may want to check in between oil changes to inspect the various items associated with the locking differentials.
Power train parts and other mechanical devices don’t like to just sit, they want to be used. An ARB Air Locking Differential setup is no different. Using your system regularly will help to make sure it’s still operating correctly. Every so often, engage your locking differential(s) if you haven’t been off-road in a while. This keeps the system working and free from potential moisture or corrosion build-up.
Routine Maintenance/Service Intervals
There are some specific things ARB recommends for maintenance on drive train parts (such as air locking differentials), and you’ll find that below. Keep in mind, the climate you live in will dictate the fluids/lubricants used with your ARB Air Locking Differential. The bullets below will detail what to use in which climate, and under what kind of conditions.
Afterthe First 1,500 Miles (2,500km)—and After Each 31,000 Miles (50,000km of Off-Road Use or 46,000 Miles (75,000km) of Off-Road Use
- Change your differential oil and clean/replace the axle breather.
- And remember: Always fill until the gear oil is almost level will the filler plug hole, then manually rotate the differential several times, then fill until level with plughole.
Every 7,460 Miles (12,000km)
- Check the differential oil level and inspect for leaks.
After Each Use in Water and/or Mud
- Change the differential oil to maintain viscosity and flush out any trapped water, mud, or other debris.
- Clean and replace the breather.
After Each Use in Dense Bush or Protruding Rocks
- Inspect all sections of exposed airlines for abrasions or cuts. A compromised airline can lead to leaks, affecting the ability to pressurize the system.
- If the line is compromised, replace the section of line in question.
After Each Heavy Use (e.g. Racing/Competition)
- Change the differential oil to maintain viscosity and flush out foreign objects.
Every Six Months
- Operate the locking differential to ensure it’s in good working order.
- Check the air system for moisture condensation or oil.
- Flush clean with compressed air if necessary.
- Clean or replace axle breather.
Recommended Lubricant Specifications
Since ARB Air Locking Differentials are used worldwide, different locations and climate will dictate which lubricants should be used with these drive train parts.
Temperate Climates
- Light to Medium Road Use: Use API GL-5 90 weight mineral-based gear oil, or what is specified by the vehicle’s service manual.
- Recreational Enthusiast/Light Commercial Use: Use API GL-5 90 to 140 weight synthetic or semi-synthetic EP gear oil.
- Heavy Recreational/Motorsport/Industrial Use: AP1 MT-1 or SAEJ2360 140 weight full synthetic oil.
Subtropical Climates
- Light to Medium Road Use: API GL-5 90 weight mineral-based gear oil, or what is specified by the vehicle’s service manual.
- Recreational Enthusiast/Light Commercial Use: API GL-5 90 to 140 weight
- mineral, synthetic or semisynthetic EP gear oil.
- Heavy Recreational/Motorsport/Industrial Use: AP1 MT-1 or SAEJ2360 140 to 250 weight full synthetic oil.
Tropical Climates
- Light to Medium Road Use: API GL-5 150 weight mineral-based gear oil, or what is specified by the vehicle’s service manual.
- Recreational Enthusiast/Light Commercial Use: API GL-5 140 weight
- mineral, synthetic or semisynthetic EP gear oil.
- Heavy Recreational/Motorsport/Industrial Use: AP1 MT-1 or SAEJ2360 140 to 250 weight full synthetic oil.
ARB Air Compressor Maintenance
Of course, a locking differential itself is only one part of a complete system of power train parts. To operate the air locking differential, you need an air compressor.
If you’re using an ARB on-board air compressor—brushed or brushless—there is almost zero maintenance. The only thing you need to do? Clean the air filter.
To do this, simply remove the filter cover from the housing. This will expose the filter disk. Remove the disk and place it under running water for a quick, thorough cleaning. Note: If the compressor is used often, it’s good to clean the filter during every engine oil change.
And like the locking differential itself, using the air compressor helps keep the product running reliably.
Replacement Parts
There’s truly minimal maintenance to an ARB Air Locking Differential system and its components. But, should you need replacement parts, they’re available. (We also have a webpage showing how to perform field repairs.)
For example, it’s rare to need a cooper line replacement or repair, but ARB offers kit #170109 in case you do. Due to this part’s location, it may be best to have a professional installer replace this item, or someone who is intimately familiar with the inner workings of an ARB Air Locking Differential.
If there is an issue, it’s more than likely going to be the locking differential’s air line itself. But have no fear, these are easy to repair and replace. Of note, during installation, air lines should be routed around hot, sharp, and rotating objects to prevent damage. But occasionally you may end up with a puncture or tear due to rocks, brush, or other trail hazards. The common ARB Blue 5mm line is part ASK001.
The 6mm ARB Black line is170314 and the 6mm push-in fitting is 170213SP. You’ll need to cut and splice the lines with the appropriate ARB air fittings. Cutting the line is simple and can often be done using a razor knife. Having spare air line is a good practice, just in case you snag one while in the bush or on the trail.
Need other parts? Our customer service team can help find exactly what you’re needing. We also offer a Customer Support Center offering a variety of product FAQs, helpful articles, and a whole lot more.
Low Maintenance, High Performance
As you can see, and ARB Air Locking Differential, as well as the air compressor, require hardly any maintenance. Right from the factory, they’re designed to be ultra strong by using premium components with decades of engineering know-how. There’s a reason ARB Air Locking Differentials are trusted worldwide in over 100 countries by off-roaders and racers alike, especially at events such as Ultra4’s King of the Hammers. These people know they can trust ARB to get them to where they want to go, whether that’s to a favorite camping site or across the finish line.
