What do the three locks of the Mercedes-Benz G mean?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz G's three locks refer to the central differential lock, front axle differential lock, and rear axle differential lock. Below is an introduction to their meanings: 1. When the car is in motion, activating the central differential lock is suitable for driving on surfaces with gravel, slight bumps, or slopes. When the car is traveling on poor road conditions, the differential lock comes into play. 2. After activating the front axle differential lock, all wheels of the car will have the same traction. This is more suitable for extremely harsh road conditions or situations where wheels on the same side lose traction. The front axle differential lock is generally used to free the car from being stuck or when driving in the desert. 3. The rear axle differential lock is also suitable for encountering roads with severe rocks or bumps. When the rear axle differential lock is activated, the car's rear wheels will have strong traction.
I truly understood the three differential locks when driving a Mercedes-Benz G off-road. They are actually three differential locks: front axle, rear axle, and center differential lock. When stuck, just lock the center differential, and the power is evenly distributed between the front and rear axles. If a wheel is spinning in the air, lock the front or rear axle separately to forcibly stop the spinning wheel and redirect power to the gripping tires. I remember once climbing a rocky slope when the right rear wheel was spinning wildly in the air—clicking the rear differential lock immediately made the left rear wheel grip, and the car climbed right up. However, never engage these locks on regular roads, as full steering lock can damage the driveshaft.
Researching the Mercedes-Benz G-Class chassis reveals the sheer brilliance of its three differential lock design. The center differential lock manages power distribution between the front and rear axles, while the front and rear locks independently control left-right wheel torque on their respective axles. Simply put, the mechanism locks the differentials, creating a rigid connection between wheels. When a front wheel gets stuck in desert sand, locking just the front axle can free the vehicle—unlike other off-roaders that require all four wheels locked. However, operating these mechanical locks demands strict sequence: first center, then rear, finally front axle. The unlocking procedure must follow the exact reverse order. While newer models replace manual levers with electronic switches, purists still cherish the tactile ritual of the old-school lever operation.
