What is a Differential Lock?
1 Answers
Differential lock is a locking mechanism installed on the central differential, used in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Its purpose is to enhance the vehicle's off-road capability on poor road surfaces. When one of the vehicle's drive axles loses traction, the differential lock can quickly lock the differential, turning the two drive axles into a rigid connection. This allows most or even all of the torque to be transferred to the non-slipping drive axle, fully utilizing its traction to generate sufficient driving force and enabling the vehicle to continue moving. Different types of differentials employ various locking methods. Currently, common differential lock mechanisms include: forced locking, high-friction self-locking, dog clutch, Torsen, and viscous coupling.