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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.
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