Most new cars are equipped with a differential lock. Some of the older models also have this mechanism, but mainly these are SUVs and trucks. But today, every self-respecting manufacturer for greater vehicle cross-country ability over rough terrain and in bad conditions weather conditions, complements the drive system with this mechanism.
As a rule, it is installed on the rear axle, but more and more often you can find cars with locking front and rear wheels. Fashion trend became an electronic differential lock. The benefits of the system cannot be overestimated; it is not for nothing that many car enthusiasts install it on cars that were not originally equipped with the mechanism. To get excited about this idea, it is enough to experience the difference in driving with and without torque limitation. Or at least see how these cars will behave in difficult road conditions.
But first, you should learn in more detail about what a differential lock is and what role it plays in the drive from the gearbox to the wheel axle.
What is differential
Not many drivers know that the right and left wheels travel different distances when driving. This phenomenon is due to the fact that when turning the wheels rotate under different angles in relation to the axle shaft. The outer one travels a greater distance when turning than the inner one. The differential distributes torque between both wheels depending on the movement of each of them. If one of the wheels for some reason stops turning, its load goes to the neighboring one.
The non-driving axles have no connection with each other, so the wheels rotate independently of each other. The axle shafts of the driving wheels are connected to each other. The drive is designed in such a way that one axle shaft and transmission can spin both wheels. On a flat road with good coverage- it is practically not felt. But on rough terrain, slippery or wet roads, the lack of a uniform torque distribution system makes itself known immediately. A non-locking differential rotates only the axle shaft that has the least resistance.
Roughly speaking, a differential is a unit unit that distributes torque to the wheels along the axle shafts.
Operating principle
The restriction system has the following main components:
- the differential itself;
- planetary gear or, in common parlance, planetary gear;
- shank that fits the driveshaft.
The part is connected to the axle shaft. As a rule, it is installed in the rear of the car. Of course, the differential itself contains a set of gears and other parts, but this list will be enough to understand how the mechanism works.
If the differential is not initially equipped with a limiter, the towing wheel will take on the entire load, but no torque will be transmitted to the second one.
Important! If the car is not equipped with a locking system, when one wheel slips, the car becomes completely immobilized, since the second wheel of the drive axle also stops rotating. Installing a differential lock completely solves this problem. As a result, the wheel, which bears the main load, allows the vehicle to continue moving.
The lock can be activated manually or automatically. In any case, the wheels equipped with the system will have the same rotation speed when activated, making it easier for the vehicle to move.
You can install either a manual or automatic system yourself. The main thing is that the process will not take much time. Any car enthusiast with basic car repair skills can handle it.
Where to install
If the car is rear-wheel drive, it is better to install the lock on the rear wheel drive. But what to do if the SUV has all-wheel drive. Experts say that in this case, the locking will be more appropriate on the rear axle.
But to increase wheel grip with road surface at most difficult conditions, rear and front differential locking is installed.
Which type to choose
If you decide to install a differential lock on your car, you should decide on its type. There are two types of blocking:
- full;
- partial.
Full blocking can be carried out either manually or automatically. Partial - only automatically.
Partial blocking
It is optimal for drivers with a relaxed driving style on normal roads. This type is more gentle on the vehicle itself, since its use places less load on the transmission than in the case of full locking. It is more convenient when driving, because at the right moment it turns on independently without the participation of the driver.
Such a system can be implemented using the following parts:
- friction discs;
- helical gears.
Partial blocking has some advantages. The fact is that off-road there will be some degree of wheel slip. On a flat road, complete slipping will lead to premature tire wear. In addition, you will have to additionally install a drive system, which will force the mechanism into action.
This system will partially increase grip in difficult road conditions. Full locking ensures the same rotation speed of the axle shafts. The button will provide locking control. After pressing it, an external source is activated, which is included in the clutch with the lock.
Manual lock
The advantages of the manual system are that in normal mode with the mechanism turned off, the ride does not change in any way. The driver decides when to engage the torque limiter. This allows you to drive the car more accurately in difficult road conditions.
The disadvantages include the following factors:
Automatic blocking
Automatic system locking has its own nuances, in particular the need to customize it to the driver’s individual driving style. But the following advantages are also noted: of this type differential locks:
- when the mechanism is turned on, both hands will be on the steering wheel, while driving is carried out as usual, and the locking works only at the right moments without driver participation;
- self installation Differential locking will be easier than with a manual system.
But it is worth noting the presence of disadvantages of such a system. These include excess noise on the road when cornering, as well as the presence of a certain click every time the lock is activated.
Which type to choose
If you drive mainly on city roads, it will be enough to buy a viscous coupling or a disc clutch. If the driving is often extreme and you have to move over rough terrain, you need to install a forced full lock. This option is the most expensive. But installing the system yourself will help you save a lot of money.
Installation
In addition to the locking system itself, you will have to buy additional accessories, as well as some worn parts, if we are talking about installing the system on a car that is not new. But every car enthusiast who has the skills to repair a car will be able to install the lock themselves, which reduces the cost by about half.
To get started you will need the following tools:
- adjusting rings of different diameters;
- measuring tool for car.
- We install the car over the hole and secure it with jacks.
- We unscrew the wheels.
- We remove the drums.
- Unscrew and pull out the axle shafts.
- Then - the cardan.
- We dismantle the gearboxes.
- Set the lock and do all the steps in reverse order.
Important! To set the differential lock preload, you will have to adjust the vehicle's stroke.
Installing a differential lock in the Russian Federation is completely legal, so it can be safely used to increase the cross-country ability of vehicles of various weights.
Many drivers are increasingly installing systems on their cars, regardless of their model and configuration. This option effectively eliminates the shortcomings of the drive mechanism when distributing torque to the wheels.
Here is a video that will help you install the system yourself on your car:
The differential allows you to reduce the turning radius and increase the wheel track width. Due to this, walk-behind tractors become more mobile in operation.
There is no chance that it will unexpectedly tip over when turning. The differential allows you to lock one of the wheels, due to which independent wheel movement provides smoother turns. No application physical strength the turn increases to 240 degrees. Thus, due to this agricultural device, walk-behind tractors can make any turns easily and quickly at the end of the bed.
In this article we will talk in detail about how to design a differential for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, and we will tell you about all the advantages and disadvantages of homemade products.
Simple homemade agricultural structures
How to make a differential with your own hands? The easiest way to construct a homemade differential is as follows. You need to attach a bushing that has a transverse slot to the walk-behind axle. You need to place a short axle inside the bushing, and you can secure it from falling out using bolts inserted into the “body” of the bushing through a slot. The wheel itself is fixed on the axial side.
During operation of the walk-behind tractor, the drive axle easily rotates the bushing until the reverse slotted side presses against the bolt.
When turning the wheel, the wheel, trying to “get ahead” of the drive, pushes the bolt forward along the hole. Thus, the transmission of the turning element is “broken.” The angle of easy turning of agricultural machinery depends on the slotted length. This extension mechanism is very simple. It is quite possible for a junior specialist level turner to make it. That's why these extension cords are so popular and relatively inexpensive. As a rule, they are made with a couple of holes. Due to this, the track width can vary and connect the drive axle to the wheel.
Blueprints
To assemble a differential for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, you will need drawings. Fortunately, on the Internet a large number of diagrams and pictures of how to make a differential for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands.
As a rule, experience shows that all homemade differentials for walk-behind tractors assembled according to drawings have a small possible angle of free wheel rotation (up to 250 degrees), since the transverse groove seriously reduces the power of such an agricultural device. Also, homemade differentials on a walk-behind tractor have greater friction force, especially if dirt gets inside the bushing. Therefore, self-made differentials for walk-behind tractors are usually used for lighter walk-behind tractor models, such as the Neva.
Here are some tips for farmers on how to assemble an excellent homemade differential for a walk-behind tractor:
- The gap between the extension axle and the bushing cannot remain too small. If the corrosion process begins, they will “stick” to each other;
- To lubricate the agricultural device without preliminary disassembly, it is a good idea to place a grease nipple on the bushing;
- Extensions can be constructed from low carbon steel. The unit will be strong, reliable, and at the same time quite inexpensive in cost.
Conclusion
A homemade product like a do-it-yourself differential for a walk-behind tractor is not a particularly difficult technical task. The experience of many gardeners who managed to make differentials for a walk-behind tractor with their own hands clearly proves this. Yours hand tool quickly pays for itself and serves well in gardening work.
16658 10/08/2019 4 min.An integral part of the power drive of any vehicle that has several wheels on one axle can be considered differential for walk-behind tractor. The purpose of this mechanism is to distribute power between the wheels depending on rolling resistance, which is extremely necessary when cornering.
Since the wheel passing the outer arc of the turning path travels a greater distance in the same time than the wheel following the inner arc, it must rotate faster, otherwise it will slip.
Thus, an axle devoid of differential will be strive to straighten your movement, and this effect is expressed more strongly the greater the distance between the wheels.
Options for power distribution mechanisms
Structurally most in a simple way The solution to the problem arising due to the rigid connection of the wheels is to use overrunning clutches, which allow the wheel to rotate faster than the axle that drives it.
This mechanism is well known in all its variations: both with ratchet mechanism(bicycle wheel hub) and with wedging by rollers (electric starter bendix).
Overrunning clutches are also used in power drive range of vehicles with plug-in axles. However, such a solution has characteristic feature: When cornering, the overrunning clutch becomes disconnected on the outer radius wheel as it tends to rotate faster than the drive shaft.
To make it easier to enter a turn, on the contrary, most of the torque should be transmitted to it.
This problem is solved in the classic gear differential, which distributes power in inverse proportion to the rotational resistance of the wheels.
But it is also noticeably more difficult to produce, and also requires forced full or partial blocking on off-road conditions, since otherwise it redistributes all the power to the slipping wheel.
Need for differential
Many works performed using a walk-behind tractor (for example, cultivation) require it rectilinear movement. In this case, a rigid drive on both wheels works great, significantly reducing the cost and simplifying the walk-behind tractor.
If frequent sharp turns are necessary, a walk-behind tractor of this type will require significant physical effort - one of the wheels will be braked by lugs, and the walk-behind tractor will have to tilt, hanging the outer wheel in the air.
This is especially difficult if the walk-behind tractor has broad gauge and quite heavy.
How to make a homemade differential for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands - drawings
How to make a differential for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands? As a rule, the operation of a walk-behind tractor does not require long-term rotation of the wheel relative to the drive axis.
Due to this, often called “semi-differential” circuits, which provide the ability to freely rotate the wheel relative to the axis at a certain angle.
For more information about the “semi-differential”, watch the video:
The simplest mechanism in this case it looks like a bushing with a transverse slot attached to the axis of the walk-behind tractor. A short axle is inserted inside this bushing, secured from falling out by a bolt wrapped into its body through a slot, and the wheel is attached directly to the axle.
At the same time, when moving the walk-behind tractor the drive axle rotates the bushing freely until the rear edge of the slot rests against the bolt, and subsequently transmits torque to the axle through it.
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During a turn, the wheel, trying to overtake the drive, moves the bolt forward along the slot, breaking the transmission of torque, and the angle of easy rotation of the walk-behind tractor depends on the length of the slot.
Such extension cords are extremely simple and can be made by unskilled machine operators, and therefore are cheap and widespread. They are usually made with several additional holes allowing vary the track width walk-behind tractor and rigidly connect the wheel to the drive axle if necessary.
Drawings of these homemade differentials are widely distributed on the Internet.
Disadvantage of the described design are relatively small possible angle free rotation of the wheel (no more than 240 degrees), since the transverse groove greatly reduces the overall strength of the mechanism, and high internal friction, especially when dirt inevitably gets inside the bushing.
Most often, extension cords with free movement are used on light walk-behind tractors, like Niva.
Differential for the Salyut walk-behind tractor
The differential for walk-behind tractors Salyut and similar ones Texas, Foreman, Viking, Forza, Sadko, Don, Huter, Profi, which have a relatively large mass, has a slightly more complex design, but also a larger free play angle - within 330 degrees.
This is ensured by the fact that the engagement carried out by protrusions on the drive axle extension and on a freely rotating hub mounted on it, equipped with ball bearings. Accordingly, the hub can make almost a full rotation relative to the axis until it rests against the opposite edge of the protrusion.
It is much easier to deploy a walk-behind tractor with such differentials.
A number of designs allow the wheels to rotate freely relative to the axis and by more than one revolution. For example, the differential of walk-behind tractors “Farmer” consists of two couplings controlled by levers on the steering wheel.
If necessary, the owner of the walk-behind tractor can disengage the desired clutch, allowing the corresponding wheel to rotate as long as desired.
Let's start with the simplest option in the form axle extension with transverse groove. It will be quite reliable even if made from affordable mild steel.
In this case, firstly, no protruding parts, capable of wrapping grass around themselves; secondly, a bolt tightened all the way will not become loose over time.
The gap between the bushing and the extension axle cannot be made with too small, since when corrosion occurs they will become acidic to each other. It is highly advisable to place a grease fitting on the bushing for in-place lubrication of the structure.
More complex design with swivel hub can also be made of low carbon steel as it is easy to weld.
The finishing of the bearing holes in the hub should be done after it has been welded flange and rotation angle limiter due to the inevitable warping of the part during welding.
Self-production of a differential for a walk-behind tractor cannot be called technically challenging task, and this is proven by the experience of many owners garden equipment, and the fact that common offers in online stores copy originally handicraft designs.
The invested labor costs will pay off quickly facilitating the operation of the walk-behind tractor.
This technology has become quite widespread among car enthusiasts. This mechanism remains one of the most important nodes car, and for the vast majority of ordinary people remains extremely difficult to understand.
What is he?
With this device, the torque that generates power unit, is transmitted to each wheel, as a result of which the machine is set in motion. At the same time, there are a lot of situations in which there is a need to block differentials on an UAZ, that is, to exclude this element from the circuit using specialized auxiliary devices.
How does he work?
If specialized devices were not installed on cars, wheels located on the same axle would constantly rotate at the same speed, as a result of which a lot of different operational problems would arise that relate to handling. Thus, among the side effects that could arise in the absence of a differential and differential locks on a UAZ, it is worth noting an inflated and at the same time absolutely uneven tire consumption, a significant increase in the load on various elements suspension, slight steering. With the help of a differential, it became possible to unevenly distribute the rotation speed received by each wheel from the driveshaft.
When is it needed?
Not everyone understands that in real operating conditions, wheels can rotate at different speeds in a variety of situations, namely:
- During the turning process, when the outer wheel must cover an order of magnitude greater distance compared to the inner one.
- In uneven road conditions, when both wheels move on different terrain.
All the features mentioned above are not too important for the driven axle shafts for the reason that in fact they are not connected to each other and rotate completely independently. However, the drive pair receives power directly from the gearbox, and each wheel has a rigid connection with the transmission, as a result of which curved movement becomes quite difficult.
Where is it used?
The differential today is installed on both trucks and passenger vehicles, regardless of whether we are talking about all-wheel drive or single-wheel drive models. In all-wheel drive vehicles, the distribution gear also provides control of the balance of forces that is formed between the axles. In the vast majority of cases, it is located in the rear of the car and is directly connected to the driveshaft.
What is it like?
There are three main categories worth noting:
- open;
- with locking;
- limited slip differential.
Depending on what type of design is considered, the nature of the technology for transmitting forces to the wheels also changes. In the event that one wheel loses normal traction with the road, the gearbox will direct all the torque to this axle shaft, as a result of which the wheel that has lost reliable support will begin to slip. It is then that the need arises to block the differentials on the UAZ in order to temporarily disable the unit and distribute the rotating force equally between the axle shafts. Thus, blocking provides much better passability in some situations.
Blocking options
Depending on the characteristics of the car used different schemes operation restrictions - manual or automatic.
When the lock is engaged, the car's wheels will completely ignore the traction force and equal force will be transmitted from the engine to them. In this regard, more efficient cross-country ability of the vehicle is ensured, which is impossible if a differential is installed on the vehicle open type. That is why it is not surprising that in Lately Differential locking and other options for improving the cross-country ability of this car have become widespread.
What is a locking differential?
Structurally, the differential, equipped with a lock, is arranged in exactly the same way as standard open-type units, but in in this case The mechanism for limiting the difference in rotation speed of a pair of output gears is supplemented. This mechanism can be based on a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical system.
The most popular recently has become the electric differential lock of the UAZ, in which the locking is carried out fully automatically or by pressing a button. The driver can decide when it is best to disengage the differential in order to take advantage of completely uniform wheel rotation.
Where to install?
In any case, blocking the UAZ is useful device, which you can install yourself even if the design of your car does not initially provide for it. In the vast majority of cases, experts advise installing it in the rear of the car, since a correctly installed lock will give you the opportunity to make the traction between the rear and front wheels extremely even. This arrangement is much safer and more efficient. If we talk about the features installation work, then in themselves they are not extremely complex, and, if necessary, can be carried out as in a standard inspection hole, and on a lift.
Manual or automatic?
Before installation, you need to understand what you want to achieve - completely disabling this mechanism or just limiting its functionality to a certain extent. If a complete mechanical differential lock of the UAZ is being considered, then it can be automatic or have manual activation. If you are going to provide partial blocking, then in this case you will have to come to terms with the fact that you will not have the opportunity to block manually.
Full
In this case, the difference in wheel speed is completely eliminated, but you need to understand the fact that such a lock of the UAZ rear differential can ultimately lead to certain side effects, such as slipping on off-road and dirt roads, as well as excessive load on wheel and transmission parts while driving on hard surfaces. It is best to fully lock the differential only manually.
Features of manual blocking
This option is the most understandable and convenient. Simply press the switch, as a result of which the limiter assembly starts working and completely prevents the distribution of force between the wheels.
Selective locking is quite complex, and it is often necessary to completely stop the vehicle in order to adjust the differential on such SUVs, including the UAZ Hunter. The differential is often also locked using a limited slip unit or traction control system.
Advantages and disadvantages
First of all, it is worth noting the advantages of manual locking:
- While the system is disabled, the differential operates as standard and you can take advantage of all its benefits.
- The driver independently decides when to block the system, as a result of which the limiter is not used in vain.
The disadvantages are the following:
- To press switch, you need to briefly take a break from the control process, and often you have to do this in difficult conditions.
- The locking must be turned off in time, otherwise the differential itself may be damaged.
- It is necessary to install not only the limiter itself, but also mount the mechanism that will operate it, and the button on the dashboard.
Automation
The main difference between automatic type locking is that it works constantly. That is, while you press the gas pedal, the locking system is in an active state and adapts directly to the characteristics of your car, as well as the driving style you use, but for this, extremely fine tuning must be carried out, and various nuances must be taken into account.
Advantages and disadvantages
Automation has several advantages:
- The blocking is activated in any difficult situations, and the driver must not be distracted in order to activate it.
- The automatic system is much easier to install compared to manual locking.
But the disadvantages should also be taken into account:
- The constant operation of the lock makes itself felt, as a result of which the steering wheel is somewhat resistant and the tires are noisy when turning.
- The moment the gears automatically engage is clearly noticeable by a click, which for many is annoying.
Installation and configuration
Pneumatic locking of the UAZ cross-axle differential is carried out as follows:
- the car is located above inspection hole or on an overpass;
- specialists securely secure it using jacks;
- carefully remove everything and the wheels;
- the axle shafts are completely dismantled and carefully pulled out;
- the driveshaft is removed;
- gearboxes are dismantled;
- blocking is established;
- All previously dismantled components are re-installed.
Before the drive cable is installed, the stroke is adjusted. In addition to the above reasons for using a lock, it is often used to correct the operation of a defective differential that does not correctly distribute force between the wheels.
With the differential completely disengaged, due to the fact that there is quite a lot of torque present, all sorts of problems with turning the steering wheel will often arise - this is a small price to pay for the fact that your car can move even in the most difficult conditions. The lock is a rather complex device, but even inexperienced driver You can install a UAZ differential lock yourself. The most important thing here is to carefully prepare for work, and also have a full set of special tools available.
If desired, you can lock the differential with your own hands in the drive axle gearbox of any car. A driver who uses his car exclusively on paved roads will most likely never have the desire to lock the differential. Another thing is for those who like to conquer off-road terrain.
Differential purpose
When turning a car, wheels located closer to the center of curvature of the trajectory travel a shorter distance than those rotating in an outer arc. Their speeds are also different. And since a drive without a differential rotates both wheels of the same axle at the same speed, one of them begins to slip. This increases tread wear and worsens vehicle handling. The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds.
As long as the drive axle is in good contact with the road, this device works flawlessly. But as soon as the road grip under one of the wheels deteriorates, for example, when it hits ice or liquid mud, only one of them will rotate. A wheel with a high coefficient of adhesion stops spinning and the car stops. If you lock the differential, this will not happen. Therefore, a locked differential improves the vehicle's maneuverability on difficult sections of the road.
If a car has one drive axle, then it also has one differential - between the wheels of this axle. A car with permanent 4-wheel drive has three. One between the wheels of each axle plus one between the axles.
Device
The above mentioned unit is the same no matter where it is installed. The classic car differential is based on a planetary gear. Cardan shaft rotates the drive gear of the axle reducer. Its rotation is transmitted to the driven gear. And since it is attached to the differential housing, it moves with it. From the body, the torque is transmitted to the axle shafts using gears independent from each other, called satellites. The rotation speed of the propeller shaft is not equally divided between the axle shafts. However, for any ratio of speeds, their sum is always constant.
Types of blocking:
- automatic;
- forced, activated by the driver.
By blocking control method:
- mechanical;
- electromechanical;
- hydraulic;
- pneumatic
Automatic differential lock
A self-locking differential is a mechanism that certain conditions switches and, turning into direct transmission, begins to divide the speed of rotation of the driveshaft between the axle shafts equally. Differentials with automatic locking can lock themselves depending on the value of one of two parameters:
How to do
The easiest way is to permanently lock the differential completely. But such a homemade blocking is acceptable for cars driving only off-road. For example, for rally-raid cars. To implement the idea, you need to remove the unit equipped with the differential and disassemble it. Then weld the satellites to the axles. Fixing the gears will allow the mechanism to divide the rotation speed between the axle shafts only in a proportion of 50 to 50.
Making a limited slip differential with your own hands is a little more difficult than simply fixing the satellites. But such a modernization will not only improve the vehicle’s maneuverability in mud and snow, but will also not change the operation of the unit on hard surfaces. One version of such a device can be assembled from two brass or bronze bushings and a spring. Their sizes will depend on which vehicle transmission you are upgrading. Therefore, work begins with removing the assembly and disassembling the planetary gear. After this, you can take measurements, order the production of bushings and select a spring of suitable dimensions.
You will find out whether it is stiff enough after assembly by testing your homemade product. The spring is designed to press the pinion gears against the differential housing. Because of this, under the influence of friction, the satellites will rotate more slowly around their axis. The greater the friction force, the more evenly the speed of rotation of the driveshaft will be divided between the axle shafts. Metal bushings are needed to prevent contact of the satellites with the spring. 
Of course, installing a factory-made differential lock is easier and the result of such an upgrade is better. However, he requires high costs and practically eliminates creativity from the process. The cost of “self-blocks” for cars of the VAZ family is slightly less than 12 thousand rubles. But their installation requires only care and accuracy. There is no need for a special tool.
Which lock is better?
The answer to this question depends on what kind of car you have and where you drive it. Therefore, let's just say a few words about the features different types blocking.
- Forced manual locking. The advantage is that it can be turned on and off completely right time and, as a result, better cross-country ability of the vehicle. The disadvantages include the need for advance switching on and mandatory switching off.
- Automatic blocking. Switching on and off without driver intervention is a definite advantage. Noticeable inertia is its obvious drawback.