Air Locker™ Information

AIR LOCKER DESIGN AND ENGINEERING



A relentless commitment to research and design, the use of high quality materials and an uncompromising approach to manufacturing have all contributed to Air Lockers success in over 100 countries worldwide. The patented design of the ARB Air Locker is extremely strong, with structural components manufactured from aerospace grades of alloy steel.


Recent developments have seen forged gears and an improved two piece design add increased strength and durability, while reducing the amount of moving parts to ensure precision amongst components and a much firmer and responsive activation. These additions have also resulted in increased load bearing capabilities.


The design process of an Air Locker involves countless hours of testing. Computerised Finite Element Analysis (FEA) allows the engineer to subject each Air Locker design to virtual off road driving stress simulations much more extreme than those experienced in real life, including extreme temperatures and harsh wheel-spin. Prototypes are tested to ensure the strength of the Air Locker exceeds that of the axles or other driveline components. Finally, field testing is carried out with units being fitted to 4x4s that operated in the harshest environments imaginable. Once this exhaustive design phase is complete, ARB Air Lockers are manufactured in Australia by ARB and sold throughout the world.

1. Differential Case



Fully machined one piece nodular iron differential carrier case offers the rigidity of a one piece factory differential with twice the standard number of pinion gears to cope with the torque.

2. Flange Cap Assembly



Fully machined nodular iron flange cap incorporates the stationary side of ARB’s tough, proven and patented timed locking mechanism.

3. Splined Side Gear




Forged gears and redefined tooth geometry, ARBs revolutionary design yields structural advantages of up to 30% over other available high strength gears.

4. Pinion Gear




Forged gears and redefined tooth geometry, ARBs revolutionary design yields structural advantages of up to 30% over other available high strength gears.

5. Clutch Gear



ARB’s patented locking system actually supports the side gear teeth, giving you more torque handling exactly when you need it.

6. Spider Block




A billet machined alloy steel spider block supports the cross shafts, using the torque applied at each shaft to support the next shaft along.

7. Long Cross Shaft




Alloy steels and performance surface technology make for a high pressure running fit that can handle an enormous amount of punishment.

8. Cross Shaft Retaining Pin




Custom made one piece hardened retaining pins lock into the assembly using a tapered thread junction.

9. Bonded Seal




Steel reinforced, elastomer bonded annular seal has been proven to handle 20,000+ cycles under the most extreme climactic temperatures on earth.

10. Return Springs




To engage/disengage the locker, ARB Air Lockers use up to 12 return springs to support the entire profile of the locking gear for a fast, positive and independent

11. Air Supply




At the flick of a dash mounted switch, compressed air is delivered to a seal housing assembly via a nylon air line.

12. Solenoid Valve




Manufactured from a machined and anodized billet aluminum and sealed against moisture and dust to IP54 standards, ARBs heavy duty solenoid controls the air actuation.

FEATURES

AIR LOCKERS IN COMPETITION

Of the many ARB products seen in off road competition, its the one you cant see that makes the difference - ARB Air Locker diff locks continue to dominate the worlds toughest off road events.

ARB Air Lockers are used in extreme off road competitions the world over. ARB commitment to research, development, design and production means ARB Air Lockers set the benchmark for quality and reliability - two things crucial to competition use. So if you need traction you can rely on, rely on ARB Air Lockers....the worlds best already do.


AIR LOCKER WINNER OF