Thread: ARB Locker Question

There is an "O" ring in the selector mechanism in the ARB, it sounds like it may have **** itself or you have a leak somewhere in that lockers air line, seems rather sudden, may be the copper air line inside the diff has parted, also check that the breather on the axle housing isn't blocked, Regards Frank.

as frank said.......although my older style/design lockers i.e. 10 plus years old do vent a mist of diff oil when i turn them off

Air lockers are known to suck a bit of diff oil up. As a result they even offer an oil separator in the air line to the diff.

However it would be a good idea to remove the diff breather, check it isn't blocked, and make sure the o-rings are sealing (no air comes out the breather when you actuate the locker).

I however have oil coming from both ends, and I have an oiled compressor. I think that combined with the mud on the canning has somehow blocked the front solenoid.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Air lockers are known to suck a bit of diff oil up. As a result they even offer an oil separator in the air line to the diff.

However it would be a good idea to remove the diff breather, check it isn't blocked, and make sure the o-rings are sealing (no air comes out the breather when you actuate the locker).

I however have oil coming from both ends, and I have an oiled compressor. I think that combined with the mud on the canning has somehow blocked the front solenoid.

It will be the actuator seal leaking in the locker most likely or the actuator line inside the diff has rubbed on the crown and put a small hole in it if it leaks internally. A blocked breather will result in axle and pinion seals leaking air and gobs of oil or with enough pressure, blowing them out all together.
The actuator seal failures are pretty well known in a number of the Airlockers of late mainly due to rubbish seal materials used IIRC.

John, in your case it's most likely the seals in the solenoid failing from the oil in them being a 3way solenoid. If the rubber in them isn't oil compatible they will harden or soften depending on what runner it is and lose sealing ability.
The solenoids are N.C. usually ie pilot port closed when not powered. Power actuates it and switches te port to supply the air. Take power away and solenoid changes back venting pressurized air in the locker thru the vent port.
As before, the oil is from bypassing the seal in the locker.

Cheers

Andrew

Cheers

Andrew


Sent from my backyard TeePee using smoke signals.

Originally Posted by LOVEMYRANGIE

It will be the actuator seal leaking in the locker most likely or the actuator line inside the diff has rubbed on the crown and put a small hole in it if it leaks internally.

The actuator seal failures are pretty well known in a number of the Airlockers of late mainly due to rubbish seal materials used IIRC.

The actuator o-rings are new and seal fine. It does not leak internally nor did I say so.

Actuator o-ring leaks are less common than people make out, and usually due to installation problems.

My problem is that insufficient pressure is getting to the actuator. When the solenoid is engaged with the actuator line disconnected only a small amount of low pressure air leaks out. As you say, it is possibly the seals in the actuator - however I have never heard of them reacting to the oil before.

When I said I have oil "coming from both ends" I meant I have an oiled compressor providing air to the solenoid, and what seems to be a less than efficient air/oil separator before the solenoid. So some compressor oil gets to the solenoid (and I suspect through the solenoid) - so the oil on the diff side is from the compressor...

Most solenoid seals are NBR so will react with oils.
As ARB supply an oilless compressor when fitting Airlockers, you wont get this problem unless its the actuator seal flooding oil back hence NBR standard rubber solenoid internals.
Back in my automation days, some pneumatic controls required solenoids spec'd with Viton seals to stop this happening.
Just pull the solenoid off and unscrew the plunger unit presuming it's an industrial mini type solenoid and have a look. Pretty evident when they are stuffed.
Try Braeco for something if it's oil doing it.

Cheers

Andrew


Sent from my backyard TeePee using smoke signals.

Originally Posted by LOVEMYRANGIE

Try Braeco for something if it's oil doing it.

Thanks - know of an equivalent in Brisbane? I am ~4500km from Braeco.

Try NAK Australia