ARB locker falling apart?

**trobbo** · 27th February 2008, 11:03 AM

I have had 2 arb diff lock failures. Both times the bearing end carrier broke. In both instances I didn't have any prior warning of the impending failure, although running simex's makes these noises harder to hear.
It appears that the cause of my failure was a modification done by jacMac to machine the opening to allow fitment of larger axles. (this was before the factory 24 spline axle was released). As previously said the ARB lockers are usually very strong and I haven't had any drama's with the replacement lockers made for the 24 spline axle.

**BigJon** · 27th February 2008, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by isuzurover

I know of ONE case where an ARB was installed by a dodgy workshop who didn't use loctite, and the hemisphere bolts undid themselves and everything fell apart. But that is rare.

We have a diff here with ARB locker that had the crownwheel retaining bolts come loose. Didn't do any favours for the entire assembly

.

**Bush65** · 27th February 2008, 11:30 AM

With the 24 spline axles, the carrier bearing size was changed to improve the strength of the carrier.

This is why it is so expensive to convert a 10 spline ARB to 24 spline (you can just change side gears to take 24 spline axles, but lots more parts are needed to use the stronger carrier).

I recall on a UK forum (lr4x4) some have had ARB lockers fail and from memory it was a plastic part inside. You should a post there about it from white90

JamesH · 27th February 2008, 02:32 PM

It seems from all the diff lock threads that I should file diff locks in the same catagory as swimming pools and boats. It's great to be friends with someone who has one but too much trouble to own yourself.

**Rosco** · 27th February 2008, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by JamesH

It seems from all the diff lock threads that I should file diff locks in the same catagory as swimming pools and boats. It's great to be friends with someone who has one but too much trouble to own yourself.

**DeeJay** · 27th February 2008, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Utemad

Thanks Deejay.

I have looked at the UJs on my tailshaft. Easy when it is on the floor. They seem fine. I have a spare UJ on the shelf though if need be.

I have the Disco back together now. Minus the tailshaft so I can see if it thumps with no rear drive.
It now has oil lubed driver's side wheel bearings. I'll get new bearings for it though and fit them shortly. I had the oil seal for the hub on the shelf. Been meaning to do it for a while. Front was done a while ago.

What I meant was the RACQ mis-diagnosed the problem. I'll take odds bet its your wheel bearings and taking off the tailshaft may well eliminate the clunk as its torque related.
My pennyworth, I doubt its the ARB itself.
David

**Utemad** · 27th February 2008, 03:19 PM

I got what you meant Deejay. Just thought I'd check it too

**Utemad** · 29th February 2008, 07:03 PM

I dropped the diff out tonight. I know bugger all about diffs but nothing seems loose. All the bolts are tight that I can check.
The locker itself has lots of small bolts that hold it together around its edge and they have locking tabs. Can't see them all without taking the locker out and I'm not keen on that.
The 4 bearing bolts are tight.

I'm guess it isn't the diff then.

It has to be something that is affected by the torque of the rear drive.

**uninformed** · 29th February 2008, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by JamesH

It seems from all the diff lock threads that I should file diff locks in the same catagory as swimming pools and boats. It's great to be friends with someone who has one but too much trouble to own yourself.

better stay in your box then..... life might upset you

arbs like any brand are only as good as the installation!!!!!

i have done 130000km on my maxi drive... no problems

plenty arbs and jac macs would be the same......

serg

**Utemad** · 2nd March 2008, 08:58 PM

Well today I thought I may as well swap the tailshaft and see if that is the cause of the clunk.

I fitted a 4 bolt uni to uni tailshaft to get rid of the donut back in October last year. So I removed it and refitted the donut tailshaft. Luckily I managed to remove all the 3 bolt flange bits without damaging them and the donut is mostly ok (beginning to crack but no vibes yet).

Anyway I took it for a flogging round the block and didn't get a single clunk.
So at this stage I'd say the problem has been found.
Not sure what it is about the shaft that is the issue. The unis appear fine but the splines have a little bit of slop. I've seen a lot worse with no clunk/thump mind you.

I'll take the whole shaft to Driveline Services and get their opinion.

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