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Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:04
by RTP
Hi Guys

I am sure this has been asked before but here goes .

If I try engage diff-lock when in 4L as normal it takes a few meter to engage and the light burns solid , but after a few meter the light starts flashing again and if you turn sharp you can tell the diff-lock has disengaged .

Any Ideas ?

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:29
by iandvl
RTP wrote:Hi Guys

I am sure this has been asked before but here goes .

If I try engage diff-lock when in 4L as normal it takes a few meter to engage and the light burns solid , but after a few meter the light starts flashing again and if you turn sharp you can tell the diff-lock has disengaged .

Any Ideas ?
IIRC, the Patrol diff is vacuum actuated. This behaviour would lead me to believe you may have a leak in one of the vacuum pipes. Not sure how you test that though.

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:43
by ricster
Yip, I think Ian is correct. trace those vacuum rubber hoses from under the bonnet to the diff. Maybe there is a tiny leak, resulting in the diff lock dis-engaging after a short while.

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:49
by RTP
I will check the pipes thanks guys

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:51
by iandvl
Good luck.

And please post your methodologies / findings here for reference. :salute: :salute:

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 12:04
by RTP
Hi Ian

If I have it correct i can swap the pipes at the back by the diff as the other pipe line have vacuum all the time if the diff-lock kicks in and stays in we know we have a leak in the line . :thumbup:

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 15:11
by johanp
Hi Richard

When the difflock is off, one pipe will have vacuum. When you switch it on, the other pipe will have vacuum.
If you swap the pipes, you will have to switch the difflock off and then it should engage.
When I had problems with mine I swapped the pipes at the solenoids in the engine bay to test.
My problem was caused by one of the solenoids.

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 18 Apr 2017 09:09
by RTP
Hi Guys

To follow up on the Diff-Lock story. After changing the pipe round in any way way I try I always get the same re-salt .

The Diff-Lock engages after a few meters then if you turn left you can see the inside wheel is lock. But if you turn right the Diff-Lock disengages .

I am worried it may be the gear it self that is worn . does anyone have experience with this?

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 20 Apr 2017 21:46
by Peter Connan
Not personally but I have heard of cases where the machanicals have broken.

However, there would usually be a loud clacking sound when turning if the mechanics are damaged. I also wouldn't expect there to be any difference in behaviour between a left and a right-hand turn.

Re: Diff-lock Trouble

Posted: 22 Jul 2017 10:20
by Rhett
So, not a nice way to revive a post but what choice do I have.

Just tested my diff-lock now again as I haven't used it since Thaba Nkwe.

After engaging the diff-lock in a stationary position, I slowly pull off and snake left and right. Weirdest thing then begins happening. turning right it engages, then when turning back to the left it disengages. As soon as I turn right again is engages. (I am only using the diff-lock light on the dash as an indicator that it is engaging / disengaging)

I want to take it back out a bit later to a bit more open ground where I can see if the inner wheels are digging up grass if I do circles. At this point I am slightly concerned as the river trip is coming up and I'm not happy taking it out if there is a mechanical issue.