Locking differentials on the UAZ with their own hands

Since the invention of blocking differentials on UAZ, this technology has become quite widespread among motorists. This mechanism remains one of the most important parts of the car, and for the majority of ordinary people remains extremely difficult to understand.

What is he like?

With this device, the torque that generates the power unit is transmitted to each wheel, resulting in the machine being set in motion. At the same time, there are a lot of situations in which there is a need to block differentials on UAZ, that is, the elimination of this element from the circuit using specialized auxiliary devices.

How does he work?

If specialized vehicles were not fitted to the cars, the wheels on the same axle would rotate at the same speed at the same speed, resulting in a lot of different operational problems related to handling. Thus, among the side effects that could arise in the absence of a differential and locking differentials on UAZ, it is worth noting the inflated, and at the same time, absolutely uneven consumption of rubber, a significant increase in the load on the various suspension elements, and insignificant understeer. With the aid of the differential, the possibility of an uneven distribution of the rotation speed obtained by each wheel from the propeller shaft has appeared.

When is it needed?

Not everyone understands that under real operating conditions, the wheels can rotate at different speeds in a variety of situations, namely:

• In the process of turning, when the outer wheel must overcome an order of magnitude greater distance compared to the internal one.
• In an uneven road, when both wheels move in different terrain.

All the features mentioned above are not too important for the driven semi-axes because they are in fact not interconnected and rotate absolutely independently. However, the driving couple receives energy directly from the gearbox, and each wheel has a rigid connection with the transmission, so that the curvilinear movement becomes quite difficult.

Where is it used?

The differential is now installed on both cargo and passenger vehicles, regardless of whether they are all-wheel-drive or mono-drive models. In all-wheel drive machines, the distributing gearbox also provides control of the balance of forces that is created between the axles. In most cases, it is located at the rear of the car and is directly connected to the driveshaft.

How does it happen?

It is worth noting three main categories:

• open;
• With blocking;
• Differential of increased friction.

Depending on what type of construction is being considered, the nature of the force transfer technology to the wheels is also changing. In the event that one wheel loses its normal grip with the road, the gearbox, the entire torque will be directed to this semi-axis, so that the wheel that lost the reliable support will begin to slip. That's when it becomes necessary to lock the differentials on the UAZ to temporarily disconnect the node and distribute the rotational force equally between the semiaxes. Thus, locking provides much better patency in some situations.

Lock options

Depending on the features of the car, different schemes are used to limit the work - manual or automatic.

When the lock is turned on, the wheels of the car will completely ignore the grip on the road, and an equal force will be transmitted from the engine to them. In this regard, provides more effective patency of the car, which is impossible in the event that the car is installed differential open type. That is why there is nothing surprising in the fact that recently the blocking of the differential of the military bridge UAZ and other variants of improving the patency of this car became common.

What is a blocking differential?

Structurally, the differential, equipped with a lock, is arranged in the same way as standard open-type units, but in this case the mechanism for limiting the difference in the speed of rotation of a pair of output gears is supplemented. This mechanism can be based on a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric system.

The most popular recently was the electric lock differential UAZ, in which the locking is completely automatic or by pressing a button. The driver himself can decide when it is better to turn off the differential work in order to take advantage of the completely uniform rotation of the wheels.

Where to install?

In any case, blocking the UAZ interaxle differential is a useful device that can be installed independently even if the design of your car does not initially provide for it. In most cases, experts advise it to be installed in the rear of the car, as a properly installed lock will give you the opportunity to make an extremely flat traction between the rear and front wheels. This location is much more secure and efficient. If we talk about the features of the installation work, then by themselves they are not extremely complicated, and, if necessary, can be carried out both in the standard inspection pit and on the lift.

Manual or automatic?

Before installing, you need to understand what you want to achieve - a complete disabling of this mechanism or only a certain limitation of its functionality. If a full mechanical locking of the UAZ differential is considered, then it can be automatic or have a manual inclusion. If you are going to provide a partial lock, then in this case you have to reconcile that the possibility to hold the lock manually you will not.

Full

In this case, the difference in the speed of rotation of the wheels is completely eliminated, but it should be understood that such a blocking of the rear differential UAZ can ultimately lead to certain side effects, such as slip on off-road and dirt roads, as well as overestimating the load The details of the wheels and the transmission in the process of moving over hard surfaces. It is best to perform a full differential lock only manually.

Features of manual blocking

This option is the most understandable and convenient. It is enough simply to press the switch, as a result of which the limiter assembly begins to work, and completely prevents the distribution of force between the wheels.

Electoral blocking is quite complex, and it is often necessary to completely stop the car in order to adjust the differential on such SUVs, including UAZ Hunter. The differential lock is also often carried out with the help of the block of increased friction or the traction control system.

Advantages and disadvantages

First of all, it is worth noting the advantages that manual locking has:

• While the system is in the disconnected state, the differential operates in the standard mode, and you can use all the advantages of its application.
• The driver independently decides when to lock the system, so that the limiter is not used for nothing.

The disadvantages are:

• To press the switch, you need to briefly ignore the control process, and often have to do it not in the simplest conditions.
• The lock must be turned off in time, as otherwise the damage to the differential itself can be damaged.
• You need to install not only the limiter itself, but also mount the mechanism that will activate it, and the button on the dashboard.

Automation

The main difference between automatic type locking is that it works constantly. That is, as long as you press the gas pedal, the locking system is active and adapts directly to the features of your car, as well as the control style you use, but this requires an extremely fine tuning, and various nuances must be taken into account.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of automation are several:

• The lock is activated in any difficult situation, and the driver should not be distracted in order to activate it.
• The automatic system is installed much easier compared to manual locking.

But the disadvantages should also be taken into account:

• The constant work of the lock makes itself felt, as a result of which the steering resists somewhat, and the tires make a noise when turning.
• The moment of automatic engagement of the gears is clearly visible at the click, which for many is annoying.

Installation and configuration

Pneumatically interlocking the UAZ inter-wheel differential is as follows:

• The car is located above the observation pit or on the flyover;
• Specialists securely fix it with the help of jacks;
• All brake drums and wheels are carefully removed;
• The axle shafts are completely dismantled and neatly pulled out;
• The cardan shaft is removed;
• The dismantling of reducers is carried out;
• A lock is set;
• Reassembly of all dismantled units is carried out.

Before the drive cable is installed, the working stroke is adjusted. In addition to the above reasons for using the lock, it is often used to fix the defective differential, which incorrectly distributes the force between the wheels.

With the differential completely disconnected due to the fact that there is a sufficiently large torque, there are often all kinds of problems with turning the steering wheel - this is a small fee for the fact that your car can move even under the most difficult conditions. Locking is a fairly complex device, but even an inexperienced driver can be set lock UAZ differential with their own hands. The most important thing here is to carefully prepare for work, and also to have a complete set of special tools.