Center lock differential and rear end differential

Tiny
DIVIDES
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 MERCEDES BENZ E63 AMG
  • 100 MILES
I have a general question. When 4wd vehicles have an option to lock the center differential or the rear one, what does it mean? What does that do?
Saturday, January 8th, 2022 AT 7:05 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Generally speaking, when the differential is 'Locked' all the components work together. So, when the read differential is locked both wheels will spin at the same rate, regardless of traction.
And with the center differential lock you will have both rear wheel and one front wheel working in the same manner.
Hope this answers the question.
Keep in mind this is just a generalization as there are so many variables for all these newer vehicles and they all work in their own specific ways.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-differential-works
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Saturday, January 8th, 2022 AT 8:40 PM

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