22 Frequently Asked Questions concerning LOKKA

 

Q1. How does it work ?

A.
This is the hardest question of all. Read the technical information to understand how and why it works

Q2. What do you mean by automatic ?

A.
LOKKA's design is actually as an automatic "UN-locker" ie it is normally locked and automatically unlocks when differential action is required. ie the outside wheel in a corner "overruns" the speed of the inside wheel. There are no switches, electrical, pneumatic or external connections required

Q3. How does it know the difference between a wheel spinning offroad and going around a corner ?

A.
The real question the customer is asking is "I don't understand how it can unlock when you go around a corner but doesn't unlock when there is a loss of traction".

The answer is two fold:

Firstly : LOKKA is normally locked and only unlocks when something (other than the engine) forces a wheel to turn faster than the diff is turning it. (ie to overrun)

Secondly : because LOKKA is normally locked, unlike a standard diff it can never break traction on one wheel only. It is physically impossible to drive one wheel faster than another by the engine - the two wheels will always be driven at the same speed, ie a wheel can turn faster than the diff turns it, but it can never turn slower.

Thus the only time that a wheel can turn faster than the diff or engine is turning it, is when you go around a corner and the "ground driven" forces acting on the outside wheel force it to turn faster

Q4. Can I fit it to my constant 4WD (CFWD) vehicle?

A.
It is possible to fit LOKKA to the rear of nearly all vehicles. It is not possible to fit LOKKA to the front of some permanent CFWD without fitting free wheeling hubs or otherwise converting to part time 4WD. For vehicles such as Pajero and Jeep which have a part time 4WD selection, it is possible to fit a LOKKA to the front.

Q5. Is it noisy ?

A.
All automatic lockers make some degree of noise. It is possible to hear a clicking sound from LOKKA from time to time, but this is usually inaudible from inside the cabin and generally only occurs at walking pace in a tight turn. It is the quietest automatic locker on the market. You may occasionally hear a metallic clack.

Q6. Do I need to fit two ?

A.
It is a matter of money and requirement. A single LOKKA will usually double a vehicle's off road ability. Dual LOKKAs gives a vehicle positively awesome capabilities. Identify the customers traction needs or desires.

Q7. Which end should I fit first ? (if buying one)

A.
This is dependent on the vehicle, its existing diff types, the type of suspension system and the model availability. However the front is usually the first choice.

a. If the vehicle is an IFS (Independent Front Suspension) model then the front fitment will result in the greatest increase in 4WD ability. This is because all IFS vehicles have very limited suspension movement (hence limited wheel travel and articulation) resulting in easily lifted wheels and total loss of front traction. Fitting a LOKKA to the front will solve this serious deficiency. (Pajero, Isuzu, 4Runner, B2600 etc)

b. If a vehicle has a good quality LSD in the rear, then a front fitment will obviously provide the best total traction ie one locker and one LSD is better than one locker and one standard diff. (GQ)

c. If a vehicle has a poor quality LSD then the issue becomes less clear and personal preference or ease of installation often become the more important criteria. However one LSD and one locker is still a better choice - if that is possible. (Landcruiser, Hilux, F100/150)

d. If the vehicle is a constant 4WD then a rear fitment is the easiest and best solution (80 series, Discovery, Rover, Defender)

e. A front fitment will actually yield the greatest improvement in off road ability. This is because, most vehicles require the increase in traction (that a locker gives) when hill climbing. Under hill climbing conditions, due to the angle of the vehicle, the rear wheels are carrying a much greater weight (weight transfer) and the front wheels are therefore carrying a lessor weight and tend to break traction very easily. Once one front wheel starts to spin, the other front wheel stops turning and the whole front diff ceases to provide traction. At this point all load is transferred onto the rear as if it were a 2WD and due to the increased load the rear wheels are encouraged to spin and the vehicle stops.
If you can solve the problem of the front wheels spinning, you have solved the traction problem. Another advantage is that on road there are no changes to normal driving characteristics at all.

Q8. Will it affect my steering ?

A.
Unlike manual lockers which do not provide differential action when locked and severely hamper steering and directional manoeuvrability, LOKKA's smooth sensitive operation allows differential action resulting in almost uncompromised steering irrespective of uphill or downhill, soft or hard surfaces. This means you can select the best path and negotiate tight bends easily. You can feel a mild tightening in the steering wheel which is a result of having both front wheels biting into the terrain driving more equally and occasionally on hard surfaces the effects of front to rear tailshaft windup (which happens anyway) and may lose some degree of turning circle under some situations. There will be a self centering effect on the steering wheel in sand and offroad track driving.

The front fitment is one of the single biggest advantages over manual lockers and is the reason why LOKKA is not susceptible to the drive line failures and wear present with manual lockers.

Q9. How do you turn it on ?

A.
You don't need to - It is fully automatic. Once it is installed you never have to do anything which means there are no switches or lever to turn on and off and no damage that can be done by forgetting.

Q10. Is it the same as the Detroit locker or What's the difference between LOKKA and the Detroit ?

A.
They are both completely different types of lockers.

The main differences are as follows :

Principal of operation	Detroit uses interlocking teeth and large springs to stay locked LOKKA uses a dynamic camming mechanism to stay locked
Mechanical design	LOKKA has approx half the parts due to simpler design
Case	LOKKA uses original carrier, Detroit requires a new carrier
Smoothness of operation	Drive one and find out for yourself!
Degree of sensitivity to unlocking	LOKKA can be unlocked with 1 finger due to small bias springs Its locking mechanism is dynamic and not related to heavy springs
The amount of Backlash	LOKKA has approx half the backlash (none in the driving teeth)
The cost	LOKKA is more affordable
DIY fitment	LOKKA can be fitted by almost anyone - no need for diff specialists
Time to install	Can fit a LOKKA in approximately half the time needed for others. No bearing pressing/removal, no backlash setup etc
Warranty	LOKKA has a 3 year, unlimited km - manufacturers warranty
Manuals and info	Comes with comprehensive installation & owners manuals

Q11. How long will it last ? or Does it wear ?

A.
The life expectancy is twice the life of the original differential (expected is around 500,000 + kms)
LOKKA carries a 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Q12. Can I fit it myself ? or Do I need a diff specialist ?

A.
Yes. LOKKA can be installed by almost anyone with a basic tool kit and the ability to change brake pads, and the spare time. A diff specialist is not required for 95% of models.

Q13. How long will take to fit ?

A.
Depends on the model and who is doing the job; But as a guide you could expect 1-2 hours for most rear diffs (some models only 45 mins), most front diffs are around 2-3 hours except IFS vehicles which can take from 3-5 hours.

Q14. Can I transfer it to my next 4WD vehicle ?

A.
Yes in many cases, providing you are keeping the same brand or model. Every LOKKA model has been designed to fit a particular diff, so you will need to check for diff compatibilities.

Q15. It sounds cheap ?

A.
This question is asked a surprising number of times. LOKKA is simply more affordable due to the fact that there are less parts and complicated mechanisms than all other diff locks. You are not buying unnecessary hardware, paying for factory preassembly, expensive freight charges based on weight or specialist fitting services. It is simpler to make and it is simpler to fit.

Q16. Do I need to use special oil ?

A.
No. Any recommended diff oil is OK to use including LSD oil and diff additives such as teflon treatments etc.

Q17. Will it affect my ratio ?

A.
No. LOKKA fits inside the carrier and does not affect the crown wheel or pinion which determine the diff ratio.

Q18. Can I fit it to my 2WD?

A.
Yes. LOKKA will function in any type of diff providing it will fit.

Q19. Is it going to weaken my diff ?

A.
No. LOKKA should actually prolong the life of a diff due to the sharing of load more evenly between the axles. The locking action prevents one wheel spin up (and resultant damage that can occur when a spinning wheel obtains sudden traction) which is a major cause of axle and carrier damage. The automatic action of LOKKA prevents excessive drive train windup common with other lockers.

Q20. Will it damage my car ?

A.
The use of a LOKKA will allow a vehicle to negotiate difficult obstacles more slowly, with more control and better care than a vehicle without. This means less bouncing around and better path selection. However you will now be able to take your vehicle to places that it could never go before and some driving care may be required to avoid vehicle damage due to the terrain.

Q21. Can I use it with my Supercharged V10 engine ! ?

A.
Yes. LOKKA's design allows it operate under high power conditions. That is not to say that the rest of the drive train can handle the power ! LOKKA is used in racing applications around the world, including Baja, Circle Track, Autocross, Hill Climb and even drag racing.

Q22. Will it wear out my tyres ?

A.
No. The smooth and sensitive operation of LOKKA on road results in no measurable effect on tyre wear. In fact the traction gained should increase the life of off road tyres due to the large reduction in wheel spin.