Are They Really Too Complicated? Do They Actually Leak? We’ve Got the Lowdown Bonus: Tips for Installation, Common Problems, & How to Reseal
If you have spent some time on the trail, then you have probably heard some of the comments about ARB Air Lockers. Some say ARBs leak a lot, while others say that they are too complicated. The rumors and gossip continue, and discussions of the pros and cons of the ARB unit versus other lockers have become as common as political debates. So what’s the deal? While you will never hear the truth at a political debate, you might hear some here. After years of testing, we have found that ARB Air Lockers are strong and can take a beating. Yes, ARBs are more complicated in design than other lockers, which has lead to some people fearing the Air Locker. However, no other currently available aftermarket locker allows you to change from an open differential to 100 percent locked at the push of a button.
So what causes an Air Locker to leak? Most of the time it is a poor installation job. Air Lockers require a little more care and attention to install than the average locker. Another culprit of leakage is contaminated gear oil. Like with anything a bit more complicated, Air Lockers require a little more maintenance. This means that gear oil needs to be changed after water and mud excursions, and that axle seals should be in good condition. Now, what do you do if you already have an Air Locker and it is leaking? ARB offers a reseal kit that allows you to swap in new O-rings and seals to fix leaks. The following shows what is involved in a reseal job, other causes of common problems with ARB lockers, and plenty of useful tips for ARB installations. If you feel the job is above your head, ARB can also reseal an Air Locker for you.