Elockers are amazingly helpful for 4WD vehicles when offroading, although they are not indispensable. Of course, you can also do without them when Overlanding or rock climbing, but you can't argue with the fact that they are very convenient.

This post will cover a few critical aspects of Elockers and overview their functionalities and mechanisms with a special mention of the most common brands in the market.

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What is an ELocker, and how does it work?

ELockers are reliable electronic, selectable differentials with net-forged gears for added strength and intended for 4wd drivers that require traction on-demand.

Basically, an ELocker operates as an open differential until you choose to need more traction.

You can go from open to 100% locked by flipping a switch, and when the electromagnet is activated, the ball bearings are forced out of their pockets and up the ramp, which pushes the locking pins into position in the back of the side gear.

The ELocker's electromagnetic locking mechanism is the next generation of aftermarket differential technology.

When unlocked, a locking differential operates like an open differential during turns, and the wheels can rotate at different speeds.

However, when the differential is locked, the wheels are forced to rotate at the same speed. Unlike an open differential, the torque can be significantly unbalanced.

To demonstrate why this is important, let's see what happens when one wheel is off the ground, which can occur when offroading or driving through a hole.

The locking differential forces the wheels to rotate at the same speed. The wheel in the air doesn't receive any torque because it has no traction; the other wheel receives all the torque, the vehicle moves.

So with the locking differential in action,When unlocked, the wheels can still rotate at different speeds during a turn but rotate at the same speed when locked.

As a result, torque is not always balanced and can be significantly unbalanced.

You can check this video to learn more about all the nitty-gritty:

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Can you engage an Elocker while driving?

While technically, you can engage it on the fly, you need to pay attention that the wheel speed difference (between the right and left wheel) remains under 50 rpm.

Eaton firmly advises engaging your ELocker only when the car speed is below 5mph.

While ELockers are intended to accommodate severe use, constant abuse and extreme speed engagement will significantly shorten the life of the ELocker and is not covered under warranty.

Also, note that when the electrical signal is received by the ELocker, it instantly attempts to lock and match wheel speeds.

As a result, the differential must immediately snap (accelerate) the slow speed wheel, axle shaft, and brake component mass (weight) to the same speed as the free-spinning wheel.

This is not only harsh on the differential; it is incredibly harsh on the axle shaft.

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Facts about Harrop Eaton ELocker Engagement

Please check this video to learn more interesting facts about Harrop Eaton Elocker engagement mechanisms

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How do you install a diff?

Please check this video from Mad Matt 4wd to learn more about installing a Diff

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How to activate ELockers

ELockers are activated by a dash (or console) mounted switch, included with all new ELockers.

Any suitable 12VDC (or 24VDC for military designs) switch will work.

The wiring harness with a relay switch, chassis electrical system protecting diode, and the fuse is included with all aftermarket performance ELocker differentials.

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Can you rebuild Eaton ELockers?

Yes, it's possible. According to your needs, several service kits are available, including gear service kits, locking mechanism kits, stator/armature kits, and a universal wiring kit.

You can also purchase just the ELocker wiring harness since it is universal to fit any vehicle and can be purchased separately. For specific inquiries, call our Elockers specialists on 02 4041 4041

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What locking mode(s) does an Eaton ELocker have?

The Eaton ELocker is an open differential with electronically-controlled locking features.

While the design of the locking components differs between models and generations of designs, they all work by locking one of the side gears to the differential case.

When the ELocker is engaged via the dash switch, the electromagnetic mechanism fully locks, evenly sending 100% of the available torque to both wheels.

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Do you need a relay to operate an Elocker?

All Eaton ELockers carry a relay in the wire harness which should be utilised.

While the current requirements of the differentials range from 5-10 amps, installers are well encouraged to use the relay to extend switch life and provide a more stable current to the differential electronics.

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Types of gear oil for the ELocker

Most gear oils are adequate: a quality, petroleum-mineral based oil is recommended.

Synthetic oils and friction modifiers can also be utilised but are not mandatory.

A lower viscosity gear oil (equivalent to API GL-5 75W-90) is recommended in cold weather conditions.

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What is a Harrop E locker?

Harrop ELocker's electromagnetic locking, four pinions, forged gear design is the next generation of aftermarket differential technology.

Functioning as an open differential until you require instant traction when locked, the Harrop ELocker takes 100% of available torque and distributes it evenly to both ends of the axle.

ELECTRIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL: Full axle lock, on-demand (ordinarily open, fully "street-able")

SIMPLE, DRIVER CONTROL: Push a button for maximum traction in challenging terrain

RELIABLE OPERATION: Net forged gears produce outstanding strength and endurance

Core features

Driver selectable operation - full axle lock upon activation

Net-forged gears for added strength

Works in forward and reverse

Front and rear axle applications

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Conclusion

All Four x 4 Spares stock a Harrop E-Locker Electronic Diff Lock to suit solid axle differentials only (not Independent Front Suspension) for Toyota Landcruiser Solid Front Diffs for

• 70 Series 1990 to current
• 80 Series 1990-1998 and 100 Series 1998-2007
• All Hilux rear diffs to current models (note: models after 2005 require different diff bearings - call or email for more information).
• Suits Front of Hilux to 1997 with solid front axle
• Prado 90 and 120 from 1996 to 2009 rear diff solid axle only and rear diff of FJ Cruiser 2005 on solid axle only

Kit includes E-Locker centre, all required wiring harness with convoluted tubing, in-dash switch with covers for either front or rear locker (depending on your application) and a handful of cable ties to keep it all tidy. Comes with 3yr Manufacturers Warranty.

We can also stock or order Elockers for more vehicle make/models, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced sales team and they will guide you towards choosing the right product for your needs or order the right Elocker for your vehicle.

Do you have any questions about Elockers? Contact our team today on (02) 4041 4000.