Brand new ARB locker leaking air

It’s a problem that’s been documented at least 10 years ago.

 

Ok Maybe the early failures are because of a “bad” batch. But they do go bad for a lot of ppl.

It seems to be one of those dirty secrets that no one wants to mention about ARBs lockers. There are other options out there that don’t have this issue.

 

So how long are these supposed to last then? or is it just based off of the driver and how they drive?

 

Sorry to bump an older thread but I stumped upon this thread while searching up Harrop E-Lockers.

My Experience with the "newer" ARB rear locker:

I had a reputable differential shop install a brand new ARB rear into my 2014. The owner of the shop came highly recommended by ARB. The owner knows all things differential, especially ARB air lockers. He installed my locker in 9/2016. The locker ran flawlessly. No leaks, compressor never cycled more than once after switching the locker on.

Around 12/2017 I noticed that the compressor would cycle intermittently on the trail. I checked the compressor for any leaks, inspected the blue air line and the bulkhead at the diff housing. No leaks. Noticed that by the end of 12/2017 the compressor would cycle continues with air coming out my axle breather. I could smell the diff oil.

Took it back to the shop 1/2018 and they were able to replicate the leak on the bench. It was a bad internal bonded piston seal. He installed a new internal seal. He also found that I had left side leaky axle seal and that gear oil had leaked through my e-brake housing and into my wheel bearing. He completed the repair of the locker under warranty with no charge, I tested it and voila, no leaks.

Afterwards I visited another shop to install a brand new wheel bearing and brake shoes (total job was $900).

4/2018 while wheeling I noticed that the compressor was cycling intermittently/continuously again! I went back to the original shop for a diagnosis. The owner was a little perplexed but him providing excellent customer service he took my truck in for an inspection. After a couple days later he told me that ARB decided to give me a brand new locker free of charge. I pick up my vehicle and he explains he isn't sure exactly what was wrong except it was leaking again through the internal seal. My locker might have had some sort of anomaly. He wasn't sure what was going on considering the initial locker install gave me a trouble free year. The new seal should last just as long, if not longer. He inspected the o-rings and copper line, all were fine.

7/2018 comes as I attend NW Overland Rally. As I hit the technical course I flip the locker on and it starts leaking again! When I wanted to use it the most it decides to leak. I continued and finished the course with my compressor running non-stop.

12/2018 I finally decided to go to another shop closer to home to get a second opinion. This shop is another highly rated place in the PNW that does lots of ARB locker work. They found what was causing the leak was a bad bonded piston seal. They replaced it and also found that my right side axle seal was just beginning to leak. They replaced it as a precaution so prevent leakage into the e-brake housing. Cost was $600. The shop said that my axle seals are going bad because as air escapes the locker it goes into the housing it pushes the seals out causing them to leak. If the locker worked as it should, it's supposed to retain all air pressure inside the locker housing.

So overall, it seems like the culprit here is ARB's internal bonded piston seal. Three times in less than two years I've experienced issues with my ARB and it's BPS design. I'm willing to bet the air leaking out the locker housing have caused the additional damage to my seals and one of my wheel bearing.

If I could go back, I would've never even gotten the ARB and bought a Harrop E-locker. With all the money I spent chasing the ARB issues I could purchased the electric Harrop and install. If I experience another ARB issue I am getting rid of it, suck it up and get a Harrop.

I feel the two shops I went to know about recent issues of the newer bonded piston seal design but ARB has failed to address it. With a 5-year warranty they pay the shop labor (the original shop who did the ARB install) and provide replacement parts free of charge.

ARB USA has always been helpful anytime I had a question. I like their products but just dealing with their locker leaves a lot to be desired.

 

I am having the same issue now. ECGS initially built my 3rd members and the rear immediately leaked when I got it. I had it replaced some time later and as soon as I was on some trails in Moab it leaked again. ECGS is suppose to get back to me on this again. It's all covered under warranty, but I couldn't agree more on the Harrop elocker.

 

I bought an ARB kit last year, installed it, went to Moab, no problems yet. I have always had good luck with their lockers. Will buy again.

 

I found a good number of these stories when I was researching which locker to get. I decided to get a TJM air locker because the piston design seemed less likely to have issues. It’s been two years and I haven’t had a problem so I have my fingers crossed that it stays that way.

 

My first locker was replaced by ECGS and now the replacement is doing it again. I am waiting on a reply from them to see what we are going to do about it now. One thing for sure, I am going with the Harrop e-locker this time.

 

I’m experiencing it again with the second one they sent me. It’s intermittent right now. It’ll be an e-locker for me as well if it gets replaced

 

I'm in the same boat but I dont like the elocker

 

What don't you like about it? I haven't really done any research on it.

 

They are picky little bastards. Only engage in low and they get sticky. Not apples to apples because of age but I have them on my land cruiser and they take forever to engage. I'll go true trac next time

 

Ah, okay. Im just really hesitant to get another air locker for my rear diff. My front air locker has been flawless for years.

 

Have you all looked into the TJM air locker? It doesn't have the internal seal like the ARB.

 

Same here. Seals were bad when I first got it, now its leaking again. ECGS is suppose to get new design seals from ARB. Would they just swap out for the Harrop, if I paid the price difference?

 

I didn't see that as an option from ECGS but I'll ask them about it.

 

I dont see why not. I would need ECGS to really reassure me that the new seal design will hold up for years, for me to stay with the air locker.

 

Here's something to be aware of on the e locker. Start at 16:09 and watch for about a minute. tl;dr the locker disengages for a little bit if you roll backwards at all.

https://youtu.be/x40WGUtdaLI?t=969

 

This is my first experience with locker and it's not a good one. Did it as part of my re gear and no happy with the performance of arb.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Fingers crossed that the new seal design from arb will be solid.