Probably every owner of domestic, and import, SUVs ever dreamed of improving the patency of his unit. And most motorists do not even need to overcome deep ruts, swamps, to climb steep hills. Patency increase, so that at least just not get stuck out of the blue. The installed lock on the Niva will help improve off-road performance. Consider what they are, the principle of work, cons and advantages.
Differential functions
Even at the beginning of the automotive era, designers and engineers experimentally found out that a solid axle for two wheels is not at all useful. The machine on a direct path is practically not used. Each tire will go its own way. Tires quickly wore out, and the car did not want to turn. This prompted the engineers to search for the optimal solution. They thought - and yet came up with.
So, the axis was divided into two axles, and a differential was established between them. This allowed the wheels to spin in a straight line at the same speed, and in turns - with different speeds. But the coverage is not always completely uniform. For example, under one of the wheels lies a stone, under the other is sand. Therefore, one wheel will rotate more easily. For this, we need a differential. The wheel that is harder to rotate does not spin. So the engineers learned about the slip effect. Even four-wheel drive could not solve this problem. To completely prevent slipping, a lock was created. Unfortunately, they are not putting it on Niva. But it is very necessary, so car owners purchase and install these mechanisms separately.
Types of locks
It can be either forced or automatic. In the case of forced it includes the driver himself. The automatic lock installed on the Niva works with the help of special self-locking mechanisms.
Types of forced system
Often, cam couplings are used in this case. With their help, it is possible to ensure maximum rigidity of the connection between the housing and the axle shaft. The cam clutch closes and opens by moving the lever in the passenger compartment. The mechanical drive combines a cable and a lever, or a leverage. Forced lock installed on the Niva is activated by the driver by moving the lever. In this case, the machine should be standing.
A pneumatic cylinder is used as an actuator actuator . In another case, the closure of the coupling occurs with an electric drive. Forced lock installed on the “Niva” is activated in this case by pressing a button. Rigid fixation is used to overcome particularly difficult terrain. After passing through it, it surely turns off.
Limited slip differentials
These mechanisms are a compromise between hard locking and differential operation in free mode. So, on the basis of such systems, you can use both. In the first case, a viscous coupling or disk differential will be used, and in the second, a worm gear is used.
Viscous Coupling
This lock on the Niva is a set of perforated discs. One part of these elements is connected to the differential housing, and the second to the drive shaft. The discs are in a sealed enclosure that is filled with a special high-viscosity fluid.
When the rotational speeds of the differential case and the drive belt are the same, the unit works as a unit. If the speed of the drive shaft increases, then the disks connected to it also rotate faster, and the fluid moves with them. It becomes harder, and in the end the differential is blocked.
Since the dimensions of the coupling are quite large, it is often used in center differential. Due to its design, it can heat up. When the driver applies the brake system, the clutch may conflict with ABS, so almost nobody uses it today.
Worm limited slip differentials
This system provides automatic locking. The operation depends on the difference in torque between the housing and the drive shaft. If the wheel slips, and the torque falls, then the worm differential will be blocked, and the torque will be redirected to any free wheel. These designs are more popular. Some of the most famous are Torsen and Quaife.
These designs are planetary gearboxes that consist of driven and driven worm gears. Such mechanisms are interwheel and axle.
Popular systems
A motorist acquires a Niva without locks, and this is a serious minus. In the car there is only a blocking of cross-axle differentials. But this is not enough for true lovers of mud and swamps. What is available to lovers of impassability?
Val-racing
The company has been manufacturing products since 2005. Forced cross-axle locks of this brand are known and loved by many. For Niva, the manufacturer offers a complete lock of the front axle. It is equipped with an electric drive. Self-locking screw locks (Niva) are also offered. Reviews about them are mostly positive. The device works, and its reliability is quite high. You can use these locks for any type of terrain - it can be swamps, forests, and so on. These mechanisms are perfect for off-road, and for everyday driving in heavy areas.
Differential automatic Krasikova (DAK)
V.N. Krasikov first made the first system in 2002. They patented this lock in 2004. This unique development is the future of self-locking differentials. This is a mechanical system with automatic locking capability.
The process is carried out by changing the drive wheels. This makes it possible to work the mechanism very gently and as steadily as possible in any speed range. The design allows using the differential not only on Niva SUVs, but also on any other models. The device combines the qualities and functions of a conventional differential. In addition, a significant drawback has been removed here when the car skids one of the wheels.
The overall dimensions of this mechanism practically do not differ from classical systems. They can be replaced as you wish. Car owners claim that there is no more efficient design. This is a worthy choice that will be able to reveal all the capabilities of Niva.
How does the lock on the "Field" (DAK)
This automatic differential can be used on all roads and off roads. The range of possible speeds and loads is very wide. When the car moves, and the engine thrust is not higher than the coupling properties of a weak wheel, the differential will not be blocked. If the thrust exceeds the traction characteristics, automatic locking will occur. In this case, the "weak" wheel will not rotate.
Varieties of DAC
DAK is used only for off-road use. DAK-7 is designed for a more sporty ride. But the DAK-5 is a universal device that allows you to drive a car even in the most inaccessible places. The lock is installed on the Niva on the front axle. The mechanism can significantly increase maneuverability and stability in how many conditions.
DAK-7 is a lock with medium rigidity. Install this system in a bridge that connects either in slippery conditions or off-road. DAK-5 is softer, and choose it for bridges that are constantly on.
This system is ideal for vehicles that are primarily used on hard surfaces. DAK-5 has a wider range of forces, under the influence of which it is unlocked. The resource of this device is higher in comparison with other models.
Izh-Techno
Blocking IZH-Techno on the Niva is a fairly simple and more reliable design. The mechanism consists of two semi-axial and spacer couplings. Also included are springs and pins.
Often, this system is constantly closed, and works as a differential only when at least one wheel rotates faster than the drive wheel. Blocking occurs due to the effects of engine torque and rolling resistance. Such a device will work as a differential only if external forces act on the wheel. In slippery conditions, this lock will be fixed and transmit torque to all wheels on the axle.
Blocking DAN on the Niva
DAN is Nesterov’s automatic differential. It can be installed both on the Niva from the Volga Automobile Plant and on the Niva Chevrolet. This lock will increase handling in bad roads and improve cornering maneuverability. Also, the system significantly contributes to the vehicle stability during overtaking. The differential of Nesterov is able to increase acceleration dynamics even in the winter. This device will not get stuck in the sand, nor in the snow, nor in the mud and swamps. It can be completely safely used both in the city and on the highway, while the rubber does not deteriorate.
For whom?
This automatic differential is recommended for novice drivers. The design will add confidence to a person in difficult conditions. You can move very calmly where slippage is possible. Also, DAN will save you from skidding when cornering or braking.
It is also an indispensable option for those who prefer to lead an active lifestyle. The device is relevant for fishing enthusiasts, hunters, car tourists. For participants of trophy raids, it is a great opportunity to get a prize.
Benefits of DAN
Among the advantages, safety can be distinguished, since locking significantly improves handling even in the most difficult conditions. It is also declared about durability - only modern materials are used in production. For the manufacture of systems using the most advanced high-tech equipment. It is worth noting that DAN is economical.
Homemade systems
Do-it-yourself locking to the Niva is often done. And today it is not uncommon. Craftsmen develop and implement unique designs in metal. Many also make Lockright copies and self-locking systems in garages. Often the differential is simply brewed.
Most solutions are special bushings with springs, and in design they resemble preloads. At work, they are no worse than industrial products. But stop in a serious off-road on them all the same is not worth it.
How is blocking done on the Niva do-it-yourself? To implement this is quite realistic, especially if you know how much the products of popular brands cost. If you have access to lathes, then there is no difficulty in making such a mechanism.
Using
Novice drivers may face problems using systems. There are many questions about how to enable the lock on the "Field". Sometimes the mechanism simply will not turn on the first time. Even completely functional systems sin this. Why does this happen? The thing is that working with this mechanism requires certain knowledge and skills from the driver. In general, enabling transmission and blocking is one process. The mechanisms are categorically different.
If the car is standing, and the driver is trying to block the differential, this will not lead to anything. The grooves and teeth of the blocking clutch do not match at the time of parking. In this case, the teeth of the coupling can be located opposite the elements of the crown. The clutch simply does not turn. If you managed to start the lock on a standing machine, then this can happen only by a lucky chance.
To engage the gear, you must use the clutch. Without this action, the system will not work. Even a slight pressure on the clutch will cause the shaft tooth to enter its groove. Locking has a different mechanism. There is a clutch and an output shaft. The latter is equipped with a special ring gear. And both elements are closely interconnected with the help of satellites.
To enable the lock on the "Field", the first thing they do is warm up the engine, turn on the first gear and start moving. Driving in a straight line and on a hard surface of the road will not allow blocking. Why is that? This is due to the fact that both the rear and front wheels cover the same distance.
To enable the wheel lock system, you must drive at low speed and perform maneuvers to the right or left. You should also press the handle, which is responsible for activating the lock on the "Field". The rear and front wheels will go a different way, and the tooth will be able to enter its groove. This is the only way to turn on the system. The principle of this process is the same regardless of which lock on Niva is installed and used at the moment.
Chevrolet Niva - is there a difference?
It is also an SUV, and blocking is also applied here. The principle of operation as a whole is no different from the operation of mechanisms on the Niva from the Volga Automobile Plant. As for the manufacturers, many of those that make locks for Niva offer models for this car.
When to use the system
Chevrolet Niva is a unique car that is equipped with this system. It is used if it is necessary to overcome a difficult terrain. In this case, the lock on the Chevrolet Niva must be enabled in advance. Also this option will be useful in the mountains. It is indispensable in the event of slippage on sandy roads, snow or slippery surfaces.
On hard surfaces, blocking is no longer necessary. Wheels often have good grip and uniform torque.
Terms of use
Switching the transfer case to the lower row is necessary only when the car has completely stopped. The lock is turned on (on the Chevrolet Niva, including) during the movement. You can switch to a lower gear without stopping the car. To ensure the normal operation of the locking mechanism, you should occasionally switch the differential on the transfer case. This is especially true in the winter.
How to enable the lock on the Chevrolet Niva
It is activated by a lever on the transfer case. If you move the lever forward and backward, then a reduced number of gears is engaged. By moving the lever left and right, the lock is turned on and off. The lever handle is short. Left position - differential is locked, right - unlocked.
So, we found out what a forced blocking is and how to install it on a domestic car VAZ Niva and Chevrolet Niva. A little patience - and everything will turn out!