What is differential spinout?
Spinout is defined as excessive differential action. Differential spinout occurs when one wheel remains stationary while the other wheel is spinning. The speed difference between the planetary gears causes heat; when the heat becomes excessive it can cause galling on the spider journals and star gear bores. In some cases, enough heat is generated to weld the star gear to the spider and cause catastrophic failure spinout – this
commonly occurs when starting off or travelling on a slippery surface.
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What can create shock failure?
Shock failure is another common type of axle failure. It results from a rapidly applied load or force that is severe enough to exceed the strength of the axle component and cause it to fail instantly. Shock loading can occur in many situations, such as missing a gearshift or using the differential lock during a spin out.
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Lack of lubrication
The third general cause of axle failure originates with the oil. The oil has three functions:
- to reduce friction
- to remove heat
- to remove wear particles
When the axle oil level is low or improper contaminated oil is used, the friction between the parts generates heat, the parts become galled, the oil burnt and the axle fails.
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