I was wheeling this weekend and notice a loud poping noise when turning. It didn't take long to figure out that it was my rear locker. I know that they are designed to "disengage" when turning, but I have had it for over two years and this is the first time I have heard this. Any suggestions?

 

Anyone?!?!

 

I could be mistaken but I dont think they disengage when you turn.

 

I wheel with a guy that has about the cheapest set of lockers you can buy and they are always making all sorts of popping noises. It might be normal.

 

Your Rubicon has a true locking diff meaning when engaged there should be no slippage. If you had it engaged and it was popping in a turn like a limited slip then you might have a problem with the locker itself. Just for my own info what situation where you in when you noticed this problem.

 

First, you need to change your idea of what happens when you turn with the OEM lockers on.
Second, you now may need new lockers.

Turning when locked puts a HUGE stress on the parts. If you have a history of doing this, chances are the dogs on the clutches are rounded/worn off.

Check to see if there is a lot of metal in the diff oil. (if the present oil has been in there a long time)

 

do a search for 07rubisteve on here, he had some issues with his making sounds like that and eventually had the whole thing replaced. His thread should be on here somewhere, or send him a PM

 

I wouldn't try to guess if something is wrong, I would pop the cover and take a peek.

 

I have heard that alot of the actuators for the lockers have been going bad. This sounds like it could be the problem. Heard this from a freind of mine that works at the local Jeep dealer here

 

The factory locker uses an electric solenoid (3) to mesh 2 large toothed rings (item 2 in graphic). These lock the left and right output splines to one another. When turning, they are tying to turn at different speeds and that puts alot load on the parts between the splines to keep them from doing that. Item 2, the locker rings engage straight in and out. This is also why sometimes it takes little time to get them to lock, the teeth are bumping into each other and need a little difference in speed. If is taking time to disengage, drive in a straight line and wiggle left and right to get them to seperate. Be on looose ground when using the locker.

The loud popping is either a broken part, or hopefully, the locker jumping teeth. Either way, to get them to engage or disengage, your "wiggling" should only be slight left to rights to get the teeth lined up (to engage) or unloaded (to disengage).