E-locker Malfunction and NP231 Noise

[@polini1982]

Did you notice that a tooth is missing on your crown gear?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Yeah, It's from last year, winter. I didn't bother mentioning it, although I probably should have given the situation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIXUf56qpK6Cbac Thanks for watching

[@JFSmith-nb8hf]

I remember the days when I could crawl around under a vehicle. All my projects are stalled until I can get my lift installed. The t-case in my XJ is likely on borrowed time. No nasty noises yet, but that could start any day. Good luck with yours.

[@CaptainCrunchyBits]

I too noticed, that lubrication is key. I have one lubricant for the regular, one for back-door fun, and one for when the wife wants to use me as her glove puppet. Great video Mike!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Experience is the key right mate. I will know for next time! Thanks for watching.

[@mtate02]

The innuendo is pure Shakespeare bro 💛

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

There are always many more that don't make the edit.... there just too dark. Thanks for watching

[@stuartb9194]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness how about a B reel of the out takes as a Festive Christmas Special?

[@blondieandtheboozer13]

Really enjoyed this one dude, have a killer holiday! Cheers, Hodge...

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching Hodge!

[@starksexpeditions121]

I’ve been running that diff for four years in a Dana 44 front in a 1994 Bronco in Colorado so lots of rock crawling. I only had one problem when the tabs broke off the magnet. Think I slammed it in reverse while locked and that’s what broke it. Bought a replacement magnet and reinstalled and it’s been good. I’m running 37” tires and 4:88 gears and Valvoline 80-90 oil. In all the times I’ve locked it it’s never banged or slipped just engages. I’m somewhat careful but I have run Moab where there is massive grip and still fine. Thanks for the videos!

[@ericshaw819]

Hi mate, check the voltage with the locker energised, back probe (steady) seriously back probe at the connector going into the diff and see what the voltage is. If you have a bad connection or wrong wire size you will have a voltage drop and lack of current flow to give you the magnetic strength necessary.. I am an auto electrician and see this problem often. Hope this helps mate. 😊

[@darrylblackburn6616]

Love the videos keep up the work

[@dylancattaneo5989]

My xj is sitting in the garage in the middle of a full rebuild, and here comes the worst influence on KZbin, making me want to spend more money while it’s already torn down anyway lol 😅 great video Mike! Cheers from Wyoming!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I'm sorry, haha! While it's all apart, it's the best time to do everything!!! Sorry, I will shut up now. Good luck on the build and thanks for watching

[@androssandreev7588]

Привет с берегов Клязьмы)) Твои видео по дизельному чирку одни из самых полезных на всем ютубе! Тоже являюсь счастливым обладателем такого же агрегата ,только у меня руль с другой стороны) Некоторые моменты по переделкам прохожу по твоему пути.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I'm glad you like the content on the old diesel machine, and thanks for watching.

[@chopperchuck]

we got snow here now thanks a lot mike

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

😂 is that not a good thing? I wish we had more, it's all disappearing

[@michaelmacdonald7342]

I think the electric lockers are very good, I think the size of the differential is a bigger factor for the heavy duty use, that one you have looks to be built well and I am sure with the correct fluid it will perform well for you. I have electric lockers in my Jeep JY and they work very good for me, I also have some ATV's with lockers and they must have the correct fluid or they will not work and they can become damaged with incorrect fluid. another great video - keep them coming, informative and great humor in the delivery.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's a tiny ring and Pinion for what I need to be honest. A dana 44 would be an ideal diff up front in my case. Maybe one day, if I can find or build one. The fluid really messed up the functionality. It's working properly now, and it seems not to miss a beat, so that's reassuring! Thanks for watching

[@051biohaz]

Glad the diff was a pretty easy fix, thanks for the upload..:)

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It was a simple one for sure and it's actually working very well now so that's nice to know. Thanks for watching

[@ThomasBromehead]

Gonna swap in a 231 into my 5.2 ZJ, need to rebuild it first though. Always love watching your vids, you're skilled and you seem to take you time and pay attention to the finer details. Can't wait to see more snow fun with your XJ. Tom, France

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Hey Tom, that sounds like a good swap. I'm glad you enjoy the videos and appreciate you watching, mate.

[@ThomasBromehead]

​@@WorkshoptoWilderness Good fun watching your vids, you have a beautiful playground up there in Sweden. Hope I can come visit, is there any LPG up there, that"s what I run on. Where in Sweden are you?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Sadly, there is no LPG up here. Certainly not in the north. But there is plenty of benzene!

[@Juli-g4d]

That music is the soundtrack of my life.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I know the feeling! Thanks for watching

[@paulscomedyclips]

Thanks for your content! It's inspiring for me!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryanmacedo2117]

gonna have to get that song on my play list lol

[@819ANT]

Wouldn't have that problem with a discovery.. chassis would have rotten through and snapped in half long before now :p always good to see these little progress videos look forward to the next one

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@joecola6487]

Hope Meg & family is doing well !

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Their all well thank you! The build up to Christmas is coming and Max has requested a Rock Bouncer lol! Thanks for watching.

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

I was impressed when you cracked it open, no Big Foot fur!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Exactly! Me too. Although the oil was very lumpy..... Thanks for watching

[@timhodgkins7443]

I did a 231 rebuild a couple years ago and upgraded the chain and planetary gears. I went with JB Conversions from

[@williammrdeza9445]

Hope you get everything worked out quickly Mike. Perhaps you will be able to spend more time driving the truck and less time under the truck this winter! Have you ever thought about taking a trip to the U.S. (perhaps to visit friends) with a shopping list in hand for Jeep parts that are hard to get in Europe? Best of luck with this project and looking forward to seeing your next adventure.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Fingers crossed, it will all keep on trucking this winter, but I doubt it 😄 anyway it's all back together now, and the locker works, the transfer case works, and I can use it. I would love to visit the USA 🇺🇸 it would probably make me want to move there, haha. In the future, when the newborn is older, then I might try. Thanks for watching.

[@williammrdeza9445]

We would love to have you!

[@P1no90]

"it always comes down to lubricant, it always does, doesn't it?" Man you are killing it! Keep it up the great work! Cheers 🎉

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's a very true statement, isn't it 😆 we've all been there. Anyway thanks for watching

[@jcricket-vr5xr]

Another great video mike

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching.

[@p3ggy80]

All the things he said, all the things he said, running through my head, running through my head, running through my head. You know what thoughts are running through my head now dont you Mike! I bet they have aged well...

[@timhodgkins7443]

to continue my comment from below, JB Conversions is in Sulfur, Louisiana. Thay had all the rebuild parts and the upgraded parts too. I have no idea if they ship overseas though. They have good tech support if you have any questions.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I will contact them and see if they would consider shipping to Sweden. The 6 planetary and wide chain kit are cheaper than what it costs for standard parts in Sweden. Thanks for the heads up and for watching!

[@jkvinsland]

​@@WorkshoptoWilderness They ship internationally from their ebay account, but only have a few random parts listed.

[@oldjunkandrandomstuff]

Thanks for this dude, good recommendation. 👌

[@peterwolf3001]

ah mucking about with engines in the shed it sure does make a man happy. I like to put some radio 4 on in the background and slug a few beers while I strip and rebuild something its a joy to see someone else do it while I sit in my van and relax

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I find it quite enjoyable messing around with things when I have the energy! Sometimes, it's a begrudge job. Thanks for watching

[@simonharris1804]

Hay mate just came across your video you might want to research using auto trans fluid in the transfer case everything I’ve ever seen just runs it I’ve got to different vehicles here both are chain driven and use trans fluid hope it helps

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks, mate. I use ATF in the T-case Case. Thanks for watching

[@406ffroad4]

Yu are singing my life song "every time I buy shit"lol...

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

My XJ just won't give me a brake, haha! Thanks for watching

[@danhambrick6331]

Mike dropping F-Bombs...😁😁

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I shouldn't, but some jobs are just annoying! Thanks for watching

[@Rudy97]

You could get a DC to DC converter for the locker and run it at 16, 17, 18V instead of 12-14V. Little bit of more power.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I considered looking it up to the two leasure batteries in a 24v configuration. The magnet can run up to 24v, so it would ensure good operation. A converter is also a great idea as I wouldn't have to rewire everything. Thanks for watching

[@abazdarhon]

I have announced wife that this Christmas dinner (we do 24 dec) will be at loch muick in our Jeep equipped with roof top tent and anex 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Haha, that sounds amazing. Perfect to be outside! Thanks for watching

[@Max-ik9qb]

came for a locker video, stuck around to see how many times you'd spin that diff without noticing the HUGE chunk of metal chipped off that tooth. 🍿🍿🍿😂😂😂

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Seriously, you think I didn't notice.... give me some credit before declaring me a spud, or at least ask. Check the first pinned comment, and you will find a link to a video. This tooth chipped over a year ago, and that's why the edges are ground down, or didn't you notice? There would have also been a shit load of metal in the differential.

[@seanmacdonald8476]

Those old chains will make great collars and cuffs for your blow up companion!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

There's always a plus side mate! Thanks for watching

[@togray619]

At 1.15 it looks like part of a tooth on the ring gear is missing.

[@chopperchuck]

yup big chip

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

That went bye bye a long time ago.

[@keniferusxj7047]

All E lockers and Air lockers all have issues,especially when you need them the most..I have a basic auto locking locker “ lunchbox locker”,never lets you down ,just gotta get used to driving with it!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Mechanical things always seem more reliable. I imagine this things will pack up as soon as I need it 😆 thanks for watching

[@Skiridr22]

It’s a Jeep thing, we love them so they stay close to our wallets 😂 more than our wife’s do.

[@MugOfPaul]

Chipped ring gear tooth here: 1:14

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Yeah, it chipped a very long time ago. Thanks for watching

[@rhysgray1233]

Bro.... check the box it came in, they may have sent you a 24v locker, 24 volt will work with 12v, but not as strong, could be worth doing some research on the resistance of the coil and doing the maths

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

That's a good point. I will try and find the specs online. It's definitely not strong enough even on 14v. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching

[@maxdeller935]

Where did you get the snorkel? I’m diesel swapping my XJ and would LOVE one on that side but they don’t seem to make them in America.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I picked it up here in Sweden. www.autoled4x4.com/en/snorkel-jeep-cherokee-xj-1985-2001-right-side.html This is an EU link, but maybe they ship to the USA. Thanks for watching

[@eage8]

Redline 75w90NS might help the front diff. It has less of the friction modifiers in it. Also normally 231s call for ATF or some people put engine oil on them. Any reason you're running gear oil?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I'm running an ATF in the 231 but its been needing a rebuild for over a year so its my own fault. I've got some Redline 75w90 for the diff, it should be good and those oils are often top shelf. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Good video showing the Eaton locker... Though personally I prefer the ARB air locker. Had one in the rear of my Hilux and never gave me any issues. Once engaged it stayed that way...until I flicked the switch off. You just need to make sure the air lines are tucked away. Just not sure if I like the locking mechanism on that Eaton ??? Regarding the transfer... Did you get any rumble from within the cabin. I'm trying to diagnose a front ? End noise on my 96 XJ. Have changed all axle related components and my yoke bearing plus wheel bearings have also been changed... What's the best way of checking the slack chain with transfer still on vehicle? love watching your videos and listening to your humor 😊🇦🇺

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

The Eaton style seems more popular here in the more arctic conditions, probably because of air lines freezing with condensation. I mean, it doesn't happen all the time, but my compressor lines have frozen on me a few times in the past. I'm sure it's fixable with a water trap because Arctic Trucks use air lockers and automatic compression systems for their tires. I imagine they must have solved it given the expeditions they do. With the np231, you have to take off the rear drive shaft and jack up the vehicle so all four tires are off the ground. Drop it into 4 low, start her up, and let her run in 1st so the tires are spinning. You need to get under the jeep and try and clench the output shaft on the t case with your ass cheeks. If you hear a clattering sound from the chain along with no engine stalling, then it's slack. If you can stall the jeep with your ass then you're a God, and you need to try and turn back time by spinning the np231 the other way with your ass. Turn back time to before the Jake Paul, Mike Tyson fight. Contact me and tell me what you did and I will help you open an Only Fans account were you can rase enough money to pay Mike Tyson more than 20 million so he counters Jakes offer and wins the fight.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

If you put the jeep in 4 high and get under it. Try and rotate the front drive shaft. If it has play, the chain is slack. It has to have a lot of play, though, because the output shaft has some play between the drive gear.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Ha ha, thanks for the reply... I will have to make sure I have the correct lube to perform the ass cheek check....😳.

[@ThomasBromehead]

Did you go for a Terrain Tamer E-locker?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's a China clone from alibaba. I bought it from a diff dealer in Sweden who sold it to me for cost price on the basis that I test it for him. It's about to endure a savage winter, so I will see if it brakes or not.

[@ThomasBromehead]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Alrighty, give them a run for their money, they'll take a beating with those big tyres. Will be good to see how they stack up !

[@chrismadden1660]

So do you think the additive for LSD was dropping the voltage to the magnet or causing the bad connection inside to fluctuate enough to mess with the magnetics of the locker?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's causing the electromagnetic plate to slip on the locking plate too easily, which stops the mechanism engaging fully. The electromagnetic is meant to grip that plate adjacent to it, which then forces the corresponding plate to move into position, pushing the pins inwards. I've flushed it all out, and it works every time now, so hopefully, it's the main reason for the failure. Thanks for watching.

[@jaredtrenholme9884]

I didn’t want to say it in your last video. But a autolocker more reliable then a elocker. I’ve run 2 autolocker in 2 different XJ, never an issue. Except some ratcheting noise on tight carpark turns. Then tried a e locker and boom and it left the chat. Currently running an auto again and have a used arb air locker ready to be installed. Have you tried rockauto for parts ?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Seven months of driving on ice and snow up here can make them very sketchy on the corners, and it requires an odd driving style to not crash. For trail use, I'm sure it's fantastic, but for where I live, you have to drive the ice roads to get to them. I would have used one otherwise. I've not seen rockauto, I will take a gander. Thank you for watching!

[@stuartb9194]

Just install a louder stereo, you'll be golden

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I better tell Megan I need a new stereo for Christmas 🎄 Thanks for watching

[@evilbrian66]

just sunday i was under my jeep taking out the t-case, asking it why it was giving me such a hard time when i have new parts for it. they are so entitled

[@mblake0420]

Supposed to use Dex III ATF in the np231

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

That's what I've been using. I always use that. The LSD Oil was used in the differential. Thanks for watching

[@Janisdzrv]

Whats your rear diff setup? Dana 35, Also an e locker?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Chrysler 8.25 29 spline factory lsd.

[@granitesand78]

What’s the reputation on eBay chains? I’d hate for some crap chinesium chain to explode while you’re flooring it in a snowbank trying to flee Bigfoot

[@granitesand78]

Or get to bigfoot, no judgment here. Everyone has their likes

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I think that's the concern. It's a cheap rebuild kit, but it might be rubbish. I will try and source some original parts despite the cost. Braking down while he's chasing me is a recurring fantasy.... I mean, nightmare... Thanks for watching

[@granitesand78]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness I think the novak kit would be super nice but yeah definitely a bit of a premium

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@granitesand78 I've not heard of that, so I will take a look. I think for now, I will rebuild it with the spare chain and just run it while building up the parts.

[@shnobi24]

Go with torsin lockers

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I personally prefer selectable up front as I'm driving on ice and snow for almost 7 months of the year. For the rear, I would definitely go torsen, though. Thanks for watching

[@shnobi24]

I understand, my jeep TJ did not come with factory installed lockers so I went with torsin lockers on Dana 30 in front and Dana 35th in the rear. I too get snow and never had an issue.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

How is it in the snow? Offroad, I mean. Do the wheels require some spinning to get drive to both axle shafts? I'm just curious as I prefer mechanical stuff.

[@shnobi24]

The lockers are set to a 1:1 bios,, one wheel will spin one full rotation before it automatically locks up. No cable wire or air hose. Off road as well as on road it works great. Off road I use tire chains.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I have the option of a torsen for the dana 30 in the future if this Elocker doesn't work out, as I'm testing the locker. I like the mechanical aspects, and it's almost unbreakable strength. Thanks for the information.

[@tracykooken2606]

doesnt matter u expect FULL LOCK when engaged. but it cant if ya dont uuse proper lube

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Hopefully, it's functional with the redline 75w90. Thanks for watching

[@loganfurst3010]

e lockers suck get a arb air locker and be done with it

[@russjowett2137]

Arb for sure make the best lockers. However they don’t seem to like working consistently in -25 degrees Celsius and below. Like where Mike lives and where I am in Canada. Nearly every one I know who has them. Has issues frequently with air lockers when it gets that cold.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It's that cold weather, unfortunately. I think air lockers are much better, but perhaps an ox locker one day in the future. They make one for the chrysler 8.25. Thanks for watching