Traction is always an issue with vehicle owners. This is true, especially when carrying heavy loads, driving over slippery surfaces, and even when towing. To ensure vehicle owners get where they are going, car manufacturers added the G80 locking differential.

This technology locks the rear wheels allowing them to spin at the same speed and in the same direction. As a result, you can always get out of sticky situations. However, like any other technology, the G80 differential is also plagued with problems.

Want to learn more about G80 locking differential problems and the reasons?

Read on.

What Is a G80 Locking Differential?

The G80 locking differential is a mechanical vehicle component designed to lock both wheels on an axle. This provides 100% torque to the wheel with traction. Designed to operate like an open differential, it helps to overcome a chief limitation common in the open differential. That limitation is locking both wheels.

In an open differential, the differential is usually unlocked. As such, the wheels rotate at different speeds. But when you lock the differential, the wheels spin at the same speed regardless of traction.

This is very useful especially when you encounter difficult terrain. For example, you’re driving your Ford F150 truck in winter snow or spring mud. Without a locking differential, you may find it difficult to go forward, especially when stuck.

However, by locking the differential, your F150 moves ahead with enhanced control and confidence. This is because the G80 lock differential allows both rear wheels to spin at the same speed regardless of traction.

G80 Locking Differential Problems

The following are G80 locking differential problems and reasons.

Uncontrolled Spinning

Traction is always an issue with pickup trucks, especially when exploring slippery slopes, muddy, and swampy areas. When one of the wheels starts spinning, it always means that is as far as you can go. However, with the G80 locking differential locking your axles, you can get where you’re going.

To keep the rear tires aligned the vehicle must display maximum traction. As such, the wheels must spin at a particular speed. However, one of the tires may spin more rapidly than the others. These will surely lower the traction, a component that’s essential for moving forward.

When this happens, your vehicle may also lose balance as a result of the continuous spinning. If this happens while the vehicle is on a slippery slope, you may lose control leading to an accident.

Whining Noise

Gears whining, and clunking are common locking differential noises that should be of concern to vehicle owners. This is true for vehicle owners who pay attention to the clicks and grinds when each axle spins mimicking vehicle movement.

Since the bearings are usually incorporated in each wheel and in the differential, when they begin to wear, friction increases. Once this happens, metal-to-metal contact results in bad noises until it finally fails.

Failing bearings can make a whining or roaring grinding noise. As you speed your car or the load increases, the noise gets louder. The noise usually resonates through the chassis. Whining noises are a result of not lubricating the components of the differential properly. Or perhaps fluid is leaking and causing the components to wear prematurely. To ensure no whining noises come from your car, have the components well lubricated.

Locking and Unlocking

The G80 locking differential spins the right and left wheels at the exact same speed. This is regardless of wheel spin. As a result, the locking differential is very useful for tough terrain when one tire is in the air, snow, or mud.

Under normal conditions, locking occurs when there is minimal traction. Unlocking happens when you drive over the 20 MPH limit. From then onwards, the locking differential does not activate until you lower the speed of your car. This may happen when driving over slippery surfaces or when taking a turn.

When the system does not lock or unlock as it should, your tires may remain at a differential speed.

G80 Locking Differential Reasons

The following are g80 locking differential.

Insufficient Lubrication

Much like other components in your car, lubrication is essential to ensure they function effectively. In the G80 locking differential, the fluid used for lubrication is known as differential oil or gear oil.

Without sufficiently lubricating the differential, it would overheat. This is because of metal to metal contact. Basically, it would burn itself out and cause safety issues. It can also cause your vehicle to make banging or clunking noises, especially when taking a turn.

The grinding noise of gears will become worse as you accelerate your vehicle. If you hear this, we recommend that you have your differential inspected. Also, have a certified mechanic check the transmission. If you catch the issue early, you can fix the problem with a simple gear oil change.

Mechanical Damage

The G80 locking differential system has a flywheel attached to a governor. This component signals the differential to lock or unlock. It does so by engaging and disengaging the clutch and allowing your vehicle to balance wheel speed.

Besides that, the flywheel attached to a governor can also lock and unlock the wheel’s rotary motion via the axle shaft. Therefore, damage to these components will cause problems, especially differential locking and unlocking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the G80 locking differential work?

The G80 locking differential locks the rear axle automatically if one of the wheels loses traction and starts to spin. When this happens, both wheels start spinning at the same speed propelling the truck.

2. Is G80 a locker or a limited slip?

The G80 locking differential is a limited-slip differential. Originally named “Positraction” by GM, it spins the rear wheels in the same direction. This is unlike one wheel spinning in the opposite direction.

3. How do I test my G80 locker?

To know if your G80 differential is working, jack both rear wheels off the ground. Then hold one of the wheels while another person puts your truck in gear. If the other tire starts to spin as an open differential should, then the tire you’re holding should engage.

4. Does G80 locker work in reverse?

Yes, the G80 locker can work in reverse. This is because it has two actuating pawls that allow the G80 to work in both forward and reverse gears. It can engage automatically and without driver input distributing power to both rear wheels evenly.

5. How do you know if you have a G80 differential?

To know if you have a G80 locking differential, refer to the Service Parts Identification label, this is an RPO code list sticker found in the glove box. The label has plenty of information about your vehicle including if it has a G80 locking differential.

Final Words

The G80 locking differential is present in new and used vehicles. With the information above, you can troubleshoot the issues affecting your G80 differential. This will make it easier for you to find the right solution and ensure your truck keeps working properly as it should.