How do I check that my air lockers are engaging?

[Blasst]

Just being on dirt where I can safely engage my lockers doesn't feel like they are engaging. It seems like I need to go somewhere slippery and have someone watching. So what am I missing?? There has to be a way to check them without looking for a mudhole. Just another system I like to check occasionally........

 

[M1911]

Huh? Four air lockers? I’m not aware of any vehicle with more than two air lockers.

 

[Blasst]

Yeah......I mean front lockers. (My brain was on vacation) So the question remains. How do I check they are engaging.

 

[indycole]

If you're just testing your front lockers then a gravel parking lot would definitely give you enough feedback. Heck, even on pavement you can test front lockers at super slow speed as long as you don't plan on turning. You'll know if they're on.

 

[Blasst]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing........ Just feel it.
Many years ago I accidentally engaged lockers on the pavement while doing a slight turn.
Got a little chirping there for second.

 

[Markuson]

It should be really obvious on gravel… Because turning will feel stiffer, and your tires will be making more surface noise in even mild turns since both tires are forced to spin at the same speed.

 

[RET2]

#1 Turn the compressor on?

 

[Blasst]

Good idea!! Turned it on at the beach here. Felt like having some fun. Drove far away from any people.

Anyway, Compressor didn't come on so I drove it a little to be sure there wasn't already pressure in the lines and lockers engaging. I've found in the past sometimes that can happen and the compressor doesn't come on for a minute.

Next checked fuses.......then checked power at the switch with a multimeter. Had power where I stuck the probe so messed with the connections and it popped on. After that as I drove the lockers felt normal. Then I drove up into some dunes and played a little .

I like to engage my lockers every couple of months if I haven't used them.
Same with my checking my aux tank pump....and other systems.
The more systems we add the more there is to check or put a gauge on.... Better here at home than out somewhere.
Speaking of monitoring systems......I've decided to add possibly a Victron BMV-702 battery monitor like @indycole has to keep an eye on voltage at both batteries.
I found that my IBS system lights can be very inaccurate plus I want to see true voltage. I'm also considering this instead of the Victron mainly because I also want a tranny temp gauge also.

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[RET2]

Couple of things, your airlines probably won't hold air for more than an hour, secondly a monthly or even weekly actuation is desirable. I would check the connections because the compressor should immediately start when the switch is used, any delay could be an indication of loose or corroded terminals, obviously not good.

 

[Blasst]

I was wondering if I needed to actuate them more often...especially here where it is so humid.
What made me check it now was I drove through some heavy brush with sticks that could poke a hole in a CV boot or do something
to an airline. I immediately checked my CV boots and checked that it hadn't snagged a line. I'll check all line connections too now. Thanks

 

[RET2]

The airlines only go to the diffs and don't extend down to the CV boots. Repair wise ARB has a field repair kit with push-pull connectors and a short length of tubing that would be a great addition a tool kit.

 

[Blasst]

yeah I know. But it was the CV boots I was worried about. Much bigger pain in the butt to replace and easy to get speared in that type of brush and sticks I was in.

I just realized sometimes I'm gone for 2 or 3 months. I'll just have to take my chances with my lockers. If they don't actuate sometime I'll just have to deal with it.

 

[RET2]

In reality they will be fine if you only do them that frequently as they are inside a lubed environment.

 

[Blasst]

Yeah that is what I am expecting. I have another vehicle that has been stored for 3 months.