Powertrax no-slip locker exploded

[Jerry Bransford]

Just asking but isn't one of the attractions of thus type of locker is its fool proof installation? Now I know all fools are not created equal but I understood it to be so that a guy with no diff experience would be able to accomplish it easily with no problems.

Supposedly. But there could be other external factors unrelated to the install that could be going on too. Hard to say why there would be repeated breakages of a well respected device that doesn't normally cause any problems.

 

[whitrzac]

The first install, sure, I could see a user error messing with something. **** happens.
This one, not a chance. I was paranoid about it blowing up again. Everything was tripple checked for proper clearances and operation. I had a 8hr(one way) drive 2 days after installing it.

 

[whitrzac]

Someone on FB said they've seen similar failures on a bent axle

 

[whitrzac]

Just finished pulling it out. It's cracked around the pins on both plates. one of them is cracked all the way though. the other is just starting.
I wonder if the hole was a touch too small when they pressed them in. I've seen similar failures with sintered metal gears in my other hobbies.

 

[whitrzac]

one plate

The other plate

 

[Boinked]

Damn that is strange. Has me wondering if they both came from the same batch.

Maybe they had an issue with the steel.

 

[MountaineerTom]

That sucks. I feel bad for you.

 

[Drizit]

Seems like a manufacturing defect to me unless you are the one installing those pins with a swing press.

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[whitrzac]

I believe now is the time where I can call powertrax and tell them to go **** a donkey.

Brand new, out of the box.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Wow that doesn't look good, my Powertrax No-Slip installed 17-18 years ago never had any problems. I wonder what's going on over there.

 

[Rob5589]

Cracked, straight from the box?! That is some piss poor qc.

 

[Boinked]

Man. . . Someone over there is sleeping on the job.

Make me wonder if they reorganized the company.

 

[whitrzac]

Anyone selling a set of rubicon axles/lockers for a reasonable price?...

 

[whitrzac]

At least now I know 100% that it's not an install/user error.

 

[Rob5589]

Aussie. Save a 100 bucks and deal with a slight tick on turns.

 

[jazngab]

Fingers crossed for my powertrax. Bought mine in January. And it was installed twice. First by me. And then when I got regeared. Knock on wood it’s been fine.

 

[dbbd1]

Fingers crossed for my powertrax. Bought mine in January. And it was installed twice. First by me. And then when I got regeared. Knock on wood it’s been fine.

Might be worth taking a look at it.

 

[whitrzac]

Fingers crossed for my powertrax. Bought mine in January. And it was installed twice. First by me. And then when I got regeared. Knock on wood it’s been fine.

I would for sure pop the cover and check. The first one exploding caused my axle to lock up driving down the street.

 

[jazngab]

I would for sure pop the cover and check. The first one exploding caused my axle to lock up driving down the street.

I’ve been driving it for 5 months now and wheeled with it twice. It’s been flawless. Where did you purchase yours from?

 

[whitrzac]

National drivetrain, out of chicago.