Community Forums

motohomer · 05-07-2011, 02:31 PM

Is that normal?

Was trying out some modifications & jacked up the rear till both sets of tires were airborne. Much to my amazement, I could spin them by hand. Easily too.
Both sets would turn posi-style, but the driveshaft stayed put.

I know the E-brake (on mine - 07 W22) is a driveshaft lock, but if the differential free-wheels, whats the point?

So do I have a busted diff? or its just the way it is?

I am REALLY surprized the beast hasnt rolled away on me yet.

DriVer · 05-07-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motohomer

Is that normal?.

It's actually "Abbie Normal" or something like that! (Mel Brooks - Young Dr. Frankenstein)

I bet when you put the doolies on the ground that you won't be able to move the motorhome 1 inch.

wackymac · 05-07-2011, 04:01 PM

If you'll notice, one side should turn in the opposite direction from the other side.

motohomer · 05-07-2011, 04:24 PM

Different directions. hmmm. Makes sense, it is a differential.

I was on one side, the wife on the other. Of course I spun them both ways, and we cant agree on which direction was first...

Instead of going through the hassle (and danger) of checking. I am hereby declaring wackymac to be correct, and forgetting all about it.

Thanks WackyMac

motohomer · 05-07-2011, 05:59 PM

Just to follow up, DW made me verify. WackyMac is correct. Opposite directions.
All is well.

mythplaced · 05-07-2011, 06:08 PM

frankdamp · 05-07-2011, 09:30 PM

The e-brake is just aft of the transmission on the WH chassis (at least thos with the GM transmission). Check if the drive shaft is rotating when you spin the rear wheels. If it does, you have a problem and should probably get in touch with "Oldusedbear", the acknowledged guru of "autopark".

What you experienced would be normal action of the differential. If you and DW tried to turn both rear wheels in the same direction, you'd find they wouldn't move.

hdossett · 05-08-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motohomer

...

I was on one side, the wife on the other. Of course I spun them both ways, and we cant agree on which direction was first...

Thanks WackyMac

Reminds me of the Andy Taylor and Barny Fife skit with the Buffalo Nickel!

Just saying!

H

DriVer · 05-08-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp

If it does, you have a problem and should probably get in touch with "Oldusedbear", the acknowledged guru of "autopark"..

Frank, We do so very much apprecaite the interaction between "oldusedbear" and iRV2 members however the OP has a mechanically applied foot brake.

LarryInAL · 05-08-2011, 10:42 AM

Truly a testament to the marriage relationship - he sits on one side and sees the wheels turning clockwise, she sits on the other side and sees the wheels turning clockwise, and so they both agree they were turning in the same direction. That's what makes a marriage work despite opposite views.

DriVer · 05-08-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryInAL

Truly a testament to the marriage relationship - he sits on one side and sees the wheels turning clockwise, she sits on the other side and sees the wheels turning clockwise, and so they both agree they were turning in the same direction. That's what makes a marriage work despite opposite views.

Excellent observation!

wackymac · 05-08-2011, 03:09 PM

motohomer---The reason it is called a differential is because in a turn, the inside wheel has to turn slower than the outside wheel because it travels less distance or to look at it another way, the outside wheel has to turn faster because it has to travel a longer distance than the inside wheel. If the differential was not there and the axle was solid, one or the other of the wheels would be skidding in a turn. Most ATVs have solid axles because they usually run in sand or dirt and the tires will skid much easier than on pavement. Also, the solid axle is lighter and less complicated than a differential.

Bigdaddy · 05-08-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wackymac

motohomer---The reason it is called a differential is because in a turn, the inside wheel has to turn slower than the outside wheel because it travels less distance or to look at it another way, the outside wheel has to turn faster because it has to travel a longer distance than the inside wheel. If the differential was not there and the axle was solid, one or the other of the wheels would be skidding in a turn. Most ATVs have solid axles because they usually run in sand or dirt and the tires will skid much easier than on pavement. Also, the solid axle is lighter and less complicated than a differential.

I thought both of my duel wheels turned the same speed,

wackymac · 05-08-2011, 06:56 PM

bigdaddy--They do on the cheap WH chassis. That's why your tires wear out so fast. On the high dollar motorhomes, (Ford chassis) there is a differential between each inside and outside dual.