Differential lock should be disengaged while traveling and turning in which direction to avoid loss of steering control?

• A. Flat
• B. Downhill
• C. Uphill
• D. Curve

Answer: (B)

Disengaging the differential lock is important because locking forces both drive wheels to rotate at the same speed. In a turn, the inside wheel travels a shorter distance than the outside wheel, so they need to spin at different rates. On a downhill grade, gravity increases the tendency for wheel binding and loss of steering when the wheels are locked together. Releasing the lock while traveling and turning downhill allows each wheel to rotate at its own needed speed, helping maintain steering control. This situation is why downhill is the direction to avoid loss of steering by keeping the differential unlocked.