What is an ARB Air Locker
An ARB Air Locker is a selectable differential locker designed to give you maximum traction when the terrain gets difficult. At the push of a switch, compressed air locks the differential so both wheels on the axle are driven together, helping the van keep moving when one wheel starts to lose grip.
For everyday road driving, the differential works as normal. When you reach mud, loose gravel, uneven ground or a steep off-road section, the locker can be engaged only when you need it — giving you extra traction without permanently changing the way the van drives.
For Sprinter owners heading further off the beaten track, it’s one of those upgrades that can make a real difference when conditions get awkward. Simple idea, serious capability.
Gear Ratio Options Available
Different gear ratios are available depending on your Sprinter axle specification and requirements. We’ll identify the correct setup for your vehicle and make sure the locker and gearing are properly matched.
New Bearings & Seals
The Air Locker is installed with new differential bearings and seals, rather than simply fitting the locker into tired existing components. It’s all part of making the installation something we’re happy to stand behind.
1,000-Mile Oil Change Included
Once you’ve covered approximately 1,000 miles, bring the van back to ALTVAN for its included differential oil change and post-installation check. It gives everything time to bed in and lets us make sure the setup is behaving exactly as it should.
Mercedes-Benz Expertise
Installation is carried out in-house by our Mercedes-Benz Commercial Master Technician, who was trained by Mercedes-Benz on these axles. Correct bearing preload, backlash and differential setup are critical — this isn’t a job we treat as just another bolt-on accessory.
Not every axle is the same
ARB Air Lockers are only compatible with certain Mercedes-Benz Sprinter axle specifications, so the first step is confirming which axle is fitted to your van.
If your Sprinter already has a compatible axle, we can proceed with the Air Locker installation as normal. If it doesn’t, that doesn’t necessarily stop the project — we can help source the correct used axle assembly, then install and set everything up here at ALTVAN.
As a guide, a suitable second-hand axle will typically add around £1,000–£1,500 to the project, depending on availability and specification.
If you’re unsure which axle your Sprinter has, send us your chassis number and we can confirm compatibility before anything is booked.
ARB Air Locker Installation
From £3,995.00
Installed at our East Sussex workshop
Includes the Air Locker installation, new bearings and seals, professional differential setup by our Mercedes-Benz Commercial Master Technician, and the 1,000-mile oil change/check.
Optional extras are available, as shown below.
Agile Offroad Diff Cover
From £400.00 inc. VAT Installed
The Agile Offroad rear differential cover replaces the lightweight factory cover with a heavy-duty cast iron alternative, helping protect the differential from impact damage without sacrificing valuable ground clearance. A useful addition for vans seeing regular off-road or rough-track use.
ARB Air Compressor
From £497.00 inc. VAT Installed
A compatible air supply is required to operate the Air Locker. If your van doesn’t already have one, we can install an ARB on-board compressor from £497 inc VAT. The price shown is based on a single on-board brushed compressor, with other compressor options available depending on how you plan to use the vehicle.
See the Air Locker in action
Interested in having this fitted to your Sprinter? Get in touch below
To help us confirm Air Locker compatibility for your Sprinter, please include your vehicle registration and chassis number in the message box below.