Part three of our series will cover the rear differential and what it does. Part one of our series covered automatic transmissions and part two covered clutches.
Rear Differentials Defined
According to Wikipedia, a rear differential is: A device, usually, but not necessarily, employing gears, which is connected to the outside world by three shafts, through which it transmits torque and rotation. The gears or other components make the three shafts rotate in such a way that , where , , and are the angular velocities of the three shafts, and and are constants. Often, but not always, and are equal, so is proportional to the sum (or average) of and . Except in some special-purpose differentials, there are no other limitations on the rotational speeds of the shafts, apart from the usual mechanical/engineering limits. Any of the shafts can be used to input rotation, and the other(s) to output it.
In automobiles and other wheeled vehicles, a differential allows the driving roadwheels to rotate at different speeds. This is necessary when the vehicle turns, making the wheel that is travelling around the outside of the turning curve roll farther and faster than the other. An increase in the speed of one wheel must be balanced by an equal decrease in the speed of the other.
To read more of this Wikipedia entry, please click here.
Rear Differential Repair in Newer Vehicles
Like so many other components in modern cars, rear differentials have grown more complex. Computer modules and sensors help to reduce and increase speed depending on the angle of the turn and which wheels are outside. These modules are sophisticated, and allow for smoother handling of your vehicle.
As they are complex, it’s not recommended that you try to repair them on your own. It’s actually better to get in touch with an auto repair facility that can do differential repair.
Trail Transmission is an auto repair facility serving the Mesa area.
Car Components Part I: Automatic TransmissionCar Components Part II: Manual Transmissions and ClutchesCar Components Part III: Rear Differentials
Trail Transmission
11240 East Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120-3529
(480) 986-7367
trailtransmission.com