DIFFERENTIAL

Differential Overview
When turning, the inner and outer wheels have different
turning radii
Inner wheels travel less distance than the outer wheels and
thus, the outer wheels must rotate faster than the inner
wheels.
If the wheels rotate with equal speed, then one of the wheels
will slide and will cause faster tyre wear.

Functions
Transfers power from driveshaft to the wheels.
Provides final gear reduction.
Splits amount of torque going to each wheel.
Allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds in turns.

Types of Differentials
Open Differential
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Main Parts
Final gear: consists of the drive pinion and ring gear; increases torque
and changes the direction of rotation by 900
Differential gear: To change speeds of left and right wheel while
turning

Components
Pinion Drive Gear: Transfers power from the driveshaft to the
ring gear.
Ring (crown) Gear: transfers power to the Differential case
assembly.
Differential case assembly: holds the planet gear and other
components that drive the rear axle.
Side/spider/sun gears: help both wheels to rotate
independently when turning.
Rear drive axles: steel shafts that transfer torque from the
differential assembly to the drive wheels.
Axle housing: metal body that encloses and supports parts of
the rear axle assembly.

Components

Power flow
Drive shaft rotates the Pinion
gear.
Pinion gear rotates the larger
ring gear (crown); increases
torque and reduces speed
Ring gear is attached to
differential case, hence it
rotates with the ring gear
Differential case rotates the sun
gears which are attached to
axles through planets.
Axles transfer the power to the
wheels.

Types of Final Gear

1. Bevel gear
2. Spiral bevel gear
3. Hypoid bevel gear

Hypoid gear
Pinion gear sits offset,
lowered from the centerline
of ring gear
Improved gear mesh because
of larger gear tooth contact
area
Larger size of pinion
Improves gear life and
reduce gear noise
Most of the modern
differentials have Hypoid
Gears
Expensive to manufacture
More friction due to sliding

HOW IT WORKS DIFFERENTIAL

Open Differential Problems

Differential supplies equal
torque to both wheels
If torque requirement of
one wheel is reduced, the
other wheel also gets less
torque
If one wheel has little
friction (traction) there is
no resistance to its
rotation and slipping
occurs
Vehicle stuck due to tyre
slipping on sandy surface

Limited slip Differential

Provides driving force to both wheels at all times, whereas

conventional differential will lose traction on slippery surface.
Transfers a portion of torque to both slipping wheel and the driving
wheel
Under high torque, pinion gears push on side gears. Side gears
push on clutch discs, thus locking it
Under normal working, clutch discs are disengaged

Breather tube

Breather tube vents pressure or vacuum in or out of the rear axle as

temperature changes.
If blocked lubricant pressure can damage the axle seals or pinion
drive gear seals

Differential lubrication

Uses 80W-90 hypoid oil

Remove filler plug ; if oil can be touched, level is correct