The Differential Difference
In mechanical engineering, a Differential is a device that transmits torque and rotation through a combination of three different shafts. In the case of your automobile, it is one of the many
drivetrain parts that transmitts the engine’s rotational output to the wheels.
Good Things Come in Threes
Through the use of a differential, three different shafts work in unison to propel your vehicle. The magic lies in the fact that two outputs with different rotation can be achieved with a single input shaft. When your vehicle turns, the outside wheels must turn faster than the inside wheels because they are essentially travelling further. With a differential transmitting the turning torque, your drive wheels can rotate at different speeds to handle cornering and still provide smooth drive torque.
The Great Pumpkin
All the components of the differential are contained inside an axle housing, which is often referred to as the pumpkin by most auto enthusiasts. This where any servicing or repairs need to take place since the pumpkin contains all of the differential components. The main working components of your differential, like the
Differential Bearing
, Differential Pinion Shaft Nut, Ring & Pinion gears,
Differential Pinion Bearing and the Differential Pinion Crush Sleeve are less likely to fail since they are crafted of hardened material; however, they do fail on occasion. Parts that are more likely to fail are the soft seals and gaskets required to keep lubrication inside the pumpkin and off of your driveway are the Differential Gasket, Differential Mount, Differential Oil Cooler, Differential Seal, Final Drive Seal, Differential Pinion Gasket, and the Differential Pinion Seal.
Common Differential Parts
Copy the code in the box below and add a link for this page to your web site or blog.
Please feel free to call toll-free 800.874.8888 or e-mail sales@autoanything.com with any questions. We are delighted to be of assistance in finding the right auto parts for you, be they car parts, truck parts or SUV parts.
|