What are differentials on a car?
A differential is a gearbox that is found between the drive wheels of your vehicle. If your vehicle has a four-wheel drive system, then it more than likely has a front and rear differential. A differential works with the transmission to deliver power from the engine to the axle that turns the wheels.
Do cars need differentials?
Every part on a car serves a purpose to keep it moving while on the road. The differential is a key player that works to apply torque (a rotational force) to the drive wheels. Whether the car is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the differential is needed.
Why are differentials fitted to vehicles?
In automobiles and other wheeled vehicles, the differential allows the outer drive wheel to rotate faster than the inner drive wheel during a turn. This is necessary when the vehicle turns, making the wheel that is traveling around the outside of the turning curve roll farther and faster than the other.
Do all cars have a differential?
Every car is different. The differential is a component in all cars and is designed to compensate for the difference in distance the inner wheels and outer wheels travel as the car goes around a corner.
Where is the differential located?
A car differential is placed halfway between the driving wheels, on either the front, rear, or both axes (depending on whether it’s a front-, rear-, or 4-wheel-drive car).
How many differentials does a car have?
In case of all wheel drive cars, there are two differentials, one at the back and one for the front wheels. A transfer case is used to split power between front and rear wheels.
What are the components of a differential?
Following are the parts of the differential system:
- Differential side gear or sun gears.
- Pinion shaft or cross pin.
- Axle shafts or half shafts.
- Ring gear or crown wheel.
- Drive pinion or bevel pinion.
- Differential pinions or planet gears.
- Differential case or Housing.