19
votes
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How exactly does a differential work?
What is a Differential ?
A differential’s job is to compensate for differences. Specifically
the differences in wheel speed when turning. For instance, imagine
taking a corner. Your inside wheel has ...
- 8,926
9
votes
Is there an advantage using 2 smaller motors on Tesla car's rear axle?
I can think of several advantages of having two independent motors, one for each wheel:
no need for a diff/gearbox
Today's technology allows electric motors to be attached directly to the wheel, so ...
- 39k
8
votes
Rear end Differential - rebuild or replace with used?
My suggestion would be to buy a differential bearing and seal kit for the rear end yourself and have a knowledgeable mechanic install it for you. This, as the name implies, consists of bearings and ...
- 140k
5
votes
Accepted
Subaru clunking and whining - differential?
My WRX is a somewhat different setup but, Subaru being what they are, most of the equipment is very similar.
But yesterday, it started making really awful clunking and grinding noises whenever I'm ...
- 24.3k
5
votes
Non LSD oil in a LSD
It may not be apparent right away but may cause issues later on. The Limited Slip Differential contains clutches. They require oil with an additive that allows the clutches to operate correctly. ...
- 19.7k
4
votes
How to hack an on-demand rear diff locker on FJ Cruiser bypassing the ECU?
From page 200 for the 'Rear Differential Lock' diagram... The 'RR Diff Lock' switch simply passes ignition voltage (+12) to an input on the ECU (R) pin. When the ECU sees this signal it controls an ...
- 658
4
votes
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Cars 101: How is torque conveyed from transmission to differential?
This system is called the drive train:
The shaft I was talking about was the prop-shaft. How I forgot that I don't know.
If your car is allwheel drive or can be it'll have something called (...
- 221
4
votes
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Lexus RCF - Torque Vectoring Differential, How Does it Work?
I'm taking my information from two sources, this Digital Trends article and the good old Engineering Explained video.
Digital Trends explains it as:
How this differs from a standard differential is ...
- 140k
4
votes
How exactly does a differential work?
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/a/25370/12697 Covers the physical arrangment of gears in a basic differential. The key to understanding a differential is to understand how these gears behave under ...
- 494
3
votes
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A tale of two diffs: which one needs more TLC?
All three - front, back and transfer box/centre diff. As it's a permanent 4WD system, all three diffs are in constant use, so if you've got no record of them being changed, it's probably worth doing ...
- 28.6k
3
votes
Front Right Wheel locked up while driving
I don't think it's the differential, I believe it would affect both front wheels.
A failed hub is where my money is, although it could still be something related to the brakes. I don't think a seized ...
- 12.1k
3
votes
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What is this part called? (Rear wheel lock ?)
that is a magnetically controlled clutch pack. It is similar to a limited slip differential. It is used in kia's AWD vehicles. It looks like a Jtekt ITCC active AWD unit.
here is their brochure and ...
- 2,859
3
votes
jeep compass 2012 with 4wd locker on, only one rear wheel spins
In a situation like this, my Landrover Discovery 2 uses the traction control system to pulse the brakes on the wheels that are spinning faster than the others (described simply). In so doing, it ...
- 20.7k
3
votes
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I have a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 Speed Ticking noise
Think worn-out rubber. Sway bar end bushings, sway bar (middle) bushings, shock absorber bushings.
A worn out U-Joint or CV joint can also cause tick and thump noises.
- 2,139
3
votes
Why do open differentials drive the wheels on the ground when a vehicle drives on two?
This could work in a car with an open differential and an active traction control system.
When the system detects a wheel spin, it actively brakes (and locks out) the particular wheel, as a ...
- 2,186
2
votes
Accepted
2000 Chevrolet Silverado - Clicking Noise From Front Differential
Ultimately, I replaced the half shaft and found out that wasn't it (although, for reference, the half shaft ended up being really easy to change. Was able to do it without even removing the wheel ...
- 343
2
votes
Why don't FWD cars have rear differentials?
It seems to me there's some confusion about terms here.
An axle is just a bit of ironmongery holding the wheels in place. The wheels can rotate independently of the axle: there's a bearing between ...
- 4,402
2
votes
Is there an advantage using 2 smaller motors on Tesla car's rear axle?
There are no clear advantages on the production vehicle mentioned. The whole process of producing the vehicle is not taken into account. Imagine having to build a vehicle with the two motors instead ...
- 3,363
2
votes
Is there such a thing as a "drive tire"?
Okay, you've got it a bit backwards; Let me explain.
An Open Differential has what is commonly referred to as "spider gears". These in combination with clutch packs allow one wheel to apply more ...
- 3,323
2
votes
1999 Ford Expedition 4x4 5.4 front cracking noise
You need to identify exactly where the sound is coming from. To do this, jack up the front end and put it on jack stands. If it's what I'm thinking it is, you can probably keep the tires straight, ...
- 140k
2
votes
2003 Dodge Durango - Can I take the front drive shaft off and drive the vehicle?
Most 4x4 vehicles (as opposed to all wheel drive) do not have a differential in the transfer case. The Dodge Durango, has a non-differential transfer case, meaning that the front and rear drive shafts ...
- 818
2
votes
Component identification - Mini Cooper S R53 (2005) Limited Slip Differential
The R53 is a Getrag GS6 and has a 25% locking limited slip. If I'm not mistaken, it is a clutch-type.
As far as a lack of information, you'll quickly find that most MINI owners just don't care what'...
- 79
1
vote
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Differential whine - caused by tyre differences?
Here is what I´d propose to do:
Check your tyres carefully for any sign of uneven wear. If there is any, get an alignment done.
Especially check for sawtoothing. If you have excessive sawtoothing ...
- 1,062
1
vote
Accepted
FWD open diff car with one failed CV joint. Would this get me home?
If you safely "lock" the broken driveshaft, then the other front wheel will rotate if you put it in gear, note this will be at 2 times the speed... I did this to drive a saw bench from a rear axle ...
- 34.4k
1
vote
1998 Grand Cherokee 4WD wheel hop
Has a JEEP mechanic looked at it, rather than a shade-tree mechanic? (note: I'm more the latter than the former!)
It sounds like you have torque-bind. Given that you have automatic 4WD, I'd lean ...
- 8,612
1
vote
Accepted
Can wrong size tire on both sides damage the differential
No you should be ok with different sizes on the rear compared to the front.
Having each side the same is better for your diff. Especially for normal driving where you have traction on both wheels as ...
- 1,552
1
vote
1
vote
2000 Chevrolet Silverado - Clicking Noise From Front Differential
My problem was when i heard clicking noises coming from my diff, it ended up being the pinion gearing. It was a tooth chipped off. So you should check that out when ya get a chance.
- 370
1
vote
2007 Nissan Frontier Transmission, Differential & Transfer Case service intervals for light driving?
What most don't understand is that when we are driving a vehicle, we should be servicing it under the "premium plan" or whatever your particular brand of manufacture calls it. We abuse our vehicles ...
- 140k
1
vote
Damage to Audi differential with new front tires and old rear tires
I agree with Daniel, and also comfirmed this with Audi. As long as they are the same size and there isnt a major difference in thread wear you should be fine.
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible