Differential Components
Between the drive shaft and the axles is very important component: The Differential. The drive shaft is spun by the transmission, but is spinning parallel to the rear wheels. Therefore, the power must be rotated 90 degrees to be useful. This is where the differential comes into play. Aside from rotating the power, the differential also acts as one last gearing ... Read More
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Why are Differential Components Part(s) Important
Between the drive shaft and the axles is very important component: The Differential. The drive shaft is spun by the transmission, but is spinning parallel to the rear wheels. Therefore, the power must be rotated 90 degrees to be useful. This is where the differential comes into play. Aside from rotating the power, the differential also acts as one last gearing down for more torque. It also allows the wheels to move at different speeds while the car is turning (hence where it garnered its name).
How a differential works is somewhat confusing. The long answer is as follows. Inside the differential cover, there are several gears. When the drive shaft enters the differential, it is met by one large gear that rotates the power and spins the wheels. To allow the wheels to spin at different speeds, the differential uses a system called "Planet Gears" or "Orbiting Gears". They interact with the gears at the ends of the axle rods, allowing them to spin at variable speeds.
The short form of that answer: Science makes it work. Lots and lots of science.
A differential going bad has a crippling effect on the car. Because the differential is used to distribute power, any damage to it will interrupt the turning of the wheels. A leak of the differential fluid, which acts as a lubricant, can cause rapid wear and the eventual destruction of the gears. And because gears are so close together, a problem with one gear will destroy the differential from the inside out--quite literally. Though problems with the differential are relatively rare, but when they do happen, they can be catastrophic and costly to repair.
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