Feedback

Secrets I Wish I Knew About Differential Parts

The differential is a gearbox that allows various drive wheels (the wheels to which the engine sends power) on the same axle to rotate at different speeds when the automobile is turning. Read along to understand more about your car’s differential to understand its working mechanism better.

What Is A Car Differential?

A differential is a mechanical device that is composed of a lot of gear. It is generally utilized in all mechanized four-wheel automobiles. It transmits the power from the driveshaft to the drive wheels. Its major role is to allow the drive wheels to turn at different RPMs that allow the car wheels to go around corners while still receiving power from the car engine.

If you are searching for more information about Car Differentials, then you should visit our “What Is A Differential and Why Is It Important?” section.

How Does My Car Differential Work?

Want to learn the working of differential? Then keep on reading further:

The driving pinion, which replaces the complete differential case, mounts the input torque to the ring gear. The differential pinions are the single connection between the differential case and both differential side gears. Through the differential pinions, torque is delivered to the differential side gears. The differential pinions drive the differential side gears by rotating around the axis of the differential case.

On a straight road, the resistance on both wheels is identical, and the ring gear, differential case, differential pinion gear, and two differential gears will function as a single unit. It causes the side gears to revolve at the same rate as the ring gear, which causes both drive wheels to rotate at the same rate. Both wheels turn at the same rate as the differential pinions rotate without spinning around their axis.

What Are The Common Car Differential Problems?

It doesn’t matter what kind of differential set-up you own, everyone wants it to work in the right manner. Have a look at some of the most common problems of a failing differential:

  1. Service Past Due - Just like all other parts of an automobile, the car differential also requires periodic service. The basic maintenance step is to restore the differential oil (otherwise known as gear oil) as per the specifications set by the manufacturer. You can always consult your owner’s manual if you want to understand your differential maintenance requirements and frequency.


  1. Leaking Differential Oil - The differential/gear oil appears to be the same as common engine oil if it is leaking out the bottom of the automobile. A simple visual inspection is enough to spot where the leak is precisely coming from. 


  1. Strange Noises - If there is a failure in the differential, then it would give rise to a lot of loud whirring noises or sometimes rattling. Whenever you hear a strange noise coming from your car, then it is advisable to always get it inspected by a car repair expert.


  1. Vibrations - If you are feeling some uncommon vibrations while driving your car, then it indicates that there are some flaws in the differential.


  1. Unusual Smells - If the differential oil goes bad, then it might start to thicken as well as burn. This can always lead to the internal gears and other parts seizing up or breaking. You must take your car to the mechanic if you start noticing a strong burning oil smell. Your regular oil change might be due or it might also be the result of differential oil deteriorating.

Which Tools Do I Need To Repair My Car Differential?

Do you want to repair your Differential? If yes, then you surely need some tools to meet the demand of your car body structures. There is no need to worry as we are here to help you out. Have a look at the tools below which you will need while repairing your Differential:


  • Race Driver Sets

  • Dial Indicators

  • Dial Calipers

  • Bearing Pullers & Adaptors

  • Cross-pin Bolt Extractors

  • Carrier Bearing Pullers

  • Dana 44, Dana 60 and Dana 70 Housing Cutters

  • 10 Bolt & 12 Bolt Shim Drivers

Which Top Brands Differential Parts Should I Choose?

Searching for a specific brand for your Differential? In that case, you have arrived at the correct place. Have a look below to know about the top brands for Differential parts:

To know more about top brand Car Differentials, visit our “Which Top Brand Differential Bearing Should I Choose?” section.

Which Parts Are Related To My Car Differential?

We believe that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. So why not learn more about the associated parts of the car differential? Following are the parts that are related to the car’s differentials:

  • Differential side gear or sun gear
  • Differential case

If you are still confused about which type of car Differential you should buy, then you can visit our Ultimate Differential Buying Guide. You should always look for the warning signs of a bad Differential and replace them at the earliest you can. With us, you can find Differential at the most economical costs.

Buying Guides & Articles on Auto Parts

Articles and Guides written by auto parts experts to ensure you have all the required knowledge to make the correct purchase here at Parts Avatar.

Read all Guides & Articles
FAQ
Every automobile is unique. The differential is a part of every car that compensates for the difference in distance travelled by the inner and outer wheels as the car turns around a corner.
Whirring, whining, screaming, and humming noises are all signs of a malfunctioning differential [both front and rear]. During acceleration, deceleration, or turning around a corner, these noises will gradually shift.
The differential is a gearbox that allows various drive wheels (the wheels to which the engine sends power) on the same axle to rotate at different speeds when the automobile is turning.
Because the components serve a similar function, it's not uncommon for automatic transmission or gearbox specialists to also work on differentials. The transmission, often known as a gearbox, converts the engine's output into appropriate speed and torque for transmission to the wheels.
Whining noise is the most prevalent symptom of a failing differential. This is frequently caused by a lack of lubrication within the differential, implying that the differential fluid is leaking. There is undoubtedly a leak if you notice a crimson fluid under the differential.
persona image
John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.