Every morning, you start your car and put it into gear. Viola, things are in motion even before you know it. However, the point here is that this motion is not a result of little men working inside the engine, but these are multiple mechanical components working together to ensure your car moves. One of those critical components is your car’s rear differential. This crucial gear system is essential in how your car handles and manoeuvres.
This insight raises essential questions about the function of a differential in a car. If you have been wondering about the role of car differentials, then you are in the right place. This blog will explore the intricacies of car differentials, so make sure you read till the end!
Understanding Car Rear Differentials
The rear differential, also known as the rear axle differential, is an intricate gear system found in the rear assembly axle of the car. This complex gearbox performs two main functions that include:
- Engine Power Distribution: The car’s engine will relay power to the differential through the drive shaft in rear-wheel drive cars to split the two rear wheels. As a result, both rear wheels will receive the needed torque to push the car forward.
- Independent Wheel Movement: Another primary importance of rear differentials is that they allow two rear wheels to spin at different speeds. This unique engineering phenomenon enables the car to turn in corners where the outer wheel might need to cover more distance than the inner wheel.
How Does The Rear Differential Work?
There is no denying the overall inner workings of a rear differential are a complex ordeal. However, the component uses unique and interesting principles with smaller key components working together to keep things going. That said, here are some of those key components and the role they play:
- Ring Gear: This is the largest component in the rear differential, with massive toothed gears bolted to the differential housing. The ring gear gets its power from the driveshaft through the pinion gear.
- Pinion Gear: This relatively smaller gear component works with the ring gear to transmit the rotational force from the engine to the ring gear.
- Spider Gears: are two similar gears located at the centre of the differential. Spider gears can freely rotate on a shaft and connect the ring gear to the side gears.
- Side Gears: These gears remain connected to the axle that drives the rear wheels with the rotational force coming from the spider gears.
How Do Different Rear Differential Components Work Together?
Most professionals offering car mechanic mobile services often come across the question about the working principles of rear differentials. So, you first need to understand that rear differentials work differently in different situations. For instance, the same component will perform different functions while you drive straight and again differently during cornering.
Driving Straight
Suppose you are driving on a straight road to your mobile autocare mechanic. Driving straight means the differentials, ring gear and spider gears rotate as a united unit. This allows the differential to transmit power to both side gears, enabling rear wheels to move at uniform speeds.
Cornering
When you take a turn with your car, you must have noticed that the outer wheel needs to cover more distance than the inner wheel. This increases the resistance on the inner wheel, and the difference in this resistance enables the spider gears to spin on their own axis while rotating with the ring gear simultaneously. As a result, the side gears start rotating at different speeds, making it easier to relay more power to the outer wheel for a smooth turn.
Signs of a Damaged Rear Differential
As with every other mechanical component, even the rear differential can succumb to general wear and tear with time. You must get a vehicle inspection in case you find any signs of a damaged rear differential, and some of those important signs include:
- Clunking or Whining Noises: Even rear differentials can make cloning and whining noises. This noise generally comes from the rear axle, indicating that the differential might have worn bearings and gears.
- Loss of Traction: In certain extreme cases, a damaged differential might contribute to loss of traction in either one or both tyres. You must not ignore this sour search for a reliable mechanic and get the best of what the professionals at the Mobile Mechanic Adign and rush to the auto mechanic’s mobile to get things checked quickly.
- Uneven tyre Wear: If the car’s rear tyre has undergone more wear than the other, it might be a sign of a damaged differential. You must access the right mobile car servicing to determine if the differential distributes power unevenly.
- Problem With Cornering: You might experience difficulties turning your car on certain occasions. This could be in the form of wheels binding or resisting, a sign of a damaged differential.
Bottom Line
Your car’s rear differential is the silent knight that does an important job but rarely gets the attention he deserves. But thankfully, now you understand rear differentials and their essential role in keeping the car moving.
Make sure you take good care of these rear differentials and get the right mobile mechanic repair if you notice any signs of things going wrong with them.
End your search for a reliable mechanic and get the best of what the professionals at the Mobile Mechanic Adelaide have to offer—wondering what? Find out below!
Why Choose Mobile Mechanic For Rear Differential Repair?
Dedicated and professional mechanics mobile at the Mobile Mechanic are experienced professionals. It allows our experts to diagnose and fix any problem with your car quickly and at affordable prices.
So, if that grinding sound from the car’s rear has bothered you lately, never hesitate to reach us!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is it important to maintain the rear differential?
A – Maintaining your car’s rear differential offers predictable and smooth handling, more traction, and reduced tyre wear.
Q2. What are spider gears in rear differentials?
A – Spider gears are identical at the differential’s centre. These gears can freely rotate on a shaft and connect the ring gears to the side gears.
Q3. What are the primary functions of a rear differential?
A – Proper engine power distribution and enabling independent wheel rotation are two primary functions of the rear differential.
Q4. Why do we need pinion gear?
A – The pinion gear in the rear differential connects with the ring gear and transmits the engine’s rotational force to the gears.
Q5. What does a rear differential do when driving staring?
A – When you drive straight, the rear differential enables the ring and spider gears to rotate as a single unit and transmit equal power to both side gears.
