The differential of a vehicle is the mechanical component responsible for moving the movement generated by the engine to the wheels. But this element allows the tires on the right and the left to rotate at different speeds, when a vehicle makes a curve, that is, when a car takes a curve to the right, the wheel on this side travels less distance than the left wheel, and the same goes the other way around.
Formerly the wheels were mounted on the same axle and fixed to it, which caused that when entering a curve one of the two wheels would be forced more than the other generating that this skidding and can cause serious accidents. This is why the differential is created that, as its name says, allows the difference in turns between both wheels of the vehicle. See more at ironman country at tire review for better insights.
Parts of the Differentials
How many types of differentials exist?
It is very important to emphasize that each manufacturer can add components to the differentials, especially electronic elements, in addition to having different sizes and shapes, anyway, the operation of a differential will always be the same.
Formerly the wheels were mounted on the same axle and fixed to it, which caused that when entering a curve one of the two wheels would be forced more than the other generating that this skidding and can cause serious accidents. This is why the differential is created that, as its name says, allows the difference in turns between both wheels of the vehicle. See more at ironman country at tire review for better insights.
Parts of the Differentials
- We will start with the Carter or Housing, this is aligned to the entire mechanism composed of a central part where the crown is located.
- The Attack Pinion: Receive the rotation of the output shaft of the box (cardan) taking it to the crown.
- The Crown: this receives the rotation of the attack pinion, in order to turn the driving wheels.
- Satellite box: this box is attached to the crown and there are gears in it.
- Core: here are the four satellites or pinions that are geared to two conical wheels called planetariums.
- Palieres : these carry the differential rotation through the pinions towards the wheels.
- Differential lock (free and lock in 4 × 4): it is a system that solves the problems caused by the loss of traction in all terrain conditions. You can read this article to know more about the block.
How many types of differentials exist?
It is very important to emphasize that each manufacturer can add components to the differentials, especially electronic elements, in addition to having different sizes and shapes, anyway, the operation of a differential will always be the same.
The types of differentials are as follows:
Self-locking Differentials: This system is the most used, however, electronic systems are about to finish replacing it since they perform the work through sensors.
Limited slip differential: This differential is subdivided into two types:
Differential viscous or Ferguson: They are those that carry a casing in the transmission shaft which covers the intercalated discs, and are also incorporated in the gearbox.
Torsen Differential: From the English name "Torque Sensitive", its operation is more complete and efficient because it works depending on the speed at which it is circulating in the curve. The distribution between the wheels is much more representative depending on the conditions in which you are driving.
Differential of controlled landslides: They are simply multidisc clutches and their work is with a package of conductive discs pressed by a hydraulic system. This differential is also called a Haldex system and fulfills the same function as viscous differentials, but similar to the operation system of a multi-disc clutch or couplers.
Self-locking Differentials: This system is the most used, however, electronic systems are about to finish replacing it since they perform the work through sensors.
Limited slip differential: This differential is subdivided into two types:
- Mechanical self-locking : Used in long-travel vehicles that are normally rear-wheel drive those that use friction discs, distributing power across all wheels consistently.
- Self-locking by friction discs: It has independent discs that cross each other and is the most common among mechanical self-locking.
Differential viscous or Ferguson: They are those that carry a casing in the transmission shaft which covers the intercalated discs, and are also incorporated in the gearbox.
Torsen Differential: From the English name "Torque Sensitive", its operation is more complete and efficient because it works depending on the speed at which it is circulating in the curve. The distribution between the wheels is much more representative depending on the conditions in which you are driving.
Differential of controlled landslides: They are simply multidisc clutches and their work is with a package of conductive discs pressed by a hydraulic system. This differential is also called a Haldex system and fulfills the same function as viscous differentials, but similar to the operation system of a multi-disc clutch or couplers.