Rear differential what is it

Torque vectoring encompasses a complicated collection of sensors and electronics to obtain data from the steering system, throttle position, road surface, and more, giving it the ability to distribute power to each wheel, according to the data. This option provides maximum traction while cornering, increasing performance significantly.

Regular maintenance on any vehicle is a necessity from oil changes, belts, hoses, and other fluids. The differential fluid is no exception. Differential oil is used to lubricate manual transmissions and differentials. It plays a vital role in protecting the differential and transmission, allowing them to function safely and smoothly.

The spent differential fluid becomes dirty and contaminated after time. Continuing to drive with contaminated fluid is risky as it can put unnecessary wear on components, leading to permanent damage. Signs your differential needs service:. Plan to have your differential fluid is also known as gear oil, or oil in the transaxles changed every 30, miles not to exceed 60, miles by a trained technician. Clean, fresh oil allows for better protection of the differential leading to a safer ride.

As with any component of the vehicle, well-lubricated parts equal optimal performance. Lubricating fluid within the differential transfers heat away from gears extending its life and keeping you on the road. For any maintenance service including oil changes, brake flushes, or differential services, turn to Sun Auto Service!

We are the experts for complete auto repair and maintenance. Our ASE Certified Technicians have specialized training in all aspects of auto care for all makes and models of cars and light trucks. We guarantee our work in writing and only perform services you authorize. Why go to the dealer when Sun Auto Service is the number one alternative? Schedule an appointment for your next maintenance service and see what makes Sun Auto Service the best choice in automotive care.

All differentials get you around a corner, but some do it better than others. A vehicle with torque vectoring sends a little more power to the outside wheel. Some automakers provide an electronic torque-vectoring effect, using sensors to apply the brake on the inside wheel so the vehicle pivots around this slower-turning tire. In a true torque-vectoring system, the differential sends more power to the outside wheel.

A locking differential lets the wheels turn at different speeds most of the time, but when its locking function is activated, the wheels both turn at the same speed. In addition to a rear-wheel locking differential, the toughest 4x4s will also have a locking front differential.

That centre differential may also be open, limited-slip, viscous, or Torsen. If those wheels start to slip, the differential sends power to the other. Some vehicles send power to both axles all the time, although one generally gets more than the other. True 4WD systems power the rear wheels, but have a transfer case that sends power to all four wheels when activated. On pavement, the system can bind.

This works like an all-wheel system, sending power to the front axle only as needed so the vehicle can be driven in four-wheel on asphalt. Sign up to receive Driving. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Driving. We encountered an issue signing you up. Over time, the teeth of the gears may wear down badly or chip.

When this happens, you will deal with noise and a higher risk of failure, unless you replace them. You do not want to have to replace the differential gears, as they are the costliest components to replace, not even counting labor.

In the absolute worst-case scenario, you will need a rear differential replacement. In this case, your mechanic will have to replace the entire rear differential, including the housing, bearings, seals, and gears.

If you have a rear diff bad component, you will need to be prepared to spend some major money or find an alternative to repairs. Repairing or replacing a rear differential can cost as much as it would to do the same with a transmission. This is the average price for a couple of hours of labor and the more affordable replacement parts, like bearings and seals.

What about the worst-case scenario when you need to fully replace the rear differential? This will not come cheap. It is wise to get a new rear differential instead of a used one since this will give you more confidence in the part and it should last longer. But that is a high price to pay. Remember that the rear- or front-end differential repair or replacement cost will depend on numerous factors, including the vehicle and its condition.

For example, repairing or replacing parts in older trucks will have a very different cost than doing so in a newer Ford F In addition to all of the above information, there are also some other very common questions regarding rear differentials and their repairs. In most cases, a rear differential will go bad over time due to simple aging. Just like other components in your auto age and weaken, the same is true of the rear diff. This process may occur more quickly if you do not properly maintain the component.

As such, you can avoid rear differential problems with regular maintenance, at least to some extent. Technically, you can drive with a bad differential, but it is not wise. The problem may get worse, to the point where it leaves you stranded somewhere. It can also cause damage to other surrounding components.

It is smartest and safest not to drive with a bad differential. The severity of the complications if the rear differential goes out while driving with a bad pinion bearing will depend on the problem and the vehicle.

In the case of chipped or broken gear teeth, there may a vibration or skip in power. Multiple broken teeth will likely cause thunks and rattling sounds. If this happens, you should pull over, as it would be very easy to lose control of your auto. In the worst-case scenario, you may experience a full loss of power when you turn. Eventually, your car may just stop and refuse to start, leaving you stranded. If you are dealing with a broken rear differential and find yourself with a hefty repair bill in your future, you still have options.

Instead of spending the money to repair your auto or truck, you could sell the vehicle as-is. Not only will you not have out-of-pocket costs to repair your auto in this situation, but you will actually get money in return. Ultimately, any situation where you do not feel that the repairs are worth it creates a situation where it makes more sense to sell the car. Most people will feel this way in a few circumstances. If your car is not worth as much as the repairs would cost — or is barely worth more than the cost of the repairs — then it would not make sense to pay for them.

Or maybe you have had to make too many repairs lately and can tell that they will only continue. In this case, it probably is not worth it to keep putting money into a car in bad condition, as it will soon cost you more in repairs than its value.

If you were already thinking about upgrading your vehicle, this may be the perfect opportunity to do so. If you cannot currently afford the cost of repairs, then selling the car as-is will put cash in your hands, so you can get a running vehicle or work out another solution.