Where is the car differential installed on the vehicle?

2 Answers
DeAurora
07/24/25 3:32am
The car differential is installed near the drive wheels. The function of the differential is to meet the requirement that the wheels on both sides rotate at different speeds when the car turns. The car differential enables the left and right (or front and rear) drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. It mainly consists of left and right side gears, two planetary gears, and a gear carrier. The inspection methods for the differential are as follows: 1. Inspection of planetary gears: Check the fit between the planetary gear shaft and the housing hole as well as the inner hole of the planetary gear. The planetary gear shaft and the gear are clearance fit, and they should be replaced if severely worn. When placing the planetary gear shaft into the differential housing bearing hole, no warping is allowed. 2. Inspection of the differential housing: Check the contact surface between the driven bevel gear and the differential housing to ensure they are in full contact. 3. Inspection of the working surfaces of planetary gears and side gears: Obvious peeling or burning on the working surfaces of planetary gears and side gears is not allowed, otherwise they should be replaced. If the damage exceeds 1/4 of the tooth height or 1/5 of the tooth length, replacement is necessary. 4. Inspection of the meshing clearance between planetary gears and side gears: The wear of planetary gears and side gears is determined by checking their meshing clearance.
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LeLuke
08/10/25 11:06pm
I've been working in auto repair for over 20 years. The differential is typically mounted on the vehicle's drive shaft, especially in rear-wheel-drive models where it's directly installed in the rear axle assembly, connected to the side gears. If you drive a front-wheel-drive car, the differential might be integrated into the transmission, making its location a bit more concealed. This setup allows the wheels to rotate flexibly during turns, preventing rigid movement that could cause excessive tire wear. Regular maintenance is crucial—like changing the differential fluid, which is located at the center of the axle and accessible by removing the cover. If it's loose or worn out, you'll hear creaking noises during acceleration, and oil leaks can cause the drive axle to overheat, leading to unstable driving or even accidents, so timely repairs are essential. Don't underestimate this component—proper maintenance can save you from costly overhauls and ensure smoother driving.
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