Table of Contents
Differential used in Automobile cars & Trucks
Above Figure. Shows the key parts of the type of differential used in rear-wheel-drive cars.
A smaller bevel gear called a differential side gear is mounted on the inner ends of each shaft. Two bevel gears are mounted to mesh the driven and driven shafts at a 90 ° angle. The differential case here is mounted with two-wheel axles and differential side gears.
The differential case has bearings that rotate on two drive shafts. Then the two pinions and their supporting shaft, called pinion shafts, are inserted into the differential case. The pinion shaft then meshes with the two differential side gears attached to the inner ends of the drive shafts.
The ring gear is bolted to a flange on the differential case.
The ring gear rotates the differential case. Finally, the drive pinion is mounted. The drive pinion is assembled with the differential case called the differential case or bracket. The driveshaft is connected to the drive pinion by a universal joint and meshes with the ring gear. Then the drive pinion is turned when the drive.

Differential Gear Operation in Automobiles:
When Running Straight:
When the vehicle is moving in a straight line, the power comes from the driveshaft to the bevel pinion that drives the crown. It is then taken to the differential case where a series of planet pinions and sun gears are located. From the sun gear, it is transmitted to the road wheels through the axle shafts.
In this case, the ring gear, differential case, planet pinions and sun gears rotate as a single unit and there is no relative motion between the sun gear and the sun gear. The planet’s pinions do not rotate around their own axis. Road wheels, drive shafts and solar wheels offer the same resistance to steering and therefore the differential does not work. Both wheels rotate at the same speed.
TYPES OF DIFFERENTIAL:
There are three types of spreads:
(a) Conventional type,
(b) non-slip or self-locking type, and
(c) double reduction
1) conventional type
Same torque for each rear wheel. If one of the wheels slips for any reason, the wheel will not turn and the vehicle will not move.
2) Non-slip or self-locking type
The slip-resistant or self-locking differential solves this problem. Its construction is similar to that of the conventional type differential. However, two sets of clutch discs are also supplied. In addition, the ends of the satellite shafts are free in the notches provided in the differential case.
3) Double reduction type
The double reduction type differential provides further reduction in speed with additional gear. This type of differential is used in heavy vehicles that require a greater downshift between the engine and the wheels.
Advantages of the differential gearbox:
1) Both drive wheels can turn in the same direction at the same speed.
2) Both drive wheels can turn in the same direction at different speeds.
3) Both drive wheels can rotate in opposite directions at the same speed.
4) Both driving wheels can rotate in the opposite direction at a different speed
The function of differential gears:
- Transmit torque at right angles in equal proportion when the vehicle is travelling in a straight line.
- Differentiate the speed of the wheels when turning.
- Equitable distribution of torque in all driving situations.
Comment on “Differential in Automobile Engineering”