What Is a Vehicle Rear Differential?
A rear differential in a car is a device that distributes equal torque (a measure of an object's rotation upon a force being applied) to both wheels even when they are spinning at different rates. Differentials typically consist of an arrangement of gears, and there are different types used in automobiles today.
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Mechanism
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Differentials have ring gears and side gears. Receiving input power, the ring gear forwards it to two side gears with the help of two opposing central pinion gears housed on a shaft. The side gears are driven by the pinion gears, when the ring gear spins.
Function
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If cars never needed to turn, a simple driveshaft in place of the rear differential would suffice. However, as changing directions mean some wheels have to travel farther than others, rear differentials are necessary.
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Open Differential
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The mechanism described above pertains to an open differential, which is the most basic structure. A major drawback of open differentials is that in conditions when one wheel loses traction and begins to slip, most of the power will go to the slipping wheel; this wheel will spin faster and faster while the others would receive almost no power.
Limited Slip Differential
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A limited slip differential (LSD) addresses the problem with open differentials. The clutch-type LSD uses clutches that control the speed difference between wheels, and locking differential forces both rear wheels to spin at the same speed, by locking the pinion gears.
Active Differential
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Active differential is an electronically controlled system that relies on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration. Active differential systems adjust torque distribution based on these values.
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