Description and Operation - Differential

The differential allows the axle shafts and wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. The differential assembly consists of the following components:

• Differential Case
• Two Pinion Gears
• Two Side Gears

When driving straight, both front wheels rotate at essentially the same speed. This means both side gears rotate at the same speed. Under these conditions, the pinion gears do not rotate on their shaft; they revolve with the differential case. During a turn, the wheel on the outside of the turn is required to rotate faster than the wheel on the inside of the turn. Because the side gears must now rotate at different speeds, the pinion gears rotate on the pinion shaft, allowing the axle shafts to rotate at different speeds while continuing to transmit torque.