How Does A Differential Work?
A vehicle works by converting chemical energy in petrol into kinetic energy by means of combustion. The engine rotates a shaft which is connected to a gear-box; gears in this box determine how much of the power is sent to the wheels. Another shaft exits the gear box and is attached to a differentials box which then sends the power to each of the wheels.
Sending the power straight to the wheels from the gear box can cause difficulties. The wheels will not rotate at the same rate as each other when turning a corner, this is because they travel differing distances in the same space of time. They can be allowed to spin at different rates using a differential box.
Front wheel drive cars will have the differential box located at the front of the car, while rear wheel drive cars will have the box located at the back of the car. Four wheel drive cars will have three boxes, one for each set of wheels and one i in between the back and front sets of wheels.
Essentially a differential box is a set of gears perpendicular to one another. The shaft from the gear box is connected at ninety degrees to two sets of gears which attach to the wheels. Two smaller pinion gears attached to the wheel gears are what allows for them to turn at different speeds. When a wheel is spinning faster the pinion gears spin as well allowing the other wheel to continue at its normal speed.
The rotational force, or torque, is applied at the same rate using this basic form of differential though. The amount of power sent to the wheel remains the same no matter how much grip it has. So if one wheel does not have as much grip as the other it will slip, this can cause damage to other components of the car.
A limited slip differential can solve this problem. By using a clutch mechanism it can direct differing amounts of torque to different sets of wheels. A spring is attached to the gears which forces them against a clutch plate if it starts to slip. A high amount of torque is needed to overcome this clutch plate so the torque form the engine is directed towards the wheel which is not slipping.
Essentially what differentials do is allow for wheels to travel at different speeds. This is needed for when a car is turning a corner or for when one wheel has greater grip than the other. Without this the wheel would be forced to travel at the same speed and would always be slipping, causing damage to car components.
There are many ways to imrpove your differential and two of the best on the market are the Powertrax Lock Right Lockers and the Detroit Lockers. Both brands have units to fit your budget and are available through MY4BY.com.
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