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United Tire and Service News

What is a Rear Differential?

5/11/2022 11:39:00 AM | (5828) View Count | Return
There are quite a few important components that are included in your vehicle, but not all of them are as well known. You may find yourself asking yourself "what is a rear differential?" Well, first things first—every vehicle has a differential. 
 
Despite this fact, not every single vehicle has a rear differential. The type of differential that a vehicle has depends on the vehicle's drive system. As a result, a front-wheel-drive vehicle does not have a rear differential. Only a rear-wheel-drive vehicle includes a rear differential. 
 

More Information about The Rear Differentialup close picture of rear differential on car

As previously stated, the type of differential that a vehicle has is dependent on its drive system. A differential is a component of your vehicle that compensates for the fact that the car's inner wheels travel a shorter distance to move around a corner compared to the outer wheels. 
 
But what does a rear differential do exactly? The answer is that it makes sure that both the front and rear wheels are capable of moving smoothly when the driver turns the steering wheel. The major difference between the front differential and the rear differential is where it is located on the vehicle. 
 

Where Can You Find the Rear Differential?

The front differential and the rear differential perform exactly the same function in a car. However, the rear differential is located on a different part of the vehicle than the front differential. When you use a vehicle that has rear-wheel drive, it has a rear differential. It can be found between the vehicle's two rear wheels. The rear differential for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle is also connected to the transmission system of the vehicle via the drive shaft. 
 

How Do You Maintain Your Vehicle's Rear Differential?

One thing that you should do to maintain your vehicle's rear differential is to change the differential oil between every 30,000 miles to every 50,000 miles. If you want to change the differential oil yourself, you will need a wide catch pan and a plastic drop cloth. You should first drive your vehicle for a few minutes to get the oil warm.
 
You can then take off the fill-hole plug and unscrew your vehicle's drain plug. Take off the housing bolts if your vehicle does not have a drain plug. After that, use a standard screwdriver to gently pry the cover open. Allow the oil to completely drain and then take off the cover.
 
You can then wipe away all the leftover oil in the gears, housing, and the housing cover's wet side. You should also clean the fill-hole plug's tip, too. Use a light abrasive pad or a razor scraper to clean the cover's and housing's mating surfaces. Get a brake cleaner and a towel and clean off the faces of the cover and of the housing. 
 
Fill your rear differential with the best differential oil you can afford. If you have space, you can fill the differential with oil directly from the bottle. If not, an extension hose or pump can help you fill the differential. The plug hole's bottom is the maximum fill line. 
 

How Often Should You Replace Your Rear Differential?

Unlike other car components, you should not replace your rear differential after a certain amount of time. It doesn't simply wear out like tires or brake pads. You should only replace your rear differential if it cannot be repaired. 
 

wheels and differential graphic What Are Some Common Problems With A Rear Differential?

One common problem with a rear differential is worn U-joints. Another common problem with a rear differential is a worn-out transfer case. Additionally, a driveshaft that is out of balance is another common issue with the rear differential. If you hear the grinding of gears, this is a common sign that your rear differential is not functioning properly. 
 
 

What Does A Locking Rear Differential Do?

You can lock either a rear differential or a front differential. If you lock your vehicle's rear differential, then it means that the vehicle's axles are locked together and this means the wheel receives all of the available torque with traction. A locking rear differential means that the vehicle's wheels rotate at exactly the same speed. This is most useful if you intend to use the vehicle in an off-road situation. This is because it is common for one wheel to be on a low-traction surface or off the ground completely during off-roading adventures.
 

Come To United Tire in the Greater Philadelphia Area

If you need any assistance with your differentials, the team at United Tire is here to help. With decades of experience in the greater Philadelphia area, we can assist you with whatever you need and answer any questions you may have. For service, you can contact your local United Tire location or schedule an appointment online. 

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