Differentials

The differential is a component made up of gears, which is an important part of a transmission system.  It uses gears to transfer the power from the transmission to the drive shafts.  In a transaxle layout, this 'diff' will be found inside then transmission housing, and the drive shafts insert into either side of the diff.  In a rear wheel drive layout,  the diff is found in between the two drive shafts at the rear wheels.  Today we have worked on the rear wheel drive differential.

We inspected the diff, and as usual, had the rough hammering marks on all the pins and splines.  We disassembled the diff, and inspected the parts.  Here a few photos:

This is the bearing ring.  Notice the tapered shape of it.  This is because they are adjustable.

Notice that the parts are fairly beaten.

This photo shows the pitting in the ring that sits on the tapered bearing.  The pitting occurs when shavings in the oil comes into the bearing and scratches the surface of the metal.  This ring has its fair share of beatings.

Another thing we had to check when we were done was to check the clearance of the bearing of the pinion gear.   The needle bearing that sits on the pinion gear shaft is actually tapered, and a ring goes over it.  The clearance between this ring and bearing can be adjusted if there is too much clearance.  This is done by stopping the crown gear from turning (jam a flat head inside or something) and turn the nut clockwise to tighten it.  choose an appropriate torque.  tighten it just enough that there is no free-play, yet it does not create a resistance of the gears from moving.