What Is the Rear Differential?
As your engine produces power, that power needs to find a way to the tires. This process results in a chain of equipment that transfers and controls power to keep your vehicle stable while making technical movements like turning. The first step of the process is when power from the engine runs to the crankshaft. The rear differential is the last in this "power chain" which translates that power to the drive shaft. Your driveshaft is responsible for turning your wheels. However, your rear differential is responsible for maintaining independent speeds from other tires.
This is needed during a turn since the innermost tire rotates slower than the outermost tire. Therefore, the difference in the speeds is regulated by the rear differential. So, this part is quite important in terms of the stability of your driving experience. If not diagnosed and serviced, a faulty rear differential could lead to further suspension problems and, in the worst-case scenario, a loss of control through a turn.
Symptoms and Causes of a Bad Rear Differential
Fortunately, there are numerous symptoms of a bad rear differential you can look out for. If you notice any of these issues, you should take your car into Tom Wood Honda of Anderson for a free inspection and subsequent expert service.
- Difficulty in handling
- Noise from the rear of the car when idling
- Gridding gears at speed
- Vibrations coming from the rear of the vehicle
- Worn or ripped universal joints
On that last symptom, odds are you aren't going to notice a warped universal joint. Yet, the experts at Tom Wood Honda of Anderson will.
