Open Differentials Naeem Shariff

Objective Give you the basic information about differentials, focusing on the Open differential. Topics: What is a differential? Why do you need one? The Open differential

What is a differential? Job of a differential To transmit power from the engine to the wheels while allowing them to spin at different speeds Made up of a series of gears Can be used in a 4WD system where it splits power between the front and rear axles.

Why do we need a differential? Car wheels spin at different speeds, especially when turning. Each wheel travels a different distance. Inner wheels travel a shorter distance, and thus turn at a slower speed. Without a differential wheels would have to be locked together

Why do we need a differential? This would make it hard to turn, and would put a strain on your axle To be able to turn, the tire would have to “slip” This requires a lot of force, which would have to be directed through the axle. Differential allows you to avoid this

The Open Differential Also called a slipping differential The most common differential on cars Allows for free slippage between the two sides of the axle Prevents tires from rubbing the ground and thus putting strain on the drivetrain system

Diagram of Open differential

Advantages and Disadvantages Cheap Reliable Provide good highway performance Relatively simple design

Advantages and Disadvantages A Open differential sends most of the power to the wheel with the least load or strain on it. This means that if one wheel loses traction due to ice or sand, the differential sends all the power to the wheel causing the car to swerve or get stuck on the patch. Another place where it can cause a problem is if you are off-roading.

Conclusion The Open differential is the most common type Its job is to transfer engine power to the wheels while allowing them to spin at different speeds The Open differential allows slippage between the two sides of the axle Only one major disadvantage

Resources http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential2.htm http://www.car-videos.com/whatis/differential.asp http://www.houseofthud.com/differentials.htm http://www.musclecarclub.com/library/tech/differential.shtml http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/other/4_axles.html http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/auto_technology/1302716.html?page=3&c=y