Causes and Diagnosis
How a Differential Works
Have you ever wondered how your car smoothly navigates turns? The secret lies in a clever technique called differential. This component plays a vital role in your car's handling but can also cause problems if it goes bad. Let's dive into what a differential does and whether you can still drive if yours starts to malfunction.
What is a Differential?
The differential is a workhorse hidden under your car and is like your car's power distributor. It sits between the drive wheels as part of the axle (front, rear, or all-wheel drive) and is a gearbox that gets power from the engine. The differential connects to your car’s transmission through the driveshaft and its main job is to let the wheels spin at different speeds. This is essential when cornering because your outer wheel covers more distance than the inner wheel. An open differential is the most common type and great for on-road driving. However, if one wheel loses traction, power mainly goes to that wheel. A limited-slip differential (LSD) is used in sports cars. It allows some difference in wheel speeds but tries to deliver balanced power for better traction. Locking differential is common in off-road vehicles. It can lock the wheels to spin at the same speed for conquering rugged terrain. Worn-out bearings or damaged gears cause whining, grinding, and howling noises. The noise usually changes with speed. Look for oil residue under your car, especially around the differential. Bad seals often cause the problem. Vibrations may happen during acceleration or turning, indicating excessive wear within the differential. Technically, you could drive short distances on a failing differential. But it's highly inadvisable! A completely damaged differential could lock up your wheels while driving, potentially leading to an accident. Driving with a bad differential accelerates the damage, leading to more expensive repairs later. Don't wait! Ignoring a differential problem is a recipe for disaster. Once you notice any symptoms, have your car checked by one of our qualified mechanics at Cottman Transmission in Raleigh, NC. Prompt action can save you a lot of expense and hassle down the road.
Bring Your Differential Repairs to Us
If you notice any signs of trouble with your differential, we are here to help. We're the Raleigh, NC, area's leading transmission repair shop with the expertise to fix your all-wheel drive, diesel, and 4x4 transmissions. We use advanced technology to quickly and efficiently get you back on the road. If you're experiencing transmission problems, contact us or visit our shop!