Differential Assembly: Description and Operation
Rear Drive Axle and DifferentialCOMPONENT LOCATION
INTRODUCTION
The differential is supported at three mounting points, one at the front of the unit, and two at the rear, through rubber bushes to the vehicle's rear subframe. This mounting arrangement plus the subframe to vehicle-body mounting arrangement provides the rear driveline with double isolation from the vehicle's body.
The unit is constructed of a lightweight cast-iron main casing and an aluminum rear cover. The rear cover incorporates fins to aid cooling.
The pinion shaft aligns with the centerline of the vehicle's body and is supported by two taper-roller bearings. The hypoidgear set is also supported by taper roller bearings.
The unit has a final drive ratio of 3.31:1 and the lubricant is fill for life.
CAUTION: Running-in For Final Drive Unit During the first 1500 km (940 miles) and if at any time a new final drive unit is fitted: avoid full throttle applications do not exceed 190 km/h (120 mph) do not participate in motor racing events, test track days, sports driving schools or similar avoid towing during running-in period.
OPERATION
The rear axle drive pinion receives power from the engine through the transmission and driveshaft. The drive pinion gear rotates the differential drive gear, which is bolted to the differential housing outer flange. Inside the differential housing, two differential pinion gears are mounted on a differential shaft, which is pinned to the differential housing. These differential pinion gears are engaged with the differential side gears to which the halfshafts are splined. As the differential gear turns, it rotates the halfshafts and rear wheels.
When it is necessary for one wheel and halfshaft to rotate faster than the other, the faster turning differential side gear causes the differential pinion gears to roll on the slower turning differential side gear. This allows differential action between the two halfshafts.