Differential Assembly: Description and Operation

OPERATION





A gerotor pump and clutch pack are used to provide the torque transfer capability. One axle shaft is splined to the gerotor pump and one differential side gears, this provides input to the pump. Anti-rotation tabs (1) on the pump hold the oil feed tube (2) down in the differential lubricant. As a wheel begins to lose traction, the speed differential is transmitted from one side of the differential to the other through the side gears. The motion of one side gear relative to the other turns the inner rotor of the pump. Since the outer rotor of the pump is grounded to the differential case, the inner and outer rotors are moving relative to each other, which creates pressure in the pump. The tuning of the front and rear axle orifices and valves inside the gerotor pump are unique. Each system has a torque-limiting pressure relief valve to protect the clutch pack, which also facilitates vehicle control under extreme side-to-side traction variations. The resulting pressure is applied to the clutch pack and the transfer of torque is completed. Vari-lok(R) system is less subject to wear, remaining more consistent over time in its ability to transfer torque.