5 Components of Car Differential and Their Functions

Differential or the axle becomes an important component in the power transfer system or what is called the power train system.

With this component, the engine can operate because the power rotation can be transmitted to the wheels and make the car move.

So, how do the components of the car axle and its functions work?

1. Axle Housing and Shaft

Axle is one of the parts that plays an important role in the engine rotation. The axle consists of two parts, namely axle housing and axle shaft. The axle housing serves as a protective housing for all axle components.

Axle housing is usually made of strong steel plates to function as a support for the position of all axle components. Meanwhile, the axle shaft or what is called the wheel shaft is useful for transmitting the rotation produced by the side gear.

After that, the result of its work will be continued to rotate the wheels. This part also consists of two shafts that are mounted on the axle. The left axle shaft will be connected to the left wheel, and vice versa.

2. Bearing

The next axle part that is also very crucial in the engine rotation is the bearing. There are various types of car axle components and their functions that use bearings.

This depends on the position and placement. For example, the drive pinion gear bearing, differential case near the side gear, and axle shaft bearing that is installed in that part.

Placed according to each part to work optimally. In addition, the function of the bearing is to maintain the rotation of each component it supports.

Not only that function, but bearings placed in the correct position will also prevent wear that occurs due to heat while the component operates.

3. Pinion Gear

The next component is known as the pinion gear. This part is usually mounted on a shaft right on the differential case carrier. The pinion gear is also mounted using a pinion gear shaft that is adjacent to the side gear.

In this car axle component and its function, it will be directly connected to the differential case to rotate.

If the side gear connected to the wheel shaft is well connected, then the side gear will also rotate. Another function of this component is to create a difference in rotation on the left or right side gear.

Not only that, this part also functions when one tire experiences a different load due to the car maneuvering.

4. Ring Gear

As the name suggests, the ring gear is one of the axle components shaped like a ring. The ring gear works by connecting to the drive pinion and directly transmitting its performance through the propeller shaft.

Functionally, the ring gear works as a transmitter of rotation from the pinion gear and changes the rotation angle to 90 degrees.

5. Oil Drain Plug

The car axle component and its function in the form of an oil drain plug is used for the axle oil drain hole. The position of the oil drain plug component is usually at the bottom of the axle housing.

However, there are also axles that do not use this component, so if you want to change the oil, you must disassemble the axle first.