Differential
CAR CRAFT’S RELIABLE FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICING IN KELOWNA, BC
The term “car differential” may sound like a math problem, but it is actually one of the most important components included in any vehicle that uses a drive train. A differential is a box or globe-like assembly that is located underneath a car, positioned either on the rear or front end of your vehicle.
The differential, with the help of several gears of different sizes, distributes torque force in a way that allows the wheels to spin at different speeds. It is engineered in such a way that when making a turn, the interior wheels can turn slower than the exterior wheels. This is because if they all turn at the same speed while cornering, it would create damage to the wheels, and the turn itself would not be smooth.
Car Craft Services For Your Differential
Our differential service includes maintaining the differential system by periodically changing its lubricating oil. This oil works to keep the gears cool and prevent accelerated wear. Just like most lubricants, differential oil also breaks down over time. We recommend that you may want to pay as much attention to it as you do your engine oil.
If your vehicle is carrying a normal payload, or even when subjected to extreme payloads, know that your car’s differential takes on incoming pressure from both the engine and the wheels. This makes it a critical component of your car that needs at least some periodic care.
Differential servicing will remove old and aging gear oil from your car, replacing it with fresh fluid. This will help you avoid a potential gear lock-up that can render your car immobile.
Experience The Difference With Our Front and Rear Differential Service
If your vehicle is a two-wheel drive, it is powered by two wheels only. The differential could either be located in the rear or in front, just below the engine.
For a rear-wheel drive, your car will have a differential that is mounted on the rear axle. The engine will be upfront, and it will drive the wheels via a drive shaft that is connected to the differential located at the rear between the 2 wheels.
For a front-wheel drive, your car will have a transaxle that is part of the transmission which functions as a differential as well. It is driven by the gearbox using helical gears.
A four-wheel drive, on the other hand, will have an engine that has the capacity to send power to all four wheels. Hence, a differential on both the front and the rear wheels.
What Is Gear Oil?
Also referred to as gear oil, differential oil is deposited and contained in the axle housing. It serves to lubricate the different gears inside that are mashing together while working with hydraulic clutch packs. Being thicker than engine oil, it is formulated to perform under high pressure and high-temperature environments.
Made for a tough job, differential oil lasts longer than most fluids. It is periodically replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles of drive time. It is important that the fresh replacement fluid must not mix with the old fluid, and that’s why differential oil change needs our Car Craft level of expertise for successful servicing. We recommend having our skilled technicians handle the job.
Signs You May Have A Differential Problem
You may want to stick to a regular maintenance schedule for differential service to avoid problems like the ones listed below:
- Strange Noises Coming from Underneath the Chassis
- A contaminated and increasingly ineffective brake fluid can cause interior damage to some integral parts of your brake system, making it not safe and unreliable. This is especially true of sensitive ABS brake parts that are not only expensive but are also connected to intricate electronics such as the ECU or computer box.
- If the flashpoint or boiling point of your brake fluid is significantly lowered due to moisture and dirt, this could lead to a vapor lock which in turn could cause a total brake failure. You may attempt to floor the pedal, but no brakes will be applied.
Schedule Your Appointment at Car Craft Automotive Today
Doing a brake flush can keep your brakes functioning reliably and safely. It will ultimately help you save time and money from having to replace damaged parts.