Getting To Know Your Driveline: Differentials

How A Differential Works In Your Driveline

Your truck's differential is one of the main components when it comes to making sure the vehicle is moving in the right direction. In simple terms, your differential keeps your wheels on the same page, ensuring each has the right amount of power to drive in the direction you choose.

Next up in our series on the driveline in your semi-truck, we'll be discussing how a differential works to keep your truck running smoothly. To help you learn a little more about differentials, our team of trucking specialists have put together the following article. Read on to learn more about differentials.

What Does The Differential Do In A Truck?

The differential connects to your drive shaft and directs appropriate power to each wheel on a given axle. It is a mechanical piece that allows the powered wheels to turn at varying speeds. This refers to the front wheels in FWD, the rear in RWD, and all wheels on vehicles equipped with AWD. The unit is a gear box with three elements including a ring gear, side gear, and pinion gear. The main function is to deliver engine power to the wheel axles. This helps the wheels to turn to the right or left direction without much effort on the part of the operator.

How Many Differentials Does A Semi-Truck Have?

Many heavy-duty trucks are made with what is referred to as tandem axles. In a tandem axle system, there are two axles with differential assemblies. The first assembly is an ordinary differential, while the second one has a power divider attached.

In vehicles with front wheel drive, the differential is in the front and is called a transaxle. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, the differential is located in the back. Four-wheel drive vehicles have differentials placed in both the front and back.

What Are The Four Types Of Differential?

There are several different kinds of differential to consider when choosing specifications for your semi-truck. Each one has a different quality that a driver might look for, depending on their driving style and usage. Differences include:

1.     Open differential: As one of the more common types of differentials, an open differential splits the engine's torque in two, allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds.

2.     Locking differentials: Locking differentials are also known as a "welded". They connect the wheels so that they turn at the same speed.

3.     Limited-slip differentials: A limited-slip differential acts similarly to open differentials. Once a wheel loses traction, it changes to act as a locking differential so there is more traction and control when you are driving.

4.     Torque-vectoring differentials: Designed with multiple gear trains, torque-vectoring differentials are developed to fine-tune the amount of torque each wheel receives.  

What Happens If A Differential Fails While Driving?

Since the differential allows the tires to spin at different rates during cornering, the gears will grind if it fails, causing the tires to turn at the same rate. When they spin at the same rate, the tires on your truck will wear out faster than they would if the differential were working properly.

Signs of A Bad Differential

1.     Truck runs out of oil at a faster rate than normal.

2.     Steering is difficult or labored.

3.     Grinding, clunking, or howling noises.

4.     Extensive wear and tear on your tires.

5.     Constant vibrations when accelerating.

6.     Driveshaft that's out of balance.

Read More About Drivelines

If you have been researching drivelines and would like to know more about some of the individual components that make up the system, we have several articles designed to help you do exactly that. Click on any of the links below to read more about each part!

·       Getting To Know Your Driveline

·       Getting To Know Your Driveline: Axles

·       Getting To Know Your Driveline: Yokes

·       Getting To Know Your Driveline: Clutches

·       Getting To Know Your Driveline: U-Joints

·       Getting To Know Your Driveline: Drive Shafts

Shop Now For Semi-Truck Driveline Parts

For those looking into replacement parts for their semi-truck, you've definitely found yourself at the right location. No matter what driveline part you've been needing for your semi-truck, we have a full selection for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for clutches, axles, yokes, driveshafts, universal joints, or differentials, we'll have it from some of the most notable brands in the industry. Login or create an account to start saving on your next driveline component today!