Your Lincoln vehicle is a complex piece of machinery where each component plays a vital role. A frequently overlooked component of any vehicle is the differential. It's important to know how the differential works so that you can not only make more informed buying decisions but also care for your vehicle properly. This guide covers what your car's differential does and how you can best take care of it.
What Is a Differential?
A differential is a mechanism that takes in energy on one side and splits it into two outputs on the other. Differentials take the rotational force created by the engine and convert it into torque that drives the wheels. In addition, the differential allows each wheel to spin at a different speed, which is needed for smooth cornering.
On vehicles with front-wheel drive, the differential is located between the wheels on the front axle. For rear-wheel drive, the differential moves to the rear axle. And for all-wheel drive vehicles, there is a differential on both axles.
Types of Differentials in Automobiles and How They Work
There are five different types of differentials.
Open Differentials
One of the more common types of differentials, you can find them in most family sedans, crossover SUVs, minivans, and economy cars. An open differential splits engine torque into two outputs, each of which can rotate at different speeds. The biggest shortcoming of an open differential is that when one tire loses traction, the opposing tire also experiences a torque reduction.
Locking Differentials
In a locking differential, the connected wheels spin at equal speeds. Locking differentials are useful in driving conditions such as sand, snow, and mud, as they ensure that torque continues to flow to the wheel with higher traction. When a locking differential isn't locked, it behaves similarly to an open differential. You'll find locking differentials in vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler or Ram 2500.
Limited-Slip Differential
A limited-slip differential combines the elements of an open differential and a locking differential. With this setup, your differential will behave like an open differential most of the time but automatically begin to lock when slipping occurs. The downside of this system is that the lockup doesn't begin until after the wheel has already started to slip. Limited-slip differentials are common on some sports cars, such as the Nissan 370Z or Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Electronically Controlled Limited-Slip Differential
An improvement on the limited-slip differential is the electronically controlled limited-slip differential. By using an electronically controlled clutch pack, these differentials can adjust hundreds of times per second based on various factors. For example, if the system detects excessive oversteering during a turn, it can add more lockup to stabilize the vehicle. Models with this type of differential include the BMW M3 and the Chevy Corvette.
Torque-Vectoring Differential
Finally, a torque-vectoring differential uses extra gear trains to overdrive the half-shafts. This allows for more fine-tuning of the vehicle's torque to each of the drive wheels. Torque-vectoring differentials are some of the best-performing but they're also complex and expensive, which is why they're typically only available on high-end sports vehicles.
Why Is the Differential Important?
If you're wondering why your vehicle needs a differential in the first place, it's because the wheels travel at different speeds, especially when they're turning. Speed is equal to the distance traveled divided by the time it takes to go that distance. This is how we get miles-per-hour (mph) ratings, as 15 mph means your vehicle travels 15 miles in one hour. As a result, wheels that travel a shorter distance do so at a lower speed.
For wheels not powered by your engine, such as the rear wheels on a front-wheel drive vehicle, there's no issue. Since they're not connected to one another, they spin independently. The wheels connected to the engine are a different story, as these are linked together so that a single engine or transmission can turn them both. Without a differential, these wheels would be forced to spin at the same speed. For the car to turn in this scenario, one tire would have to slip.
Signs of a Failing Differential
There are a few tell-tale signs that suggest a problem with your vehicle's differential. These signs include:
- Poor handling: If you notice a loss of control or handling while driving, it could be related to your differential. Look to see if your vehicle is pulling hard to one side or feels loose when going around corners.
- Tire damage: When your differential starts to fail, it can lead to tire damage. Look for significant damage along your tire's sidewalls or severely uneven tread.
- Fluid leak: An oil leak underneath your vehicle could be coming from your differential. While your vehicle can produce a leak from several different areas, if you notice a puddle along with other signs on this list, you likely have a differential problem.
- Grinding sound: If you hear a grinding sound while driving, one cause could be the differential. The differential's complex internal system could be damaged or have insufficient lubrication to operate effectively.
What Is Differential Service for a Car, and When Should You Do It?
Your vehicle's differential doesn't need much maintenance. It's recommended that you change the oil inside your differential every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. For most vehicle owners, this means only one maintenance visit every few years. However, if you suspect there are issues with your differential, you should schedule a maintenance visit sooner to ensure the problem doesn't worsen, as repairing or replacing a differential is an expensive process.
Choosing Jim Burke Lincoln for Differential Services
For Lincoln owners in the Bakersfield area, when you need differential maintenance or repairs, visit our team at Jim Burke Lincoln. Our expert technicians know how to care for Lincoln vehicles and will help keep your vehicle in great shape for years. Schedule your visit online today, or contact us with any questions. Also, be sure to check out our latest service specials for more ways to save on your next visit.