How a differential works: In exacting detail

[archipirata]

How did I never see this before? I never knew exactly how a rear differential functioned and now I do. A perfect explanation.

Skip straight to 2:52 for the technical explanation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYAw79386WI

[lost in space]

Great explanation. I was a car guy in my teens and 20s, but didn't understand them until I had given up cars as a hobby.

Now, if only I could see an explanation of a limited slip, that would be cool.

[JoeH]

Depends on the type of limited slip differential, but most just add a clutch pack between the two output shafts. That normally keeps the two turning at the same speed, but if there is enough torque difference between the two sides the clutch allows one to turn slower.

[Don C]

We can all be SO VERY GLAD that it is not up to ME to invent stuff like this!

[Carnos Jax]

JoeH wrote:
Depends on the type of limited slip differential, but most just add a clutch pack between the two output shafts. That normally keeps the two turning at the same speed, but if there is enough torque difference between the two sides the clutch allows one to turn slower.

Thank you for explaining this. I knew how regular differentials worked (thanks to my early Lego Expert Builder sets), but never really could figure out the limited slip.

[Racer X]

Then there are locking differentials, spools, electrically or pneumatically operated locking differentials. I could go on.

Don't forget the Buick/Pontiac cone style Auburn differentials. Not clutch plates, but carefully machined cones. Stronger, but not rebuild able by the average person/shop. But, I have a "guy"....... His name is Moe, and he beefs up some parts, including the cross shafts, by using metal fro m olf fork lift forks. Ductile, but strong beyond belief.

[space-time]

of course all this is irrelevant if you can afford an electric car.

[Racer X]

I want an all wheel drive electric or hybrid, with independent drive motors at each tire. You could do something like a wagon, and the whole area under the cargo area is battery packs. Give it some ground clearance too. My Prius' plastic nose is getting pretty beat up. Fine for socal where it is FLAT, but San Fran or Seattle is brutal on them. I biff mine on driveways and even into parking lots all the time.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

I thought this was going to be about calculus.

[mrbigstuff]

Racer X wrote:
I want an all wheel drive electric or hybrid, with independent drive motors at each tire. You could do something like a wagon, and the whole area under the cargo area is battery packs. Give it some ground clearance too. My Prius' plastic nose is getting pretty beat up. Fine for socal where it is FLAT, but San Fran or Seattle is brutal on them. I biff mine on driveways and even into parking lots all the time.

I have said the exact same thing for years now. Still waiting on this design to come to fruition somewhere.