The final link in the drive train, which transmits power to the wheels.
also referred to as "pumpkin" it's the device that transmits power to two points allowing one to go faster than the other
A gearbox that allows the transfer of power from the engine to be split into two outputs (axles) that can spin at different rates. During turns, the outer wheel needs to spin more than the other. Without a differential, turning would not be a pleasant experience.
the device inside the axle casing that allows each driven wheel to rotate at its own speed through a corner, while still getting one-half of all the available torque. Locked differentials distribute even torque to each side, rather than slipping, or being "open". Locked or limited slip differentials are quite helpful in situations where traction is needed.
Rear axle gear assembly, which allows the axle to turn the wheels on either side at different speeds. This is to compensate for the fact that the wheel on the outside of a turn must travel a greater distance and therefore, faster than the wheel on the inside of the turn. (see also Inter-axle Differential.)
A device - usually made of gears - that divides the torque between a vehicleâ€(tm)s driving wheels and permits the wheels to turn at different speeds. This is especially important when negotiating a corner, as the inside wheels turn more slowly than the outside wheels.
A differential is a gearing mechanism that permits the drive wheels (powered wheels) to spin at different rates while turning. Since wheels on the outside diameter of the turn must travel a greater distance than those on the inside, the differential eliminates slippage on the turn. Report this Word See also: Ackerman Angle Added by: Robby
An infinitesimal difference between two values of a variable quantity. Also often used for the expression "differential gear."
A gear system that transfers power from the driveshaft (or the transmission in a front-wheel-drive car) to the driving axles. It permits the outer driving wheel to turn faster than the inner when the car goes around a corner, to prevent skidding and tire scuffing.
Assembly of gears in a driving axle that permits one powered wheel to rotate at a different speed to the other powered wheel.
The difference between the points where a controller turns "on" and "off". If a thermostat turns a furnace on a 68o and the differential is 3o, the burner will be turned off at 71o.
has one input and two outputs, e.g. allows left and right wheels on an axle to revolve at different speeds during cornering.
a bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different speeds; used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds on curves
a device that sends power from a driveshaft to both sides of an axle
a device that splits torque from an input shaft to two output shafts and does this variably, allowing the outside wheel in a corner to turn quicker than the inside (since travelling at an outer radius, it needs to cover more distance in the same time)
a device, usually consisting of gears, for allowing each of the driving wheels to rotate at different speeds, while supplying equal torque to each of them
a mechanical set of gears which takes input torque from a driveshaft and splits it evenly to two output axles, allowing them to rotate at different speeds
The temperature difference between the points at which the controller turns the heater on and off. Typically used when discussing an on/off controller.
Drives both halfshafts at the same time but allows them to be driven at different speeds, as when turning.
Set of gears which transfers the power from the drive shaft to the drive wheels and allows those wells to turn at different speeds.
A gear assembly used in the driving axle. It permits the outer wheel to turn faster than the inner wheel when turning corners or allows torque to be split between front and rear axles.
The gearing mechanism that divides and delivers power to the wheels at either end of the axles. This part of the axle housing assembly is often called the "Pumpkin" and is typically the lowest point of your vehicle.
Gear system that allows one wheel to rotate faster than the other while providing equal power to each wheel, as necessary, when turning or cornering.
The difference between the temperature to operate and the temperature to reset a thermostat.
Transmission part located between the gearbox and wheels. The differential allows a speed difference between left and right wheels or between front and rear axles to avoid wheels scrubbing.
A system of gears in the final drive assembly of a vehicle to transmit torque to the driving wheels regardless of whether the vehicle is moving straight ahead or turning a corner The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while delivering equal torque When cornering, the driving wheel on the inside of the turn travels in a smaller radius than the outside wheel to prevent the outside wheel from dragging in the turn Center Differential A differential used in four-wheel-drive vehicles to distribute power to the front and rear differentials. Differential, Locking The same attributes of a standard differential, except that when one wheel is slipping, the most torque is supplied to the wheel with best traction. A locking differential reduces the possibility of a vehicle becoming immobile when one driving wheel loses traction.
A system of gears (generally known as a crownwheel and pinion) which allows the torque provided by the engine to be applied to both driving wheels. The differential divides the torque proportionally between the driving wheels to allow one wheel to turn faster than the other, for example during cornering.
A gear assembly that allows one driven wheel to turn at a different speed from the wheel on the other end of the axle. This is necessary since an outside wheel has farther to travel than an inside wheel when turning a corner.
A special gearbox designed so that the torque fed into it is split and delivered to two outputs that can turn at different speeds. Differentials within axles are designed to split torque evenly; however, when used between the front and rear axles in four-wheel-drive systems (a center differential), they can be designed to apportion torque unevenly.
A mechanical gearbox or fluid coupling that allows wheels to rotate at different speeds.
For an on/off controller, it refers to the temperature difference between the temperature at which the controller turns heat off and the temperature at which the heat is turned back on. It is expressed in degrees.
A gear assembly that permits either side of an axle, or two separate driveshafts, to rotate at different speeds, which allows different wheels to rotate at different speeds as the vehicle turns Read more SEE RELATED TERMS: limited-slip differential
A differential allows the right and left wheels to rotate at different RPM. This is necessary because as a car goes around a curve, the outside wheel rotates faster than the inside wheel to "keep up". The differential allows the outside wheel to spin faster to compensate for the greater distance it travels. See also: LSD.
A box of gear wheels, situated in rear-wheel drive cars between the rear wheels, that translates the power of the rotating driveshaft to drive the rear wheels. In front-wheel drive cars, the differential is located in the transaxle, usually directly below the transmission. The differential also allows each of the opposing wheels to turn at a different speed when cornering.
The gear assembly connected to the drive shaft that permits the wheels to turn at different speeds when going around a corner, while transmitting power from the drive shaft to the wheel axles.
Device within a car's gearbox that allows the two rear wheels of a car to rotate at different speeds during cornering.
The differential is the gear assembly that connects to the drive shaft, or both sides of an axle. It transmits drive power to the wheel axles, and allows opposite wheels to turn at different speeds when the automobile turns a corner. (See also Drive Shaft, Drivetrain, and Transaxle).
The delta between operating temperature and reset temperature or between open temperature and close temperature.
The section of the rear-axle assembly that provides three functions it allows the wheels to revolve at different speeds during turns, provides the final gear reduction, and changes the angle of drive 90 degrees.
A geared assembly that allows the transmission of motion between drive axles, giving one axle the ability to turn faster than the other.
In a temperature or pressure control system, the difference in temperature or pressure between the opening and closing of the contacts.