Rear differential operation

Some would say the rear differential is where the rubber meets the road. In fact when the drive shaft torque is applied to the input side of the rear differential the power and motion is transferred to the ring gear which flows out through the axles, which attach to the wheels and tires that contact the road. So that statement would seem accurate.

Most people I know with rear wheel drive vehicles want a positraction rear end. I know I do! In fact my current vehicle a 2004 Chevy Blazer with the ZR2 package has the General Motors positive lock limited slip differential in it.

This type of rear end is greatly appreciated on the steep boat ramp in our development. People without limited slip differentials and powerful engines may be known as the one wheel wonder.

When they slam their gas pedal to the floor from a dead stop they spin only one wheel and tire. In the instance of a limited slip differential a clutch is activated by this spinning action that sends power to the wheel with more traction.

Rear end characteristics

One of the most important things about a rear differential is how it operates around corners. It uses side gears or spider gears for cornering.

When a vehicle turns into a curve or goes around a turn the wheels on the outside have to travel a greater distance than the wheels that are on the inside.

If it wasn't for this situation the two axles could just be linked together and everybody would have a positraction rear end. The operation of the spider gears allows for the rear wheels to turn at different speeds when cornering. This also provides beneficial handling characteristics.

Rear differential noise

Where this knowledge comes in handy is for noise diagnosis. If your vehicle only makes noise or has a problem when cornering then the inspection of the spider gears or side gears should be performed.

If there is no noise when the vehicle is traveling straight-ahead the ring and pinion gears and their associated bearings are probably not having a problem. In the case of a positraction type differential such as the one on my 2004 Chevrolet blazer, noise diagnosis can be further complicated.

These types of rear differentials have a clutch pack that transfers power to the wheel with the most traction. When the wheels are not slipping this clutch should be released and allow the vehicle to corner normally.

Problems with the clutch pack can be mistaken for problems with the side gears or spider gears. Also in the lubrication fluid the General Motors positraction unit has an additive to prevent sticking operation of the clutches.

Sometimes if regular gear oil is installed in a positraction unit with no special additive, grabbing and jerking can occur around corners. Again check your auto repair manual for your specific vehicle to make sure you have the correct fluid installed in the rear differential.

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