From Your Chevy Dealer: Why a Differential Service Is Important

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The differential is a gear train attached to each axle that enables the wheels to move at different speeds. They are very tough components, but they do require regular servicing to operate effectively. As your Chevy dealer, we want to tell you more about how your differentials work and advise you on some signs you need to visit us for a differential service.

How a Differential Works

The engine produces energy, and the transmission focuses this energy and transfers it to the wheels to enable them to move at the desired speed. The differential on each axle allows the wheels to move at different speeds if necessary. While both axles have differentials, one differential will work harder than the other, depending on your drivetrain. An FWD front differential, for example, does most of the work.

The differential comes into play when you’re cornering. Under these circumstances, the outside wheels will move faster than the inside wheels as they have further to move. The differential transfers more power to the outside wheel and reduces the power supplied to the inside wheel to compensate. This process lets you corner with ease.

Differential Warning Signs

The differentials are sealed units filled with a thick oil that lets them move smoothly and easily. Over time, this oil becomes thinner due to age and the heat inside the differential, and this reduces the differential’s effectiveness. Thinner oil can also damage the gears inside the differentials, as it doesn’t provide the friction-resistant coating the gears need for protection. These are a few warning signs that something is wrong.

Losing Traction

If you feel your wheels lack traction when you corner, this could be due to thin, old oil preventing the differential gears from smoothly engaging. This prevents sufficient power from being transferred to the outside wheel, which also causes the inside wheel to feel like it’s slipping. Once we replace the differential fluid, this problem will disappear.

Fluid Leak

Differential oil looks similar to engine oil, but it’s much thicker. You could have a cracked differential if you spot a puddle of oily liquid underneath either of your axles. The leak could be caused by rust or a damaged seal. The differentials could also become damaged by stones or other hard objects thrown up from the road. We’ll examine your differentials and repair or replace them.

Whining or Grinding Noises

You could have worn or damaged differential gear teeth if you hear either of these sounds when you corner. The noises could also be due to a leak, as a lack of fluid will cause excessive friction in the differential. We’ll investigate and fix the problem.

Damaged differentials will worsen over time. Contact us today at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR.

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