The Difference-Making Differential

If one were to look up the definition of a differential in the dictionary one would see the following: “making a distinction between classes; showing a difference.” And lo and behold that is exactly what the differential on your car does.

The underrated and underappreciated differential really has three functions: one, it helps to aim the power of the engine at the wheels; two, it helps to reduce the speed of the transmission before it reaches the wheels; and three, it notices a difference in the rotation of each wheel and makes the necessary adjustment. It is the last of these three functions that is the most important when discussing the differential. Let’s take a closer look.

The wheels of your car turn at different speeds and it is most obvious if you consider what happens during a turn. The wheels on the inside of a turn revolve fewer times than the wheels on the outside of the turn. Why? Because they have less distance to cover. If you give that some thought you will see the logic of it. Since the wheels turn at different speeds but the power from the transmission is sent to the wheels at one speed, there has to be a mechanism that makes an adjustment. Otherwise, you would continually have one or two wheels dragging through each turn of your car and that simply is bad for the wheels and tires. Pretty logical if you think about it, right?

So in layman’s terms the differential makes the necessary adjustment so that your wheels can turn at different speeds and eliminate the drag component while driving.

Now for the obvious question: what does it cost to repair or replace a differential? Well, if one were to buy a new differential and have it replaced by a certified mechanic, you could be looking at upwards of a thousand dollars, depending of course on the make and model of your car. If there just needs to be a repair to part of the differential you may be looking at a mere three hundred dollars or anywhere upwards. It all depends on what is wrong and what needs to be done.

But there is good news. Easily the cheapest route is to go to a salvage yard and find a replacement part and then either replace it yourself or enlist the aid of a friend to do so. With this option you are looking at a cost of $100-$300 and that is a savings worth noting and considering. As a general rule with few exceptions used parts are always cheaper at salvage yards and if you are mechanically inclined or just willing to experiment and learn on the fly you can save some serious bucks at a You Pull It salvage yard.

Whatever you decide to do, at least the next time you have problems with your differential you will have some clue what it does and why it is important. And as the old saying goes, knowledge is indeed power.