What your differential does
Your car’s differential does an extremely important job, but it’s not something most of us think about. When you turn, the inside wheel travels a shorter path than the outside wheel, so it has to turn more slowly. The differential lets the two wheels turn at different speeds while still driving both. Without it, the tires would scrub and hop through every turn.
KC Martin is prepared to handle any repair or service on differentials in Lynnwood, including problems that turn out to be in the systems connected to them.
Where it is on your vehicle
- Front-wheel drive: the differential sits between the front wheels, built into the transmission. Together they’re called a transaxle.
- Rear-wheel drive: it’s in the rear axle.
- Four-wheel and all-wheel drive: there’s one at the front, one at the rear and a transfer case or center differential between them, which handles the speed difference between the front and back.
It all comes down to the fluid
A differential is a set of strong gears that work constantly, and they have to be protected with lubrication. Differential fluid lubricates the gears and carries heat away. Over time it gets dirty, mostly from tiny bits of metal wearing off the gears. So it has to be changed at the interval your car’s maker recommends.
It’s one of the most overlooked services on any vehicle, and trucks and SUVs that tow or haul are the hardest on it.
Signs of differential trouble
- A whine or howl that changes with speed
- A clunk when you pull away or shift between drive and reverse
- Vibration that gets worse as you go faster
- Gear oil leaking at the axle seals or the differential cover
- Binding or hopping in tight turns on a four-wheel-drive vehicle
What we do
- Differential and transfer case fluid service
- Seal, bearing and gasket replacement
- Gear and bearing repair
- Axle and CV joint work
- Diagnosis that separates differential noise from wheel bearing, tire and transmission noise
There are several types of differential, and we can diagnose and repair any of them. If your owner’s manual calls for differential service, or you’re noticing any rough operation, schedule an appointment with us.