Basic Concept
When a vehicle turns:
- The outside wheel travels farther than the inside wheel.
- If both wheels were locked together, one would have to slip on the ground, causing tire scrub and poor handling.
- A differential solves this by splitting torque while allowing different wheel speeds.
Main Parts of a Peerless Differential
Input Shaft / Sprocket
- Driven by the engine through a chain and sprocket.
- This rotates the differential carrier.
Differential Carrier (Case)
- The outer housing that spins when power is applied.
- Holds the internal gears.
Spider Gears (Pinion Gears)
- Small gears mounted on a cross shaft inside the carrier.
- These allow the axle gears to rotate relative to each other.
Side Gears (Axle Gears)
- Larger gears connected to each axle shaft.
- Transfer power to the wheels.
Axle Shafts
- Each axle connects to one side gear.
- Power flows from the differential to the wheels.
How It Works (Straight Driving)
When driving straight:
- The engine turns the sprocket.
- The sprocket rotates the differential carrier.
- The carrier pushes the spider gears.
- The spider gears do not spin on their shaft — they simply rotate with the carrier.
- Both side gears turn at the same speed, so both wheels spin evenly.
Result:
Both wheels receive equal torque and rotate together.
How It Works (Turning)
When turning:
- The outside wheel needs to spin faster.
- Resistance differences cause the spider gears to start spinning on their shaft.
- This allows:
- One side gear to speed up
- The other side gear to slow down
But the average speed still equals the carrier speed.
Result:
- Outside wheel spins faster
- Inside wheel spins slower
- Power still goes to both
