A differential axle incorporates drive gears to multiply engine power, while a non-geared axle has a wheel hub on each end. The gear ratio can be calculated by counting teeth on the ring and pinion gear assembly. Knowing the axle differential gear ratio is critical for calculating vehicle speed. Differential shaft gear assemblies can be used for fine tuning competition vehicles, but changing the factory gear set may void the drivetrain warranty.
A differential axle is an axle that incorporates a set of drive gears into the axle in the same way that a rear-wheel drive vehicle uses a gear-equipped axle to drive the vehicle. Identified by the large rounded center section, often called a pumpkin, the differential shaft contains a ring and pinion gear assembly designed to multiply the engine’s power input and give the vehicle increased horsepower. By contrast, a non-geared axle, or straight axle as they are often called, is a straight axle with a wheel hub mounted on each end, similar to a trailer axle.
The purpose of a differential shaft is to multiply the amount of power that is being input and create more power at the output end of the shaft. Using a small gear driving a larger gear, the gear ratio can be arrived at by doing simple math. The small pinion gear receives power from the transmission, which is producing the same number of revolutions as the engine crankshaft in a non-overdrive transmission application. This means that every time the engine’s crankshaft turns one complete revolution, the driveshaft coming out of the transmission also makes one complete revolution. By counting the teeth on the largest ring gear and dividing that number by the number of teeth on the small sprocket, the final drive ratio, or the number of times the sprocket and drive shaft must rotate to turn the crown. y axis one full turn – can be calculated.
Knowing the axle differential gear ratio is critical to deciphering many vehicle functions where it is necessary to apply mathematical equations and certain formulas. The speed of any vehicle can be accurately calculated by calculating the axle differential gear ratio and tire diameter, along with the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine’s crankshaft. A tire travels the same amount of linear distance that the tire measures in height for each full revolution of the tire.
For competition vehicles, a variety of differential shaft gear assemblies can be brought to a track to allow fine tuning of the vehicle to changing track conditions. The differential shaft in a passenger car has been the subject of many hours of research to arrive at the most beneficial gear set. Factory gear selection on an original equipment differential shaft is often a compromise of performance and fuel economy. Any changes to the original factory differential shaft will likely void the vehicle’s drivetrain warranty.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
