Differential Assembly: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTIONWARNING: TO AVOID INJURY, NEVER RUN THE ENGINE WITH ONE WHEEL OFF THE GROUND, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN CHANGING A TIRE. THE WHEEL STILL ON THE GROUND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE.
The Traction-Lok axle assembly, except for the differential case and its internal components, is identical to the conventional axle.
^ The Traction-Lok differential employs two sets of multiple disc differential clutch packs to control differential action.
^ The differential side gear mounting distance is controlled by seven plates (four steel, three friction) and one steel rear axle differential clutch shim by select size to control differential side gear position.
^ The plates are stacked on the differential side gear hub and housed in the differential case.
^ Also located in the differential case, between the differential side gears, is a one-piece differential clutch spring, which applies a pre-loaded initial force to the differential clutch packs.
^ Additional clutch capacity is delivered from the side gears thrust loads.
^ The four steel plates are splined to the differential side gear hub, which is splined to the axle shaft. The three friction plates have tabs that fit in the differential case so the differential clutch pack are always engaged. For correct stacking of differential clutch pack refer to exploded view of Traction-Lok differential assembly.
OPERATION
CAUTION: Extended use of other than matching size spare tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in reduction in effectiveness (bias torque). This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver. However, extended use will reduce the ability of the axle to provide added traction on slippery surfaces.
The differential operates as follows:
^ Pressure between clutch plates opposes differential action at all times.
^ During cornering, normal differential action takes place.
^ With one or both wheels in a low-traction condition, friction between clutch plates transfers a portion of torque to the wheel with the most traction.
^ Wheel in low-traction condition will have a tendency to operate with opposite wheel in a combined driving effort.