A differential is a mechanical component found in vehicles, including cars, trucks and ATVs, that allows each of the driven wheels to rotate at a different speed. This is necessary because when a vehicle turns, the inner wheel must rotate at a slower speed than the outer wheel to maintain traction and prevent skidding.
The differential is usually located between the drive wheels, whether they are front or rear, and is connected to a drive shaft that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
The differential consists of several gears, including a ring gear, pinion and side wheels. The ring gear is connected to the drive shaft and rotates with it, while the pinion gear and side gears are connected to the drive wheels. The pinion gear meshes with the ring gear, which causes the side gears to rotate. The side gears are connected to the drive wheels, which in turn causes the wheels to rotate.
The differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, allowing the vehicle to turn smoothly and maintain traction. It also helps evenly distribute power from the engine to the drive wheels and prevents excessive tire wear.
It should be noted that some vehicles use a limited-slip differential, which allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, but also provides some level of torque distribution to the wheel with the most traction.