How a Differential Works | Types of Differentials Explained

How a Differential Works | Types of Differentials Explained
Video Credits (Please check out these channels also):
[Toyota USA] How a Differential Works - • How a Differential Wor...
[O.T. Vinta] Automotive Differential in Blender - • Tutorial: How to Model...
[Rambling Adventures] How a Differential Works - • How a Differential Wor...
[PetrolSmell] ZF vector differential - • ZF vector differential
[CIM Design] Torsen Differential Gears animation - • Torsen Differential Ge...
What is Differential?
If you have ever played with a toy car, you know it moves well in a straight line, but it doesn’t take a turn. This is because it doesn’t have a differential. But, your vehicle makes turns on corners, whether it’s front, rear, four, or all-wheel-drive.
A differential is defined as a gear train consisting of three gears that feature the rotational speed of one shaft, the average speed of the others, or a fixed multiple of that average.
The differential is a gear that transfers engine torque to the wheels. It takes power from the engine and delivers it, allowing each wheel to rotate at a different speed on turns.
Why Differential Is Needed?
The differential allows the steering wheels to turn at different speeds so the car can take turns without putting much pressure on the tires. The inside wheels move at a short distance compared to the outer wheels.
If the axle does not allow the wheels to spin freely, the tire wheel will drag on the ground. Hence this is essential when the vehicle turns, causing the wheel to move outside the turning curve to roll further and faster than the other.
Parts of Differential
The following are the parts of the differential system:
1. Differential side gear or sun gears
2. Pinion shaft or cross pin
3. Axle shafts or half shafts
4. Ring gear or crown wheel
5. Drive pinion or bevel pinion
6. Differential pinions or planet gears
7. Differential case or Housing
--- Time Stamp --
00:00 - What is a Differential?
00:58 - Why differential is needed?
01:29 - Parts of Differential
02:51 - How does Differential work?
04:49 - Types of Differentials
05:13 - Open Differential
06:25 - Limited-slip Differential
07:42 - Locking Differential
08:53 - Torque Vectoring Differential
10:05 - Torsen Differential
11:22 - Welded Differential
11:53 - Wrap up
#differential #howitworks
Disclaimer:
This video is just for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.
Copyright Disclaimer:
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance favor of fair use.
Watch our video on Types of Drivetrains: • FWD vs RWD vs 4WD vs A...
Watch our video on Transmission: • Types of Transmission ...
Download the PDF:- www.theengineerspost.com/diff...
Follow us on Facebook:- / fanpageengineerspost
Visit our Website for more articles:-
www.theengineerspost.com/
Contact us:
[e-mail]
If you find this video useful, please share it with your friends, and If you have any questions, leave a comment, and we’ll respond.
Thanks for watching, and subscribe for more.

[@marvichadap8338]

hi man, i know you dont get much views or likes but you have no idea how much help you're giving to future engineers like me, wish you success, god bless

[@valentineaberinga3275]

Honestly

[@TheEngineersPost]

Hey, thanks!

[@samholdsworth420]

If only half of KZbin cared more about actual good content and less about clout 😂

[@samholdsworth420]

Although the AI voice is really kind of off-putting

[@devonswindell9735]

200k subs is a lot to me...

[@aldenconsolver3428]

reinforcing what others are saying below, differentials are fascinating, If you want to make an hour-long explanation you can depend on me watching every moment. You might want to throw in something on tracked vehicles (or maybe a separate video). You make me wish I had gone into engineering :)

[@Sourpusscandy]

I design automotive training programs, and if it were my decision, the students would watch all your videos and we would have a few classes that are specific to the maker/model. Excellent job guys, 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@joelafleur6423]

Locking diffs and locking hubs for off road use, man what good times!! I remember jumping out of the truck to lock the hubs!

[@kyal1068]

im looking to buy a daihatsu feroza and it has manual locking front diff

[@WERT2025]

Cool. Would like to see more details and animations of torque vectoring diff

[@TheEngineersPost]

Noted!

[@WERT2025]

Donut media suddenly dropped this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3qlnn2Mi5WtoNk

[@Ernxsto95]

This was insanely helpful, thank you very much. Please keep making videos like these.

[@Josecito777]

Excellent video, I've watched 5 or 6 videos before this one, this one goes very straight to the point and i love that

[@TN3.1]

Thank you, I always found differentials hard to understand but you explained every compenent and its function very simply and informativley

[@philiptownsend4026]

I have had FWD and RWD cars fitted with Torsen differentials. In my experience you don't know they are there except for big improvements in traction. Maintenance free, light and small size fitting inside an open diff casing. Ideal.

[@loukasantoniou8054]

You should try wacetrack diffs, beat of both words

[@Gabethemosthated]

Is it good for racing?

[@philiptownsend4026]

@@Gabethemosthated I imagine it would be if traction is a problem, particularly with front wheel drive. Have also had a mid engine sports car that I fitted with a Torsen diff. The improvement in traction wasn't so noticeable as traction wasn't such a problem with that car.

[@Gabethemosthated]

@@philiptownsend4026 hmm, I have an Ls 400 but I’m turning it into a race car an I was just curious

[@philiptownsend4026]

@@Gabethemosthated I just had to Google what an ls400 is :-( Did such a high spec Japanese car not come with an LSD? Do you remember the original world conquering Audi Quattro rally car? It had three LSDs I believe, one in each of front and rear axles and one between the front and rear axles. It's traction in all circumstances was phenomenal, a whole world of difference.

[@frosthoe]

Thank you , great explanations and practical demonstrations. I learned a few things here today, steller !

[@mattperjes6173]

this channel is a hidden gem

[@STohme]

Very interesting video with significant and useful information included. Excellent explanations and illustrations. Many thanks. I think that the Torsen differential is the most interesting solution (no clutch, no slipping). It is also the most expensive with a relatively complex technology and can be found only within high end and expensive cars.

[@australianwi-fi]

Torsen LSDs can be found on cars other than high-end/expensive cars. 86/BRZ and some MX-5 (Miata) models come to mind

[@why7389]

Yeah That's an amazing Video

[@mntszu]

Tremenda inteligencia en este tema. Realmente impresionante, y lo digo por q no conozco del tema, pero reconozco su complejidad, es interesante. Y me encantan estos vídeos por q muestran cómo funcionan los componentes de los vehículos los pro y contras y te da el conocimiento necesario para entender tú propio vehículo y si te gusta el tema de la mecánica, poder usar este conocimiento para diagnosticar cualquier problema q se presente. Realmente genial! Gracias😁👍, ah! Hablando de cuáles me gustan más, pues el diferencial de los 4wd por supuesto. Pero para cada terreno y necesidad hay uno, y dependiendo de ello pues así es q se adquiere un vehículo ☺️

[@sthomp731]

From what ive come to understand, torsens seem like a great choice in performance applications, but in certain turning situations, it can cause a rwd car (that would usually oversteer) to understeer because of where the force is being applied

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3fceYOdapahfc0

[@TlcforFree]

Hi I j hi I hi d Ty Ty up. Doroti d foopfoo there r tree t we wa do

[@edim108]

Torsen really works best on FWD and AWD cars. On FWD it helps with understeer and heavily counteracts torque steer- that feeling in FWD cars when under hard acceleration the car tries to rip the steering wheel out your hands. On AWD cars it's often used on all three differentials to send bulk of the torque to one wheel that has the most traction near instantly and without the need for complex electronics. It's a really effective, simple, relatively inexpensive and low maintanance option for LSD. It doesn't need special oil additives and doesn't ware down like the clutch based LSD. It is 100% mechanical so there are no sensors that can break like on torque vectoring differential, etc. All you need to do is change oil regularly like you would any other differential so the gears don't grind themselves to death. It isn't perfect- if one wheel has no traction (is in the air or on very slippery ice) it completely stops working, which is why TVD exist.

[@Matthews.sekwila]

Man you're great and you helped me during my test and I passed thanks and I have recommended this channel to my friends

[@gabormede2784]

Great overview. I have a torsen in my vw (passat 4motion), and it works very well...

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3fceYOdapahfc0

[@kubaklimowicz2312]

But you have only 1 torsen in the centre diff. Both rear and front are open so it's far from good

[@gabormede2784]

Sure, I know that. But I meant the ratio and the reaction between front/rear. If one of front wheel slips, the torque immediately goes to rear (of course with better traction), so two wheels is rotating with ratio up to 70:30 (front left and rear right, or vice versa, left side, or right side depends on the situation)

[@Ohyeahhahaha]

As a newly licensed driver, you make me pick up passion for physics and engineering once again!

[@avuazahc1966]

Enjoying all the way from South Africa. That very informative stuff

[@Thundarr995]

I got the Torsen differential out of a firebird and put it in my S10. Mine's a 4.3L 5speed and that thing...I've gotten stuck on wet grass before when I had the stock open differential in it. It drives really good with the Torsen in there. GM should have offered it from the factory.

[@sthomp731]

When did firebirds use torsen differentials? Ive considered putting one in my 3rd gen, never knew they were a factory option.

[@chrisdrake3238]

@@sthomp731 I have the last generation of the firebirds a 2002 and I don't think it comes with a torsen differential but the limited slip differential (LSD) I know because I fixed a leak replacing the gasket and it looks more like the one I just mentioned;

[@Thundarr995]

@@chrisdrake3238 1999 to 2002 Camaro/Firebirds that say Y87 on the vin sticker on the driver's door will have a Torsen. Some of the V6 3.8L could have a Torsen also. If you can't find one,Hawks motorsports had some used ones for about $250.+ shipping.

[@Thundarr995]

@@sthomp731 99-02 Some V6 Camaro's/Firebirds had them too. If it says Y87 on the driver's door sticker. That's the code for Torsen differential.

[@chrisdrake3238]

@@Thundarr995 didn't know that but I'll check mine if it has that sticker on the driver's door thanks for the info

[@udayangafromsrilanka180]

Very nice video. Clarity graphics & very good explanation.

[@TheEngineersPost]

Glad you liked it

[@rvarghese3062]

This is one of the best videos of not on various differential types along with pros and cons.... Nice work 👍

[@ChrisRand-gf7lz]

Gotta go with the Torsen. Simple yet extremely durable. My 2020 4Runner Limited has a Torsen center differential controlling the AWD System, and I almost never have to lock it into 4-wheel drive as the Torsen does a seemless job.

[@LuisRodriguez-dx1gn]

Excellent video Well explained only with what’s important without over doing

[@toadalthug4055]

thanks! i took so many notes for future reference .

[@ETripleGGaming]

Wow this came down my timeline on youtube and how i o so needed this!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 wondering why my car sounded like that?

[@HarmAinMaiimOn]

Finally i found a perfect video about these 💯

[@TheEngineersPost]

Glad to hear it

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3fceYOdapahfc0

[@MasterAutoTechTraining]

Thank you for sharing this content

[@abhish155]

Great content bro...i loved it🙏😍

[@ashutoshh8454]

Thankyou for your information.

[@IamGroot786]

I have a torque vectoring diff in my current vehicle and it's pretty rocking when taking fast turns!

[@d24tic]

Torsen is the best locker in my experience

[@khimsophacarfixing]

That's a good knowledge!

[@ghostofsparta6579]

Am a subscriber , thank you very much for sharing such great knowledge keep it up , kudos👑

[@carloreyes1416]

Thank you.... great and awesome video... ❤️🇨🇦...

[@TheEngineersPost]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scottharman4801]

Awsome video well explained

[@ABYSS755]

I love these videos keep it up

[@BorisEkner]

Thank you for a very informative video. Well done. I prefer the LockRight automatic differential locker. Its way more cost effective than any other on the market. The LockRight automatic locker locks when both wheels travels at the same speed, but unlocks itself automatically when cornering. LockRight is a simple design and an ‘install and forget’ diff-locker. I know from expert gay it works very well in an automatic transmission, I’m not that sure on how it works in a manual transmission. A more advanced design is the automatic locker from Kaiser in Brazil. I have ordered one for the rear axle of my 2022 Jimny. Will order a second one for the front in Dec. -But why a locker you may ask, as the Jimny has a electronic “locker” called AllGrip Pro. Meaning the computer in the car applies brakes on the spinning wheel transferring torque to the non-spinning wheel. The AllGrip is good but reacts too slow. Sometimes the computer needs 5 full turns of a spinning wheel before applying brakes to it. Meaning, when brakes finally are added the car has lost most, if not all, momentum. With one or two lockers installed the off-roading should be way more controlled at slower speeds.

[@Hardballer1100]

I had an automatic locker in the rear axle of my Jimny. It's the best option for offroad use on a budget. But on road it didn't make me happy - especially in tight corners. For that reason I changed the automatic locker for a Quaife ATB and also put one in the front axle. Sure, it's more expensive but it's the better option for off- AND on road use. It's way easier to control the Jimny with the helical/worm gear LSD's now. With the rear diff locker the Jimny was oversteering when the locker engaged and it made the already underpowered Jimny more weak. AND: I can't say that the automatic locker is 'install and forget in a Jimny with manual transmission. It clicks in every corner when not engaged i.e. not locking and it clunks at every change from accelerate to decelerate. That clunk doesn't occur when you have automatic transmission, because the propeller shaft is under load.

[@TribullsEnglishBulldogs]

This is an awesome video.

[@theglitch99]

Great info

[@angelmpm2]

Very nice explanation of this topic

[@TheEngineersPost]

Thanks for liking

[@nicscharing]

I really like torsen diffs

[@user-bw8de1wy4i]

It's a useful information for me as a machanic and driver .

[@christopherhazard8486]

Cách hát của Phúc hiện đại, tinh tế và mang hơi hướng Kpop nhưng lại rất ấm áp, dịu dàng...1 ca khúc tuyệt vời ❤

[@glmariadas5389]

Very informative

[@mechguy8459]

This is the great invention. Because without it the vehicle can't take turn efficiently. Overall awesome video 🙌❤️

[@TheEngineersPost]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Ghosty-RC]

I'm quite happy with my torsen!

[@bazukamimi5721]

Good work

[@manuelsanchez-tp8cl]

Great video'

[@imadyousufzai2998]

Nice information

[@isaiahwhitney8168]

incredible

[@abishekrodriguez4408]

Now need for speed most wanted suspension upgrades makes sense,nice!😊

[@mr.mechatronics297]

Literally the video I search for

[@duckbizniz663]

What engineers create to address problems with automobiles are amazing. I had no idea how important differentials are in helping a moving automobile move down over a terrain (well-built high speed expressway or off-road terrain).

[@D4MGG]

Since I’m mainly focused on RWD sports cars, from what I understood, the torque vectoring differential is kinda the best one for those cars…

[@pars8389]

Perfect

[@ronyair3889]

Thank you 🥰🥰🥰.

[@user-wp5nz5sb7h]

very good video

[@B-B-W-Engel]

How does the locking differential work? It uses a "clutch and springs"! Wow. How englightening.

[@kailashsingh9737]

Very beautiful sweet video

[@delonthomas5049]

Thanks

[@remarmechanic132]

beautiful tutorial hi I'm your new friend I watching the full video more blessings to come sir thank you.

[@TheEngineersPost]

Thanks and welcome

[@pawanYadav-zi6bz]

great sir

[@ionescunicolae473]

I believe that Thorsen differential is better then ,,open" diff. in a cheap small car. From what I understand ,Thorsen diff. in a 4x2 traction car, do not spin a suspended in air wheel (with no point of contact with the ground) while the other wheel which is on the ground (have 100% grip on the ground), stay (and not spin at all).

[@robair67]

That's true. The use of worm gear-worm wheel combination means that if one driven wheel encounters zero friction condition and "wants" to spin all the available torque away, it cannot because the worm gear can't drive the worm wheel, so the driveshaft that has traction (the one on the asphalt!) controls the rotation rate of BOTH worm gears, thus transmitting all the torque to the entire driven axle. Frankly, it's genius! Works on snow, ice, mud and round Druids Hill bend at Brands!

[@BlackyBrownDestruction9337]

I learned so much on something I'm never going to use lol

[@hankyspanky1987]

to The Engineers Post person, in case you didn't know, that locking diffs will grind when taking sharp turns, my dad's Suzuki Samurai would grind when taking sharp turns in say, a parking lot building it was either the diffs or cause it was a solid straight axle

[@rickfajardo8137]

All of them are good defends which road condition can be used with regularly

[@sparky9327]

What type of differential is the one used in the tutorial about how differentials work? Whoever designed the differential is a genius 😊

[@sibkhan4592]

You are doing a great job. This vedio is informative to understand the basics of vehicles. Great job done

[@TheEngineersPost]

Thanks a ton

[@horacecope5324]

@ 7:49, 8:01 & 8:44 Was that a typo, V instead of W, or ...? This is a fantastic video! Great edits, really nice animations. 🤘

[@vladvulcan]

Auto subtitles suck 🤣 these were not generated by the author. It's wheel, not veal.

[@dadangbudiman9491]

I love torsen

[@krishnaraina5113]

Yes, it very helpful. I would like to know how how to adjust a defferential. Thanks.

[@michaelvette7659]

It's something you should not attempt. With only only a very small number of diffs, even allow that. With that being the ring gear "back-lash. Whilst pinion depth, has to be determined via prior measurement and the use of appropriate sized shim. Which is then put in, prior to bearings being pressed on.

[@loukasantoniou8054]

To me, the best diff out there in terms of over all usability, is the wavetrack differential

[@loukasantoniou8054]

After a bit Of research, i ve found the king, the do it all diff. Cant rember then gen, but the rear diff of jeep rubicon is an airlocker combined with a torsen. It doesnt get better than that.

[@legotechnicworkshop3932]

@@loukasantoniou8054 No offense but that’s very wrong. A Jeep rubicon has front and rear electric lockers and when unlocked they are just open diffs. I personally have ARB air lockers in my jeep which work the same either locked or open but activate faster and are more reliable.

[@loukasantoniou8054]

@@legotechnicworkshop3932 there was a jeep rubicon that had a better diff still. It had a torsen type 1 i thing which has a high trb ratio, with an air lock, so you had both. That would be the best diff to have as you get both. And by both i mean, bettet cornering traction on pavememt, decent traction off road and when shit gets badz you can activate the locker. However i dont know which company makes these diffs and i doupt they make it for any other vehicle. I also believe that the gen1 and gen2 cayenne had a similar diff but instead of an atb diff they use a clutch type torque vectoring diff, with and electronically controlled lock ring. But clutch type lsds while very effective when fresh, they worn out pretty fast and need a lot 9f expensive maintance to keep peeforming well. Especially the ones with high kock percentage. In addition they are noisy and make slow speed manuverabullity difficult. Thats why i prefer the one the rubicon. Taking all that into consideration, a wavetrack diff is still one of the best diffs for on road and offroad performance, that you can actually fit on your vehicle and have no mentance requirements. Its not noisy and doesnt affect your everyday driving. However if you dont care about improving on road handling and you just want a dedicated offroader then yes any type of true locker is the way to go. Thats the long answer that i was bored to write lol.

[@sergeantschlumpf6368]

There are a few different kinds of manual & computer locking diffs 1) mechanical 2) electronic. 3) via an air compressor. as seen in the “2019 Jeep 5/4 ton concept”.

[@denniskazich7559]

Stuck on the rear wheel locking rear axle. Old school gear head lol.

[@DoreenNg-fh5yq]

I like the Limited Slip Differential best. Easier to design, easier to use, and easier to maintain traction compared to Open differential

[@Sanchu881]

I prefer Torque vectoring differential... Kindly i would be glad to know more abt limited slip differential

[@jonttu5695]

Welded diff bestest. In finland is kemppiperä which can be found in amisbemmi to do mega skids on country roads during winter time

[@Basic.NeedsMobile.Mechanics757]

I like the locking limited slip

[@sethsantiago304]

Vector differential my favourite right now

[@flavien.dubois]

Eh Vilebrequin c'est par ici pour nous faire un Vultech sur le différentiel !

[@alexeyimanalix380]

Torsen diff the best!

[@2111mattchan]

Can u explain 2way LSD?

[@zackalil2920]

I have a question, so how does the spider gear move to make one of the sun gears move faster if it rotating faster has to move both sun gears since they're connected by equal pins

[@official_Quube]

I think lsd is one of the best diffirentials

[@user-kc3od2vp1c]

cool

[@MicJaguar]

I'm not going to lie, I watched this to see the differentials move. Its hypnotic. Also, the fake voice says veel alot. 😂

[@muazzamali1041]

Good

[@TheEngineersPost]

Thanks

[@derciferreira2523]

This is some kind of rudimentary inteligence.

[@caves4458]

Vheely good wideo

[@It_was_a_dream]

Torsen is the best

[@mercow1242]

Welded diferential is not type of differential.

[@Dude_Ness]

debatable💀😅

[@Capalert]

It’s just a looked diff

[@rpandocchi]

Is it just me, or does anyone else keep hearing throughout the video the narrator using the word “Vheel” in place of “Wheel”? I thought I was losing my mind there for a moment 🤣

[@302ci1968]

I agree, he pronouces VHEEL instead of Wheel. Sounds like a german accent. Very strange. And annoying.

[@amazingvideos1202]

❤❤❤nice

[@Cografiya_Aydin.S.Elizade]

Best

[@riteshvr3913]

*SIR about this ,different ratio of motors front and back in ev cars next video please.*

[@TheEngineersPost]

In making

[@fubartotale3389]

All things considered, the Torsen has the best compromise in terms of weight, effectiveness and cost.

[@HassanKhan-sc7id]

U forget to mentioned the viscous coupling lsd and dcdd which mitsubishi cars use in thier cars

[@joeeme8780]

Torque vectoring FTW. It’s how the Lancer Evolution X handles the twists and turns !

[@JDMeister]

Torque vectoring isnt all that great, it's just and open diff that spins the outside wheel faster that the inside. No rally car uses that.

[@joeeme8780]

@@JDMeister 😂

[@N8Rojas]

What’s the best differential for street/strip? Was looking into torsen or slip. Any info will help.

[@robair67]

Torsen every time, for my money. Tough, effective, instantaneous locking, low maintenance and you don't notice it until you need it, and then you still don't notice it, but you keep going!

[@michaelvette7659]

Neither, because the street is totally different, than the strip. So if you're trying to find what's the "best". You'd then talking in terms of what's the best in "compromise". With a spool, almost unusable on the street, and a limited slip being a comprimise for the strip. You could probably get away with using a limited slip. After having it "built-up" with stiffer springs, better clutch packs, and or at the very least, adding an extra clutch disc in. To make it tighter.

[@jasimaparvin6390]

Hi sir, i am having XUV 500 2018 model ... i have a complaint that while turning right or left the back rear wheel is strucked no movement..while running straight it s moving...pls help to resolve it... thank u