Adam's Auto Solution Blog

Do you ever hear odd noises coming from your vehicle? Maybe you hear a whining, grinding or humming sound that gets louder as you accelerate. These sounds could be an indication of a problem with your car's differential. But what exactly is a car differential, and what problems can you expect to encounter?

Understanding the Differential

Car differentials are an essential component in your vehicle's drivetrain system. They are designed to help distribute power from the transmission to the wheels, allowing each wheel to rotate at a different speed. There are three main types of differentials. These are open, limited-slip and locking. Open differentials are the most common type found in cars and light-duty trucks. Limited-slip differentials are often used in high-performance vehicles while locking differentials are typically found in off-road vehicles.

Problems to Anticipate

Worn Bearings or Damaged Gears

One of the most common problems with a car differential is when it starts to make noise. Whining or grinding noises can be an indication that the gears are not meshing correctly, and there may be too much gear backlash. This issue can be caused by worn bearings, damaged gears or insufficient oil levels. If left unaddressed, it can cause further damage to the differential and lead to more expensive repairs.

Leaking Oil

Another common problem is when the differential begins to leak oil. This can happen for various reasons, including worn seals, damaged gaskets or cracks in the differential housing. If you notice oil puddles beneath your vehicle or an oil smell coming from the undercarriage, it may be a sign of a differential oil leak. In most cases, the leak can be fixed by replacing the seals or gaskets.

Overheating and Friction

A more severe problem with a differential is when it seizes up. This is typically caused by the differential running low on fluid, leading to overheating and friction. The differential can also seize up due to damaged gears or bearings. This problem can cause your wheels to lock up and make it impossible to move your vehicle.

Binding

One issue that tends to occur more with locking differentials is driveline binding. This problem can happen when one wheel loses traction, causing the other wheel to turn at a higher speed. It can also cause the driveline to bind, leading to a jolting sensation. This can cause further damage to your vehicle's drivetrain and should be addressed as soon as possible.

What to Be on the Lookout for

If you come across any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have a problem with your differential, visit a local auto repair shop.