You're driving down the road and hear a squeak. Or maybe you notice an oil leak. Don't ignore these symptoms because they could be signs of a serious problem with your front differential.
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| What Is a front differential |
what is a front differential?
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| what is a front differential? |
A front differential is a device on your vehicle that divides the torque so that your tires can spin at different speeds. This device is very important because when you turn your car, the outside of the tire has to turn faster than the inside of the tire to keep up with the car as it turns.
The inside of the tire will have fewer revolutions because it covers less ground. Without a front differential, vehicles would lose traction, other powertrain components would be stressed, and tires would experience excessive wear.
Some vehicles, such as jeeps and off-road trucks, have locking differentials. These are different because they lock the differential in place so that the wheels turn at the same speed, which is necessary for rough terrain.
How a Differential Works and Types of Differentials
Why you should keep an eye on your front differential
The front differential is an essential part of the transmission. When it goes bad, serious problems can occur. It can also be expensive to repair, and it's not a repair that even car enthusiasts should undertake themselves.
It requires professional assistance. Pay attention to your front differential, noticing leaks or strange sounds that could indicate a problem.
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Read also: 4 Different Types of Differentials (and How They Work)
Signs that your front differential needs to be replaced
Typically, a failing front differential will produce these four symptoms. If you notice one or more of them, don't wait to take your vehicle to a mechanic. It could damage your vehicle if you wait, which also means a much more expensive repair.
You are using too much oil
You may notice that your oil is leaking or that you've gone through your oil cycle too quickly. This means your differential is not getting the lubrication it needs to function properly. Oil protects the mechanism from overheating and helps keep it running smoothly.
A loss of oil is also accompanied by a whining or screeching noise coming from the front of the car. Don't ignore these warning signs. Serious damage could occur, so have your vehicle checked.
You hear grinding noises
As the differential deteriorates, you may start to hear the gears grinding. Again, don't ignore it! This could be very costly if you don't fix this problem quickly. As you accelerate, the grinding noise gets louder and louder.
This relates to the above-mentioned symptom of oil loss. Check your maintenance records to see if you are using too much oil.
Your tires are wearing out quickly
If the inside tire is wearing out faster than the outside tire, it's a sign that your front differential has gone bad.
Because the differential manages the different speeds at which your tires turn in corners, when the inside tire wears out, it means the differential isn't doing its job properly.
Constant vibration during acceleration
This may be the first sign that your front differential needs to be replaced. When you accelerate, the vibrations get worse. You'll feel it in the driveshaft.
How much does it cost to replace your front differential?
That's why it's so important for you to get your vehicle to a mechanic quickly. Depending on the damage, a simple repair can cost anywhere from $200 to $400. But if the damage is excessive, repair costs could more than double.
Repairs could even cost up to $2,000 if you need a complete overhaul.
What causes a malfunctioning front differential?
If you maintain your vehicle properly, your chance of having a faulty front differential is low. But it could happen. If you have modified your vehicle, the chance of problems is higher.
If you drive a lot of miles, the chance of problems is also higher. As with any component, how you drive, how much you drive and how you maintain your car will affect its longevity. Change your oil regularly and take care of your vehicle to prevent a component from deteriorating.
Take care of your car to keep you and your passengers safe
It's not common to have problems with your front differential. But if you notice these symptoms, don't delay getting your vehicle repaired. The sooner you can diagnose the problem, the more money you'll save and the less damage you'll do to your vehicle.
And take care of your car. Do the right maintenance. Check the oil levels. Have the oil changed.