Sable V6-183 3.0L DOHC VIN S MFI (1997)
Differential: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
The differential allows the halfshafts and wheels to rotate at different speeds during cornering. The differential assembly consists of the following
components:
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differential case (part of the final drive carrier)
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two pinion gears supported by a pinion shaft
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two side gears supported by the differential case and halfshafts
OPERATION
When driving in a straight line, both front wheels rotate at relatively the same speed. This means both side gears are rotating at the same speed as
well while both pinion gears revolve (but do not rotate) with the side gears. During cornering, the wheel on the outside of the turn is forced to
rotate faster than the wheel on the inside of the turn. Since the side gears must now rotate at different speeds, the pinion gears rotate on the pinion
shaft allowing the drive axles to rotate at different speeds while still transferring output torque.
