Whether you drive a rear-wheel drive vehicle or a 4×4 truck, the differential is a critical component that allows the wheels to spin at different speeds while turning. However, over time, differentials can wear down and require repair or rebuilding. If you’re in need of differential work in Edmonton, Alberta Drive Line Rebuilders Ltd. is the shop to trust.
What is a Differential?
Differentials allow the inside wheel to spin faster than the outside wheel when turning corners. It divides engine torque equally between the right and left drive wheels. The differential achieves this by using a set of spider gears, side gears and a carrier to distribute torque. This allows each wheel to spin at its own speed while turning to follow the radius of the turn.
Without a differential, your vehicle simply could not turn as the wheels would be locked together. Your tires would slide, spin or even lose traction when cornering. A functioning differential is essential for steering control and handling.
Common Differential Problems
Over time and high mileage, differentials can develop issues that diminish performance:
- Worn Spider & Side Gears: Constant torque loads from acceleration and braking causes gear teeth to wear down over 100,000+ miles. Smooth gear mesh is lost.
- Oil Leaks: Gasket sealing around differential cover, vent, filler hole or drain plug can fail, causing oil to drain out. Low oil causes increased heat and wear.
- Damaged Bearings: Improper lube levels lead to excessive heat, which burns bearings. Lack of lubrication causes rust and corrosion on bearing surfaces.
- Bent Pinion Yoke: Impacts from potholes or off-road use can bend the pinion yoke, affecting driveshaft angles.
- Clogged Vent or Breather: Dirty differential oil and ventilation issues lead to excess pressure inside, accelerating component wear.
When any key differential components show wear or damage, a rebuild is typically needed to restore proper function. Replacing worn parts can also improve fuel efficiency.
Signs Your Differential Needs Repair
There are some tell-tale signs a differential needs service or rebuilding:
- Growling or Grinding Noises: Worn gears produce audible grinding, whirring or crunching racket during turns.
- Vibration During Acceleration: Uneven gear mesh causes shaft vibrations felt through the drivetrain.
- Fluid Leaks: Look under the vehicle for signs of drips or puddles by the differential housing.
- Increased Pedal Effort: Worn components reduce torque transfer efficiency, requiring more acceleration input.
- Premature Tire Wear: A malfunctioning differential can cause uneven tire wear patterns.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to have our technician inspect your differential sooner rather than later to prevent added damage.
Differential Rebuild in Edmonton at Alberta Drive Line
Alberta Drive Line Rebuilders Ltd. has over 40 years of experience rebuilding and repairing differentials in Edmonton. As a full-service driveline specialist, we can handle any differential job, from repairs to full rebuilds:
- We completely disassemble, clean and inspect all components for wear. Replace all worn gears, bearings and seals.
- Technicians can perform repairs for specific differential issues like leaks, bearing replacements or upgrade installations.
- All rebuilds use exclusively high-quality OEM-grade components to restore factory spec performance and durability.
- Alberta Drive Line rebuilds both front and rear differentials for cars, trucks, SUVs and commercial vehicles.
Our state-of-the-art equipment allows for precise machining and assembly. Every job also includes a comprehensive road test before returning the vehicle to the customer.
Trust the Local Experts at Alberta Drive Line
If noise or vibration concerns have you suspecting differential problems, thereās no need to put it off or take a chance with an unknown shop. Contact the trusted experts at Alberta Drive Line Rebuilders Ltd. for differential service you can depend on near you in Edmonton.
Our technicians have decades of hands-on experience with every type of differential repair. Contact us today to learn more about our services!