Rear Differential Component - Specifications and Function

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Rear Differential

Definition

The rear differential is a critical component of an All-wheel Drive System, located at the rear axle. It receives rotational power from the transmission via the driveshaft and distributes it to the rear wheels. Its primary function is to allow the two rear wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is essential when turning, as the outer wheel travels a longer path than the inner wheel. This prevents tire scrubbing, reduces wear, and improves vehicle handling and stability. The differential uses a set of gears (typically a ring gear, pinion gear, and spider/side gears) housed within a differential case. Input torque from the driveshaft rotates the ring gear, which turns the differential case. Inside, the spider gears (or planetary gears) are mounted on a carrier attached to the case. These spider gears mesh with two side gears, each connected to an axle shaft to a wheel. When driving straight, the case, spider gears, and side gears rotate as a single unit, delivering equal torque to both wheels. During a turn, the spider gears rotate on their own axes, allowing the side gears (and thus the wheels) to rotate at different speeds while still transmitting torque. Typical specifications for this component include a torque capacity of 1500–3000 N·m, an axle ratio of 3.0–4.5:1, an input shaft diameter of 25–40 mm, a flange pitch circle diameter of 90–120 mm, a weight of 25–60 kg, an operating temperature range of -40–85 °C, a lubricant capacity of 1.5–3.0 L, a noise level of ≤75 dB(A) per ISO 362-1, an efficiency of 92–97%, a backlash of 0.10–0.25 mm per DIN 3967, a housing material of HT250 per GB/T 9439, and an IP rating of IP67 per IEC 60529. These values are reference ranges and must be confirmed for the specific vehicle model and application. Always verify with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The differential uses a set of gears (typically a ring gear, pinion gear, and spider/side gears) housed within a differential case. Input torque from the driveshaft rotates the ring gear, which turns the differential case. Inside, the spider gears (or planetary gears) are mounted on a carrier attached to the case. These spider gears mesh with two side gears, each connected to an axle shaft to a wheel. When driving straight, the case, spider gears, and side gears rotate as a single unit, delivering equal torque to both wheels. During a turn, the spider gears rotate on their own axes, allowing the side gears (and thus the wheels) to rotate at different speeds while still transmitting torque.

Common Materials

Cast Iron, Alloy Steel

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Torque Capacity	1500–3000 N·m	Maximum torque the differential can handle without failure
Axle Ratio	3.0–4.5 :1	Determines final drive ratio; affects acceleration and fuel economy
Input Shaft Diameter	25–40 mm	Must match driveshaft flange or yoke
Flange Pitch Circle Diameter	90–120 mm	Bolt pattern for driveshaft attachment
Weight	25–60 kg	Affects vehicle unsprung mass and handling
Operating Temperature Range	-40–85 °C	Lubricant and seal performance limits
Lubricant Capacity	1.5–3.0 L	Required oil volume for proper lubrication
Noise Level	≤75 dB(A)	Measured at 1 m; excessive noise indicates gear wearISO 362-1
Efficiency	92–97 %	Higher efficiency reduces fuel consumption
Backlash	0.10–0.25 mm	Critical for noise and durabilityDIN 3967
Housing Material	HT250	Cast iron grade; alternatives: aluminum alloyGB/T 9439
IP Rating	IP67	Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersionIEC 60529

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Differential Case
The main housing that contains the differential gears and rotates with the ring gear to transmit power.

Material: Cast Iron or Aluminum Alloy
Ring Gear Part
A large gear bolted to the differential case; driven by the pinion gear from the driveshaft to provide input rotation.

Material: Hardened Alloy Steel
Pinion Gear Part
A small gear meshed with the ring gear; connected to the driveshaft to transfer power into the differential.

Material: Hardened Alloy Steel
Spider Gears (Planetary Gears) Part
Set of small gears mounted on a carrier inside the case; they rotate to allow the side gears (and wheels) to turn at different speeds.

Material: Hardened Alloy Steel
Side Gears (Sun Gears) Part
Two gears meshed with the spider gears; each is splined to an axle shaft to drive a rear wheel.

Material: Hardened Alloy Steel

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Rear Differential.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

All-wheel Drive System

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Rear Differential

Manufacturer profiles associated with Rear Differential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a rear differential?

The primary function is to allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns, preventing tire scrubbing and improving handling.

What are typical torque capacity values?

Typical torque capacity ranges from 1500 to 3000 N·m, but the exact value depends on the vehicle model and application.

Why is the axle ratio important?

The axle ratio (3.0–4.5:1) determines the final drive ratio, affecting acceleration and fuel economy.

How should I verify specifications?

Always confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier, as listed values are reference ranges.

Data Basis

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pressure:	0-5 bar (internal lubrication pressure)
other spec:	Maximum torque capacity: 500-5000 Nm (model dependent), Maximum input speed: 6000 RPM
temperature:	-40°C to 120°C

Rear Differential

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

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Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

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