Benefits and Drawbacks of OEM and Aftermarket Differentials

If you’re looking for a new differential for your car, it’s worth your time to find out the benefits and drawbacks of OEM and aftermarket options. Here we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of aftermarket and limited-slip differentials and describe which one might be the right choice for your vehicle. Aftermarket and limited-slip differentials are two popular options, and both can provide significant performance improvements for your vehicle.

Disadvantages of OEM differentials

Remanufactured differentials use the same components as OEM units. They are usually more expensive than aftermarket replacements, but OEM components typically last longer. This makes them a better buy, but you should consider the purpose and source of the product before purchasing one. Listed below are some of the benefits and disadvantages of OEM differentials. Read on to learn more. You can also find used differentials.

First, a used differential will probably be in worse condition than a new one. These used differentials usually have a great deal of wear and tear, depending on their mileage. Another factor is loading, a differential will be under stress during acceleration or towing, so you will want to consider how much of the load it can handle. If you don’t drive very far on wet roads, limited-slip differentials might not be necessary.

Types of aftermarket differentials

There are a variety of different types of aftermarket differentials available on the market today. Different types offer different benefits and which is the right one for your vehicle will depend on its purpose and performance. Differential types are classified into four basic styles, which are explained below. Differentials are available for both street and off-road applications, and Eaton is a manufacturer of aftermarket differentials. Limited slip models let traction-hungry wheels receive more torque than wheels with less traction. Locking differentials are necessary for off-road vehicles, which ensure equal torque distribution between the wheels.

Passive and active differentials both work to distribute power to different wheels. A passive differential locks the wheels together, and is therefore ineffective for transferring torque to the outside wheels. Passive differentials are effective for street use, but they don’t work well for track use, as they can’t lock 100%. Active differentials use electronics to automatically transfer torque to the wheels when needed, which allows for better speed and traction.

Functions of aftermarket differentials

Aftermarket differentials are available for a variety of purposes. Some are used in racing while others are used on street cars for everyday use. Each has different benefits. Choose the best one for your vehicle based on its purpose and performance. Below are some common applications and functions for differentials. All four styles can improve performance. The key to choosing the best differential is to determine the needs of the vehicle. If you’re looking to increase performance, upgrading the differential can make a big difference.

Speed and torque sensing are two major features of differentials. The former works to bias torque toward the wheel with the most traction. The latter tries to balance the speed of the wheels, which can lead to wheel spin or momentary loss of traction. Despite the name, these features are not common aftermarket parts, but they can enhance the performance of your vehicle. Some aftermarket differentials are made to fit your car perfectly.

Types of limited-slip differentials

There are several types of limited-slip differentials. In the past, they relied on mechanical parts, but electronic limited-slip differentials have advanced technology to provide more precise control. These types of differentials also have lower maintenance costs, are smoother and do not lock up like clutch-type LSDs do. If you’re looking to improve your performance on the road, a limited-slip differential conversion may be right for you.

The two basic types of limited-slip differentials are one-way and two-way. One-way limited-slip differential limits slip during acceleration and deceleration and can turn completely as the throttle is released. Two-way limited-slip differentials are more sophisticated and can lock up either completely or partially in both directions. Most race cars use two-way differentials, which can also lock up in both directions.

Why It’s Important to Service Your Differential

Your vehicle’s differential transfers engine power to the wheels and compensates for the differences in wheel speeds when you turn. When it malfunctions, it can cause the ride to feel unstable, jerky, or even shaky. This can also lead to problems with the power between the wheels. If you have problems with your differential, make an appointment with a mechanic or technician to inspect it. If you’ve never serviced it before, it’s worth your time to learn more.

Synthetic gear oil is less susceptible to heat breakdown and loss of viscosity

The difference between the two types of gear oil lies in the additives they contain. Compound gear oils contain fatty oils to increase lubricant while high-pressure oil is suitable for low-speed systems. There are several different types of gear oil, and each type has its own unique advantages. Compound gear oil is less susceptible to heat breakdown and loss of viscosity, while extreme-pressure gear oil can withstand high-pressure conditions.

Its heat-resistance makes synthetic lubricants less likely to lose it’s pure form, increasing gearbox efficiency. However, some synthetics are more expensive to dispose of, so consider the life cycle costs before switching to a particular brand.

It can be messy

Changing your differential’s oil regularly can save you from headaches down the road. While the job can be messy, it will also save you a lot of money in the long run. Unlike your regular car oil change, however, differential fluid can be more difficult to drain. This makes it essential to use a big bucket to catch any leaking fluid. Make sure to warm your vehicle before performing this task.

First, remove the rear housing. Carefully remove the cover and follow the directions on the cover. You can skip this step if there is no sludge buildup. After the cover is removed, remove the bolts that hold the rear housing to the car. Once you remove the bolts, you should be able to access the gears and bearings. If you see a large chuck of debris, your differential may need to be serviced. To avoid further mess, use a clean shop towel to wipe down any metal shavings.

It can cause jerking

There are several reasons that your car might be jerking while accelerating, some of these issues are caused by a dirty fuel filter which clogs your car’s fuel system. Another cause is a faulty MAF sensor or even poorly maintained differential. Regardless of the reason, you should always keep on top of your maintaining your differential to prevent possible causes of jerking. The most common cause is wear and tear. Dirty fluid, as well as excess water, can damage the differential. Dirty fluid can also cause noise. This noise will increase as your vehicle accelerates. In extreme cases, this noise can damage your car. A jerking transmission is one of the most obvious symptoms of a failing differential. If this problem is left unchecked, you’ll likely experience jerking and swaying while driving, or may even be out of pocket for vehicle transport when it does breakdown.

It can be performed by a mechanic or technician

A mechanic or technician can service your car’s differential. The differential is a large box that sits in the middle of the axle. This part can get worn out over time, especially when the car is driven hard or in minor collisions. Differential fluid helps the gears in the differential work smoothly and lubricates them. Changing this fluid is a fairly easy procedure, but it’s not something you should attempt unless you’re a qualified mechanic or technician.

There are a number of ways to service your car’s differential. The most important aspect of keeping a car’s differential in working order is keeping it within the factory tolerance. A mechanic can perform this service on a vehicle at home, or they can take it to a shop. There are many benefits to service your car’s differential, including free inspections of major systems and advanced computer and internal diagnostics. A mechanic will only replace the parts that are necessary and that are within a vehicle’s manufacturer’s specifications.