Differential Service at Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak: Viva la Difference
January 23, 2017
Every vehicle on Michigan roads has a differential, and it is important to the proper operation of the vehicle. But most Royal Oak residents don't have a clue what it is.
The differential compensates for differing wheel speeds. For example, when you turn, the inside tire on the turn travels a much shorter distance than the outside wheel. So the inside wheel of the vehicle must move at a slower speed than the outside wheel. Without a differential, the wheels would hop and scrape while turning.
Have you ever seen the large bulge in the middle of the rear axle of a truck? That's the differential. In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the differential is located on the back axle. Four-wheel drive vehicles and SUV's have differentials on both the front and the rear axle.
You might expect that the differential is located on the front axle of a front-wheel drive vehicle. You'd be right. But the differential is called a transaxle on a front-wheel drive vehicle because its location allows it to be combined with the transmission.
In an all-wheel drive vehicle, an additional differential or transfer case is located between the front and rear axles. Differentials are strong: They have to be because of the job they do. But those tough parts need proper lubrication. You don't want your differential to seize up. That results in damage to your vehicle.
So you need to have your vehicle differential serviced regularly. It's not a complicated job. At Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak in Royal Oak, we've been servicing differentials for years. The used lubricating fluid is simply drained and then replaced. Some vehicles require specific additives in the differential fluid; your Royal Oak service center will ensure you are getting what your vehicle needs.
The intervals in time or mileage for servicing your differential vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle. Check with your owner's manual or Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak service advisor to find out how often your vehicle differential needs to be serviced.
Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak
3110 Rochester Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan 48073
248-585-0980
http://www.toptechautorepairroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak
![](/images/tuffy/default_news_imgs/8.jpg)
When it Comes to Air Filters, Change is Good (Clogged Air Filter)
July 21, 2024
Engine air filters may not seem like a big deal, but when theyre clogged up with dirt, dust, and insects, your engine could wind up choking for air and not delivering you the power and performance it was designed to give. There are actually a couple of air filters in your vehicle. One filters th... More
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/autonettv.com/media/thumbs/DieselMaintenance_JamesRegina_LA.jpg)
Diesel Maintenance for Michigan
July 14, 2024
At Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak we hear from a lot of people who are excited about the new diesel engines that will soon be available in passenger cars and SUV's. But our Michigan friends are often curious about the preventive maintenance requirements. People may not know that diesel engines h... More
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/autonettv.com/media/thumbs/TirePressureMonitoringSystem_Alan_Shop_Report_v2.jpg)
Tire or Re-Tire? (Getting Tires Ready for Hot Weather)
July 7, 2024
Heat isn't easy on vehicle tires, and as the seasons change, make sure yours are ready to take the heat. Let's talk first about inflation. Heat causes air to expand, so heat alone can raise the pressure in your tires. If you are driving on overinflated tires, they won't have as much contact wi... More