Rear Drive Axle Description and Operation (G86)

Rear axle for this vehicle consist of the following components: Axle Shaft – Right Axle Shaft – Left Differential Differential Pinion Gear Differential Ring Gear Rear Axle Housing The rear axle is a mechanical limited slip differential. In a conventional differential, if one wheel spins, the opposite wheel will generate only as much torque as the wheel with the least amount of traction. In a limited slip differential, part of the ring gear torque is transmitted through clutch packs which contain multiple discs. In operation, two forces engage the limited slip differential’s clutches. The first is the pre-load force within the clutch packs. The second is the separating forces generated by the side gears as torque is applied through the ring gear. The limited slip design provides the action needed for turning corners and for driving in a straight line when traction is uneven. When one wheel loses traction, the clutch packs transfer additional torque to the wheel having the most traction. Limited slip differential resist wheel spin on bumpy roads and provides greater pulling power when one wheel loses traction. If both wheels slip due to unequal traction, limited slip operation is normal. Also in extreme case of unequal traction, the wheel with the least amount of traction may spin.