Rear Drive Axle and Differential: Notes

The Model S110 and S130 rear axles consist of the following:

• A hypoid design differential ring gear and pinion
• A 2-bearing overhung pinion mounting
• Full-floating axle shafts
• A steel differential housing
• A front-mounted, removable 1-piece carrier housing

The rear drive axle receives rotational torque from the driveshaft. The direction of the rotation determines movement of the vehicle. The rotation enters the rear drive axle through the drive pinion flange, turning the drive pinion and rotating the ring gear. The ring gear is bolted to the differential case. The differential case houses the pinion shaft upon which the differential pinion gears ride. The pinion gears are in mesh with the differential side gears to which the axle shafts are splined. It is the unique arrangement of the differential that allows the axle shafts to be driven at different speed when needed, such as when driving around corners.