Rear Axle - 8 1/4: Differential-TRAC-LOK: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: TRAC-LOK LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CASE

2 - RING GEAR

3 - DRIVE PINION

4 - PINION GEAR

5 - MATE SHAFT

6 - CLUTCH PACK

7 - SIDE GEAR

8 - CLUTCH PACK

This differentials clutches are engaged by two concurrent forces. The first being the preload force exerted through Belleville spring washers within the clutch packs (6). The second is the separating forces generated by the side gears (7) as torque is applied through the ring gear (2). See Fig 1.

This design provides the differential action needed for turning corners and for driving straight ahead during periods of unequal traction. When one wheel looses traction, the clutch packs transfer additional torque to the wheel having the most traction. This differential resist wheel spin on bumpy roads and provide more pulling power when one wheel looses traction. Pulling power is provided continuously until both wheels loose traction. If both wheels slip due to unequal traction, Trac-lok(tm) operation is normal. In extreme cases of differences of traction, the wheel with the least traction may spin.