TUBE AS 1V9331 - Caterpillar

Illustration 1 g03879040
Differential
(1) Bevel pinion shaft
(2) Gear
(3) Axle shaft
(4) Side gear
(5) Differential case
(6) Spider
(7) Pinion gear
(8) Axle shaft
(9) Side gear
(10) Bevel gear
(11) Differential carrierA differential divides the power that is sent to the machine wheels. During a turn, the inside wheel turns at a slower rate than the outside wheel. The differential still sends the same amount of torque to each wheel. Each differential has a differential lock. The main component of the differential lock is the clutch pack. When the differential lock control solenoid is energized by the chassis ECM, the clutch pack connects one axle shaft to the differential case. Both axle shafts are connected to form a solid axle with no differential effect.The inside components of the differential receive lubrication from the oil that is thrown around the inside of the axle housing.Straight Forward or Straight Reverse OperationWhen the machine moves in a straight direction with the same amount of traction under each drive wheel, the same amount of torque that is on each axle holds pinions (7) so that the pinions do not turn on spider (6).Gear (2) transmits drive to bevel pinion shaft (1). Bevel pinion shaft (1) turns bevel gear (10) and differential case (5). Differential case (5) turns spider (6). Spider (6) turns side gears (4) and (9) through pinion gears (7). Pinion gears (7) do not turn on spider (6). Side gears (4) and (9) turn axle shafts (3) and (8). The same amount of torque is sent to each wheel.Forward or Reverse Turn Operation.When the machine is turning, the outside wheel starts to rotate faster than the inside wheel.Bevel pinion shaft (1) turns bevel gear (10) and differential case (5). Differential case (5) turns spider (6). Spider (6) turns side gears (4) and (9) through pinion gears (7). Because one side gear requires more force than the other side gear in order to turn, pinion gears (7) turn around the spider. As the pinions turn, the pinions move around the side gears, allowing the outside wheel to turn faster than the inside wheel.The same amount of torque is sent to the inside wheels and to the outside wheels. This torque is only equal to the amount that is necessary to turn the outside wheel.Loss of Traction (Wheel Slippage)When one wheel has more traction than the other wheel, the differential operates in the same manner as if the machine is turning. The same amount of torque is sent to both wheels. This torque is only equal to the amount that is necessary to turn the wheel with the least resistance.