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Monday, August 3, 2009

The Differential (Rear Wheel Drive)

This animation demonstrates how the power from the drive shaft turns the ring gear, which is fastened to the spider gear carrier. As the spider gears turn, they force the drive axle gears to turn as well. But if one wheel wants to go faster (such as when turning), the spider gears turn on their own axles, allowing each drive axle gear to turn at its own rate.