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Differential Service

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Differential Service at Stanley Ford Gilmer

One component you may not think much about in your vehicle is the differential. This component keeps you driving smoothly on the road, especially on turns and curves. If you live around Tyler, Longview, or Marshall, you can have your differential serviced at Stanley Ford Gilmer.

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How Differentials Work

The differential operates your wheels with a set of gears that allow the wheels to operate at different speeds as needed. They are powered independently by the engine and operated through the drivetrain. When you turn your vehicle to the left, the left wheels turn slower than the right wheels. The opposite is true when you make a right turn. The inside wheels don’t have as far to travel to make the turn as the outside wheels. Because of this fact, the different wheels operate at different speeds thanks to the differentials that provide constant power.

Front and Rear Differentials

How many and where the differentials are located depends on your vehicle. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you have rear differentials. Only the rear wheels need the power to move the vehicle. The differential is located on the rear axle. An all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle has a front and a rear differential to send power to all four wheels. Front-wheel drive vehicles operate a little differently. The transaxle operates the transmission and differential instead of needing separate components.

The Importance of Differential Fluid

The differential is made up of gears and bearings. The gears interlace together and require a lubricant to allow them to turn smoothly. Differential Fluid is used in your differential. All types of differentials, including rear and front, as well as Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) need gear oil for lubrication and to keep the components from getting too hot.

Differentials need to be serviced with the replacement of fluid just like the rest of your vehicle. How often you should have this done depends on the make of the vehicle. You can read your owner’s manual to find the recommended timelines.

How to Know When Your Differential Needs Service

The most common issues with differentials are when the fluid loses its viscosity, or a bearing gets loose. You’ll hear and feel metal grinding on metal. Some signs you may notice include the following:

  • You hear a whirring sound when you slow down or go above 15 mph.
  • You notice rumbling noises when you’re driving over 15 mph.
  • You hear constant clunking sounds.
  • As you accelerate, you hear a high-pitched howling noise.
  • When you take a corner, you feel a skip or bang.

If you notice any of these issues, you should schedule an appointment right away. You can schedule service online or with a phone call to have your vehicle’s differentials inspected and serviced. We offer a comfortable waiting area for you while we inspect, diagnose, and service your vehicle.

Let Stanley Ford Gilmer keep you safe on the road with our premier service team. Contact us for an appointment for differential service and all your automotive needs.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.