Differential

Differential Service

Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what a differential is – you will in a moment. That fact is that if you drive a car, you have a differential. Whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you have a differential. You might even have two or three. Smithtown Transmissions, your trusted auto repair shop in Smithtown, New York, offers expert differential service to keep your vehicle in peak condition. Our state-of-the-art shop in Smithtown is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experienced technicians dedicated to ensuring the optimal performance of your vehicle's differential system. As you might guess from the name, a differential’s job is to compensate for differences. Specifically the differences in wheel speed when turning. For instance, imagine taking a corner. Your inside wheel has a shorter distance to travel than the outside wheel as you go around the corner. That means that your outside wheel has to turn faster to keep pace with the inside wheel. The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while still providing power. Without a differential, our tires would scrub and hop along the pavement during turns. You’ve probably noticed the big bugle in the middle of the rear axle when you’re behind a truck. That’s the differential. Rear-wheel drive vehicles have a differential in back. Most four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs will also have a similar differential on the front axle. Front-wheel drive vehicles’ differential is called a transaxle because it combines the differential and transmission in one unit. An all-wheel drive vehicle will have a differential or transfer case that adjusts for speed differences between the front and rear drive wheels. The differential is a crucial component of your vehicle, responsible for allowing your wheels to turn at different speeds, especially necessary when navigating turns in Smithtown and around the Suffolk County area. This intricate system requires precise maintenance and care to function correctly, ensuring smooth handling, stability, and the longevity of your vehicle. At Smithtown Transmissions, we understand the complexities of differential systems, whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. Our comprehensive differential service is designed to address the needs of any vehicle, focusing on maintaining and improving its performance and safety when driving around Smithtown.

What can cause differential issues?

Differential issues can be caused by several factors including: worn out gears, contaminated differential fluid, leaking seals, improper lubrication, excessive wear on bearings, damaged components due to impact, uneven tire wear from improper power distribution, and overheating from heavy loads or high speeds; all of which can lead to grinding noises, vibrations, and irregular tire wear patterns.

How often should I change my differential fluid?

How do I know if my differential is failing?

Should I drive with a failing differential?

Differential Service

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Differential Service

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