Welcome to SF Differential Family owned and operated since 1975 in San Francisco. We are currently located at 2233 Washington Ave. San Leandro, CA 94577. Experienced technicians specialize in differential repair, servicing any type of vehicle from coup to tractor-trailer.
HOW DIFFERENTIALS WORK
The differential has a few primary jobs:
- To aim the engine power at the wheels
- To act as the final gear reduction in the vehicle, slowing down the rotational speed of the transmission one more time before it hits the wheels
- To transfers power evenly from the engine to all drive wheels and it varies the amount of torque.
WHAT IS A DIFFERENTIAL?
To divide the engine torque two ways, the differential is used allowing each wheel to spin at a different output speed.
The differential is found on most vehicles, including many all-wheel-drive (full-time four-wheel-drive) vehicles. The all-wheel-drive vehicles need a differential between each set of drive wheels, and between the front and the back wheels as well, due to the front wheels traveling at a different distance during a turn.
Part-time four-wheel-drive systems do not have a differential between the front and rear wheels. However, they are joined together so that the front and rear wheels turn at the same constant speed. It is for this reason these vehicles become difficult to turn and operate on concrete when the four-wheel-drive system is engaged.
DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Regular differential service is extremely important. It is cost effective to follow the manufacturer recommendation for differential service. A unique gear box located between the drive wheels of your vehicle, the differential allows the drive wheels to turn at different speeds in order to turn a corner. With time, high operating temperatures can cause the transmission fluid in the differential to break down and develop a gunk like texture which fails to lubricate the gears. Again, regular service of the fluid can prevent premature wear on the gears and can help reduce wear on drive-wheel tires.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE?
Old differential fluid is removed and replaced with new lubricating fluid based on your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SERVICE A TRANSFER CASE?
The transfer case is a unique gear box found in four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It provides power from the engine to the front and rear drive axles. In all-wheel-drive vehicles, the transfer case helps to shift power from one drive axle to another, depending on traction conditions. When proper lubricant is in the transfer case it allows the gears to cool and turn smoothly. Servicing this fluid at the manufacturer’s specified intervals will help prevent damage caused by contaminated or broken-down lubricant.
WHAT DOES THE SERVICE INCLUDE?
In the transfer case a special fluid will lubricate, cool and clean the gears in the transfer case. The old fluid is removed and replaced with new fluid that adapts to vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. To avoid any major differential repair, differential needs to be service at proper intervals. SF Differential performs transmission services at a reasonable cost and offers service warranties. Call our experts today to schedule a free differential repair estimate!
For more information, give us a call today at (650) 589-7703