Differential Assembly: Description and Operation

The All Wheel Drive system available on Tempo and Topaz models is intended to provide increased on the road traction and has ``shift on the fly'' capability. It can be shifted into or out of the all wheel drive mode at any speed as well as when the vehicle is standing still, by using an on/off toggle switch. The main components of this system are a transfer case, rear drive axle, half shafts and driveshaft assemblies.

The rear axle drive pinion receives its power from the engine through the transaxle transfer case and driveshaft.

The pinion gear rotates the differential case through engagement with the ring gear which is bolted to the case outer flange.

Within the case, two differential pinion gears are mounted on the differential shaft which is pinned to the case. These pinion gears are engaged with the side gears, to which the axle shafts are splined.

As the differential components turn, it rotates the axle shafts and rear wheels. When it is necessary for one wheel and axle shaft to rotate faster than the other, the faster turning side gear causes the pinions to roll on the slower turning side gear to allow differential action between the two axle shafts.

The all wheel drive is not engaged, the half shafts, rear wheels and driveshaft are driven by the moving rear wheels. When in operation, some noise is acceptable and may be audible at certain speeds or under various driving conditions.