Differential: Description and Operation

Rear Axle Differential
The rear axle differential consists of a bevel gear differential (5) in a spherical case (4). The task of the bevel gear differential is the uniform distribution of introduced torque to the right and left rear wheels.

A multiple-plate limited slip differential (3) is also located in the differential case. These multiple plate locks can be closed and reopened for certain operating conditions with help of an external high pressure hydraulic system.

Operation of Multiple Plate Lock





Energy for operation of the multiple plate lock is taken from the booster circuit of the brake hydraulic system. Slave cylinder (7) moves engaging lever (6) and presses it against lever spring (8).





The lever spring bears on ring nut (9) and forwards the hydraulic force to pressure ring (10) at a higher ratio. It in turn bears on eight pressure pins (11), which compress the multiple plate set (3) with help of a second pressure ring (12).





The contact pressure could be so great in an extreme case, that the locking torque would exceed 1000 Nm.