What do spider gears do in a differential?
As automotive technology advanced, spider gears were introduced into the differential carrier. These spider gears allowed the left and right axle shafts to move independently of each other, and subsequently reduce wear and effort needed to go around corners.
How many spider gears are in a differential?
Inside the differential case, there are two side gears and two pinion gears. The pinion gears are technically the spider gears, but many people simply refer to all four of the gears as spider gears.
What type of gears are the differential spider and side gears?
Spider gears are primetime players inside the differential. Also known as satellite gears, spider gears rotate around the side gears in the differential carrier. Side gears may also be referred to as axle gears or planetary gears. To spot spider gears look for the gears with the cross-pin shaft going through them.
What does spider gears look like?
The side and spider gears are shaped like donuts with a bunch of deep and symmetrical teeth marks in their topsides. The backsides of the gears are smooth; the topsides are a bunch of 45-degree beveled teeth. The backs of the spider gears are curved to fit special dished recesses on the inside of the carrier.
What causes spider gear chipping?
As the clutch packs wear out it allows play in the spider gears. As the gears move apart this gives a smaller contact area and that’s what causes the chipping. The spider gears are only contacting each other on the tips of the gears after the clutches wear out.
What’s another name for spider gears?
Spider gears are also known as satellite gears, they rotate around the side gears in the differential carrier. Side gears may also be referred to as axle gears or planetary gears. The spider gears are the ones with the cross-pin shaft going through them.
How hard is it to rebuild a differential?
A complete rear differential replacement includes replacing the housing, gears, bearings, and seals. The average time it takes a certified mechanic to perform a differential rebuild at a shop is usually three to five hours. A rebuild on a commercial vehicle by someone without prior experience could take much longer.