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Differential casing: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace differential casing

This component has no exact operational lifetime. The differential casing should be replaced at mechanical damages or its surface deformation. Moreover, spline connections of the part often break due to corrosion.

Component deformation often occurs due to defect of the bearing or its mounting seat wear-out. Sometimes, component integrity violation is the result of extreme driving style. Corrosion damages of the differential casing are the result of moisture effect.

Damaging of the part is usually pointed out by screeching or humming from the differential, which appear at cornering. Driving is impossible if the component is totally broken.

Replacement of the differential casing should be performed at a service station. First, this will require disassembling of the gearbox or the final drive gears and the differential. Specialists will also inspect other gearbox elements, and perform their replacement if necessary. Adjustment of differential bearing position will be required after works finishing.

How to select differential casing

These parts are made of various materials. Usually, manufacturers use aluminum or cast iron. The aluminum parts are lightweight, thus providing more efficient operation of the transmission. Vehicle differential casings can be different one from another by construction: there are assembled and one-piece ones. The components of the second type are usually used in passenger cars.

Operational lifetime of the parts greatly depends on a manufacturer. For example, high-quality components are made under DT brand.

During spare part selection you need to take into account the brand, model and production year of the car, and its drive type. Particularly, you can buy the differential casing for installation in the front or rear axle. The part should comply by splines size, and correspond to the type of a differential mechanism used in the car.