What are differentials in a Subaru?

Differentials in a Subaru
Subaru vehicles are equipped with differentials that play a crucial role in improving grip, turning capability, and overall safety. Here are some key points about differentials in Subaru vehicles:
1. Integration of Transfer Case and Limited Slip Differentials (LSD): Unlike other all-wheel drive systems, Subaru integrates its transfer case into the transmission, rather than having a front-wheel bias. This integration allows for the use of limited slip differentials (LSD), which combine the benefits of open and locked differentials. LSDs adjust the torque split based on available grip, making them a great choice for daily driving.
2. Front and Rear Differentials: Subaru vehicles typically have both front and rear differentials. The front and rear differentials work in conjunction with the transmission to send power from the engine to the wheels’ axles, stabilizing the vehicle during turns. The differentials use gears to allow the outside wheels to turn faster than the inside wheels, ensuring optimal grip during cornering.
3. Types of Differentials: Subaru vehicles feature various types of differentials depending on the model. Some of these include:
– Viscous Center Differential (VCD): This system uses a straightforward 50/50 torque split with open front and rear differentials. It is typically used in Subaru models with a manual transmission, except for the WRX and WRX STI.

– Active Torque Split (ATS): The ATS system is found on all CVT-equipped Subaru cars, except for the WRX and WRX STI. It uses a 50/50 torque split with open front and rear differentials.

– Variable Torque Distribution (VTD): VTD is another differential system used in Subaru vehicles. It provides variable torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction and stability.

– Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD): The DCCD system is available in the WRX STI and allows the driver to adjust the center differential locking to customize the handling of the vehicle.
4. Maintenance: Differential fluid in Subaru vehicles breaks down over time and needs to be replaced. It is recommended to follow the vehicle’s maintenance schedule and change the differential fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
It’s important to note that Subaru offers different types of differentials for various models, each designed to enhance performance and safety in different driving conditions.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

Is it OK to drive with a bad differential?

Not only is driving with a damaged rear differential dangerous but, if you don’t have the issue addressed right away, it could snowball into more expensive repairs down the road. Even though rear differentials can experience a wide range of issues, these problems are fairly easy to spot and repair when caught early on.

How many differentials do Subarus have?

Subaru offers four different all-wheel drive systems for their models. The only model that doesn’t offer all-wheel drive is the BRZ, which is rear-wheel drive. Each of these systems offers an open differential in the front and rear, except on the STI which has its own system.

What is symptoms of a bad differential?

Here’s what to look out for.

• Noises. Whining or whirring noises can be a sign of a failing differential.
• Overheating.
• Vibration.
• Handling/steering problems.
• Gear grinding.
• Tyre damage.
• Oil leaks.
• Out-of-balance driveshaft.

Is it expensive to fix a differential?

Differential repairs may cost between $200 and $400—or even less—while complete differential replacement may cost between $1,500 and $4,000.

What does a differential do?

A differential is a gear train with three drive shafts that has the property that the rotational speed of one shaft is the average of the speeds of the others. A common use of differentials is in motor vehicles, to allow the wheels at each end of a drive axle to rotate at different speeds while cornering.

What happens if you don’t fix a differential?

In a worst-case scenario, the differential could experience catastrophic failure and lock up, potentially causing damage to additional driveline components. Also, if engine torque is no longer being transferred to the drive wheels, the vehicle may not move under its own power.

What is the purpose of a differential in a car?

The differential is a gearbox placed between the drive wheels. Vehicles that are four-wheel drive will have both a front and a rear differential. The function of a differential is to transmit power from the engine to the axle that moves the wheels and allow the wheels to move at different speeds from each other.

Do I need to change differential fluid in Subaru?

Just like the oil inside your engine requires replacement to maintain maximum protection, so does the oil in your differential. Anytime there are moving metal-on-metal parts, lubrication is important and the oil will break down over time.

Do I really need to change differential fluid?

While it is normal for differential fluid to last longer than many other automotive fluids, you should change it after approximately every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

What happens if you don’t change differential fluid?

If you never change your differential fluid, you will start to notice strange sounds and bad smells from your car, before your diff will inevitably fail. This is not only costly to fix, and highly preventable, but can also be dangerous as you won’t be as in control of turning your vehicle, especially at high speeds.