sorry guys....what is a 'diff' ??

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camcc
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Post Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:04 pm

Sorry to be a COMPLETE dinlo but what is a 'diff' I've seen the term used around the forum but don't actually know what one is!

Please explain...
smithy318i
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Post Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:08 pm

differential

the big box thats between the rear wheels.

Image

it transfers motion from the prop to the rear wheels.
Image
Motorhole
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Post Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:10 pm

"Diff" is an abbreviation for "Differential". It is essentially a gearbox that does the combined job of distributing power to the driving wheels whilst allowing the left hand and right hand wheels to turn at different speeds when taking a bend.

In the case of a rear-wheel drive car like an E30, this is seperate from the gearbox, mounted on the rear subframe between the rear wheels.

If you want more info on how a diff works in lamen's terms, this is an ace link:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
Motorhole
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Post Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:17 pm

Correction: "In the case of a FRONT ENGINED, rear wheel drive car like an E30" :roll:
camcc
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Post Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:41 pm

that's cleared that one up...thanks :-)