Glossary / Transmission

rear differential

17 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

The rear differential is a part that helps the back wheels turn at different speeds when turning. It needs oil inside it to keep working smoothly.

Technical Definition

The rear differential is a gear assembly that allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds while transmitting power from the driveshaft. It also requires its own fluid for lubrication.

Hear It Discussed

"there was no gear oil changes or anything like that, like on the rear differential, like none of that, because the, so many cars today, those components have like 100,000 mile intervals on..."
CarCast+Edmunds - The status of the car market and the rise of negative equity on car loans. CarCast 18:03

"Sure. They open up the rear differential and out pours pieces of metal. I mean, are we talking shavings?"
Car Pro Radio Show May 9 26 Hour 3 CarPro Radio Show 34:03

"...the only thing else that's back there is the rear differential itself. And again, listening to it with a mechanic's death of scope will tell you a lot..."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 3, 2026 - Hour 1 - When Do You Sell The Plow Truck? Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 30:38