Differentials - Differentials
More informationOur offer includes original used differentials, commonly known as differentials, as well as remanufactured differentials from brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Mini, and others. Thanks to our collaboration with experienced automotive consultants with over 10 years of experience, we can help you choose the right differential for your vehicle.
Make
Category
Subcategory
Differentials and parts
Condition
In Stock
Price
-15%
Part no. 7602984
BMW X5 E70 3.0d Diesel M57N2 Rear Differential Diff 3,64 Ratio 7552527 WARRANTY
Promo price
€1,424.95
€1,211.21
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7519925-1
BMW E87 E90 116i 120i 316i 320i Rear Differential Diff 3.64 Ratio RECONDITIONED
€712.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7590898
BMW F20 F30 F31 F32 X5 E70 X6 E71 Front Differential Diff 3,15 Ratio WARRANTY
€569.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7592010
BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 Rear Differential Diff Axle 3,73 Ratio 7592009 Manual WARRANTY
Promo price
€465.95
€396.06
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7524317-1
BMW 1 3 Series E87 E90 118i 318i N46 Differential Diff 3,23 Ratio RECONDITIONED
€712.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7616972
BMW 1 3 Series F20 F21 F30 Rear Differential Diff 2,81 Ratio 7616971 WARRANTY
Promo price
€237.95
€202.26
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7590912
BMW X5 E70 30dX 35iX Rear Differential Diff 3,15 Ratio 7590911 7630912 WARRANTY
Promo price
€664.95
€565.21
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7615390
BMW X1 E84 18dX 20dX N47N Rear Axle Differential Diff 2,93 7615390 WARRANTY
Promo price
€474.95
€403.71
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7599397
BMW X1 E84 20iX 28iX N20 Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,38 7599396 WARRANTY
Promo price
€712.95
€606.01
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7636996
BMW X5 F15 X6 F16 Rear Axle Differential Diff I=3,15 7636996 WARRANTY
Promo price
€474.95
€403.71
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7591996
BMW X3 F25 30dX 35dX F10 M550dX F20 M140iX Front Differential Diff 2,81 WARRANTY
Promo price
€408.95
€347.61
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8679977
BMW X3 G01 X4 G02 Front Axle Differential Diff 2,81 Ratio 8679977 WARRANTY
Promo price
€541.95
€460.66
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7599411
BMW F20 F21 M135i F22 M235i N55 Rear Differential Diff 3,08 7599411 WARRANTY
€332.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 7643217
BMW i3 I01 Differential Diff Sound Insulation Acoustic Cover Left N/S 7643217
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 2283320
BMW E90 E92 E93 M3 S65 Rear Differential Diff 3,15 Ratio 2283320 WARRANTY
Promo price
€1,899.95
€1,614.96
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-5%
Part no. 7643218
BMW i3 I01 Differential Diff Sound Insulation Acoustic Cover Right O/S 7643218
Promo price
€23.95
€22.75
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7527096
BMW E60 520i M54 Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7527096 WARRANTY
Promo price
€332.95
€283.01
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7578150-1
BMW F10 F11 Rear Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 4598071 7578149 WARRANTY
Promo price
€617.95
€525.26
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7601768-2
BMW X1 E84 Front Differential Flange Shaft Part Diff 3,46 Ratio 7601767
Promo price
€189.95
€113.97
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-40%
Part no. 7601768-5
BMW X1 E84 Front Differential Part Flange Hub Wheel Diff 3,46 Ratio 7601767
Promo price
€56.95
€34.17
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7524323-1
BMW E87 LCI 120i N43 Rear Differential Diff 3,73 Ratio 7524323 RECONDITIONED
€712.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7630832
BMW F01 F10 F12 F13 550i 650i 740d Rear Differential 3.08 Ratio 7630832 WARRANTY
Promo price
€474.95
€403.71
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 9896285
BMW G20 G30 G32 LCI xDrive Front Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio 9896285 WARRANTY
Promo price
€531.95
€452.16
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7615973
Rear Differential BMW Z4 E89 N20 Diff Final Drive 3,08 Ratio 4608760 WARRANTY
Promo price
€332.95
€283.01
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7592987
BMW X1 E84 Rear Differential Diff Final Drive 3,91 Ratio 7592987 WARRANTY
Promo price
€560.95
€476.81
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8679979
BMW X3 G01 X4 G02 Front Axle Differential Diff Ratio 3,23 8679979 WARRANTY
Promo price
€398.95
€339.11
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8655015
BMW X3 G01 X4 G02 20iX Rear Axle Differential Diff I = 3.38 8655015 WARRANTY
Promo price
€712.95
€606.01
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7591998
BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 F07 F10 F11 F20 F21 F34 Front Differential Diff 3,08 WARRANTY
Promo price
€759.95
€645.96
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8487445
BMW X3 G01 X4 G02 X5 G04 X6 G06 Front Differential Diff 3.385 8487445 WARRANTY
Promo price
€503.95
€428.36
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7584446
BMW F01 F07 F10 F11 LCI Rear Differential Diff 3,46 Ratio 7584446 WARRANTY
Promo price
€379.95
€322.96
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7592002
BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 Front Differential Diff 3,73 7592001 Manual Gearbox WARRANTY
Promo price
€474.95
€403.71
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7516882
BMW 5 Series E60 530i M54 Rear Differential Diff 3,46 Ratio 7516881 WARRANTY
Promo price
€284.95
€242.21
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 8881536
BMW F70 F74 F78 M235iX B48R Rear Axle Differential Diff 8881536 WARRANTY
Promo price
€569.95
€484.46
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7545611-1
BMW E46 330xi E83 Front Differential Diff Drive 3,07 Ratio 7553908 WARRANTY
Promo price
€237.95
€202.26
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7560592
BMW 5 Series E60 E61 Rear Differential Diff 3,23 Ratio 7560591 7556672 WARRANTY
€474.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7566171
BMW E90 E91 E92 325i N53 Rear Differential Diff 3,07 7566171 Manual WARRANTY
Promo price
€474.95
€403.71
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7524325-1
BMW E87 E90 E91 116i 118i 318i 320i Differential Diff 3,91 Ratio RECONDITIONED
€683.95
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7590629
BMW X3 F25 18d Rear Axle Differential Diff Ratio 3.46 7590629 WARRANTY
Promo price
€351.95
€299.16
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
-15%
Part no. 7578157
BMW F01 F07 F30 330dX 530dX Front Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio 7578157 WARRANTY
Promo price
€161.95
€137.66
Free delivery: Jul 8 – 13
If paid before 14:00
Part no. 7572800
BMW E81 E87 E90 LCI 118d 318d N47 Rear Differential Diff 3,23 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566169
BMW E87 E90 318d 120d Differential Diff 3,07 ratio 7566169 7524307 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7542222
BMW X3 E83 2.0d M47N2 Rear Differential Diff 3,07 Ratio 7542222 7535119 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
-15%
Part no. 7544874
BMW F30 F31 F32 F33 F34 F36 Rear Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio 7544873 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566182
BMW E87 130i N52 E84 18d 20dx N47 Rear Differential Diff 3,46 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7584453
BMW F10 F11 525d Diesel N57 Rear Differential Diff 7584452 2,47 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
-15%
Part no. 7552523
BMW X5 E70 3.0d 3.0sd M57N2 Rear Differential Diff 3,64 Ratio 7552523 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7570471
BMW E60 E61 LCI 530d M57N2 Rear Differential Diff 2,65 Ratio 7570470 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7524319-1
BMW E87 E90 Rear Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7524319 RECONDITIONED
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566151
BMW 3 Series E90 E91 E92 335i N54 Differential Diff 3,46 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7630816
BMW F10 F11 530d N57N Rear Differential Diff 2,47 Ratio 7630816 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7534577
BMW X5 E53 Rear Axle Differential Diff 4,10 Ratio 7534576 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7545611
BMW 3 X3 Series E46 E83 Front Differential Diff 3,07 Ratio Final Drive WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7524317
BMW E87 E90 E91 118i 318i N46 323i Rear Differential Diff 3.23 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7601768-1
BMW X1 E84 Front Differential Flange Wheel Part Diff 3,46 Ratio 7601767
Product currently unavailable
-15%
Part no. 7630821-1
BMW F01 F07 F10 530d 730d Rear Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio 7578151 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7578150
BMW F10 F11 Rear Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7578149 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566198
BMW E87 120d E90 E91 318d M47N2 Rear Differential Diff 2,47 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7529108
BMW 3 Series E90 E91 325i Rear Differential Diff 3,23 7529108 7566183 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 8635871
BMW F90 M5 F91 M8 Front Differential Diff 3,15 Ratio 8635870 20k miles, WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7519925
BMW 1 3 e87 e90 E92 116i 120i 316i 320i Differential Diff 3.64 ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7519941
BMW E90 E91 E92 325i N52 N52N Rear Differential Diff 3,73 Ratio 7519941 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
-15%
Part no. 7592006
BMW X3 F25 X4 F26 Rear Differential Diff Axle Drive 3,08 Ratio 7592005 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 8635698
BMW G20 330dX G30 530dX B57 Front Axle Differential Diff 8635698 2,47 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7514198
BMW Z4 E85 2.5i 3.0si Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,64 Ratio 7514197 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7544581
BMW 5 Series E60 E61 Rear Differential Diff 2.64 Ratio 7544581 7560587 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7589481
BMW F21 F30 F31 F32 F33 F34 Rear Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7589481 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7521661
BMW E60 530d M57N M57N2 Rear Differential Diff 2,47 Ratio 7521661 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7599475
BMW F22 F23 F30 F31 F32 F36 Rear Differential Diff 3,23 Ratio 7599475 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
-15%
Part no. 7583774
BMW X1 E84 18dX 20dX Front Differential Diff 2,79 Ratio 7583773 Manual WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566223
BMW E81 E87 LCI 123d N47S Rear Differential Diff 2,79 Ratio 7566223 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7560602
BMW E60 525i 530i N52 N52N N53 Rear Differential Diff 3,64 7560602 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 9470035
BMW F40 X1 F48 X2 F39 Rear Differential Diff Axle Drive 1,74 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7584448
BMW F01 LCI F07 GT F10 F11 Rear Differential Diff 3,08 Ratio 7584448 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7556678
BMW 1 3 Series E87 E90 E91 320d 120d Rear Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7560599
BMW E60 E61 525i N52 Rear Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7556676
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7609163
BMW E93 LCI 320d N47N Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7609162 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 8659987
BMW F20 F21 M135i N55 Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,08 Ratio 8659987 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7500799
BMW X3 E83 3.0d E46 325xi 330xi Front Differential Diff 3,46 7546112 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7542507
BMW E61 Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7542506 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7572052
BMW X1 E84 18dX 23dX 25dX Front Differential Diff 3,64 Ratio 7572051 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7526931
BMW 5 Series E60 530d M57N Rear Differential Diff 2,47 Ratio 7526931 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7618727
BMW X3 G01 X4 G02 Rear Axle Differential Diff Ratio 3,23 7618727 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
-15%
Part no. 7578153
BMW F25 F26 F30 F31 F32 xDrive Front Differential Diff 3,38 7578153 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7564160
BMW Z4 E86 3.0si Rear Axle Differential Diff 3,46 Ratio 7564159 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7563457
BMW 5 Series E60 LCI Rear Differential Diff 3,15 Ratio 525i N53 7563457 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7533148
BMW 3 Series E46 Petrol Rear Differential Diff 3,45 Ratio 7533147 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7598855
BMW E87 E90 E91 318d 120d Rear Differential Diff 3,07 Ratio 7598855 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7599466
BMW 1 2 Series F20 F21 F22 Rear Differential Diff 3,08 Ratio 7599466 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566179-1
BMW 3 E90 325i N52 Differential Diff 3,73 Ratio 7566179 7519941 RECONDITIONED
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7630821
BMW F01 F07 F10 530d 730d Rear Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio 7578151 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7570472
BMW 5 Series E60 525xd E61 525d LCI Rear Differential Diff 2,56 Ratio WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7523655
BMW X3 E83 1.8d 3.0d E46 330xd Front Differential Diff 2,93 7546110 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7590914
BMW X5 Series E70 LCI E70N Rear Differential Diff 3,15 Ratio 7590913 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7599413
BMW F20 F21 125d N47S1 Rear Differential Diff 3,38 Ratio 7599413 Manual WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7500797
BMW X3 E83 LCI 3.0sd M57N2 Front Axle Differential Diff 3,23 7544473 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 8480980
BMW G20 G22 G26 Rear Axle Differential Diff 2,56 8480980 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7526377
BMW E64 645Ci N62 650i N62N Rear Differential Diff 3,46 Ratio 7526376 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7566186
BMW X1 E84 18d N47 Rear Differential Diff 3,23 Ratio 7566185 Manual WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Part no. 7605588
BMW 1 Series F20 F21 116d ed Rear Differential Diff 2,93 Ratio 7605587 WARRANTY
Product currently unavailable
Car differentials for precise power distribution
Precision differentials for optimal drive distribution
Have you ever wondered what makes your car corner smoothly and handle road bumps effectively? This is due to the differential – a key component of your car's drivetrain. Without this differential gear, traveling would be significantly less comfortable and safe. A functional differential ensures that each wheel rotates at the appropriate speed, adjusted to road conditions and maneuvers performed by the driver. A malfunctioning or damaged differential can lead to many problems – from difficulty in steering to serious failures of other drivetrain parts. Symptoms of a faulty differential may include noise coming from the axle area, difficulty when turning, and uneven tire wear, which is why it is worth paying attention to regular technical inspections of your car and taking care of the condition of all its components. In our Global Parts automotive store with spare parts, you will find a wide selection of high-quality used differentials that are not only durable but also available at attractive prices. You can easily order them online and add selected car differentials to your cart. Taking care of the good condition of the differential is an investment in the comfort and safety of every journey, as well as the longevity of other components of your vehicle. Regular maintenance of this mechanism guarantees smooth driving regardless of road conditions or the type of equipment used. A car differential is a mechanism whose main task is to distribute torque between the wheels of the drive axle, allowing them to rotate at different speeds in corners. In passenger vehicles, open differentials, LSD (Limited Slip Differential), and electronic E-Diffs are most commonly used. For example, a BMW X3 E83 differential ensures precise torque transfer to the rear wheels, which improves traction on slippery surfaces. In practice, a typical rear differential for a BMW E46 318i has a gear ratio of 3.91:1 and a weight of approximately 35 kg, which allows it to work effectively with the driveshaft and half-shafts. Compatibility of differentials with a specific VIN guarantees full interchangeability and fitment with the rest of the drivetrain. This saves installation costs and minimizes the risk of improper vehicle operation.
Construction and purpose of differentials
Differentials are drivetrain assemblies mounted on the drive axle or in the axle housing, designed to distribute torque between the left and right wheels. A typical unit consists of a housing, ring gear, pinion shaft, spider gears, bearings, and seals. In product listings, it is worth checking data such as the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, vehicle placement, and fuel type, as these affect compatibility with a specific car version.
Comparison of car differential variants
| Variant | Operating characteristics | Elements to check before purchase | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open differential | Standardly distributes torque to the wheels and allows them to rotate at different speeds in a turn. | OEM number, gear ratio, mounting type, compatibility with half-shafts and driveshaft. | Most common in road cars. |
| LSD differential | Limits excessive wheel slip and improves power transfer in poor traction conditions. | Type of locking mechanism, gear ratio, housing, compatibility with the drive axle. | Sport versions, higher-performance variants, and dynamically used cars. |
| Electronic E-Diff | Works in conjunction with the vehicle's electronics and stability control system. | Control compatibility, equipment version, cooperating sensors, OEM number. | Modern drivetrains with advanced electronics. |
Table of example BMW differentials
| Model | Type | Ratio | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 318i | Rear differential | 3.91:1 | 35 |
| BMW X3 E83 | Rear differential | 3.91:1 | 38 |
| BMW 320d E90 | Rear differential | 3.91:1 | 36 |
Differentials - Original spare parts from well-known automotive manufacturers
In our offer, you will find original used differentials, as well as differentials refurbished by our company for brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ford, Volkswagen, or Mini. Thanks to our cooperation with experienced automotive advisors with over 10 years of experience, we will help you choose the right differential for your car. Our specialists provide professional advice and support at every stage of purchasing a differential. By using our services, you can be sure that you are choosing the best differentials available on the market. All our differentials are carefully selected and tested for durability and performance. This way, you can be sure that your vehicle will operate flawlessly for many years. Thanks to the wide assortment of products in the Global Parts automotive store, we offer differentials suitable for many passenger car models. We place great emphasis on the quality of our products and ensure that every customer finds something for themselves in our store. We stock differentials with various technical parameters and prices adapted to individual user needs. You can easily browse our offer online and add selected differentials to your cart without leaving your home. Reliable drivetrain operation is crucial for driving safety and travel comfort. That is why it is worth investing in original used parts from renowned manufacturers and distributors such as Global Parts. Thanks to them, your car will always be ready for any route – regardless of road conditions or surface type. If you are not sure which differential best fits your car or have questions regarding installation – our experts are always ready to help. Simply contact us by phone or email; we will be happy to provide all information and advise you on choosing the right spare parts. Investing in original components from proven manufacturers is a guarantee of reliability and longevity for your vehicle. By taking care of your car's condition through regular replacement of worn parts, you will ensure a smooth ride without unexpected breakdowns or technical problems. In addition to standard differentials, our offer also includes BMW LSD limited-slip differentials, which increase traction on surfaces with varying friction coefficients. Thanks to OEM numbers, you can precisely match the differential to the specific model and year of the car.
The importance of gear ratios and cooperating elements
The differential gear ratio is used to match the drivetrain characteristics to the engine, gearbox, and wheel diameter. It influences how torque is delivered, the car's acceleration response, and RPMs while driving at a constant speed. When choosing, it is worth comparing not only the OEM number but also the housing, mounting points, and compatibility with differential bearings and seals.
Choosing a differential for the car version and drive type
The differential is designed to work with the driveshaft, half-shafts, and hubs, so its selection should take into account the engine version, fuel type, and mounting location. For parts such as a BMW E90 320i differential, you must compare the gear ratio, OEM number, and rear housing mounting method to avoid fitment issues. Additionally, it is helpful to compare the offer with differential repair kits and other differential parts if a more extensive repair is planned.
Practical tips for replacement and condition assessment
Differential bearing is the support system for the pinion shaft and the differential carrier, which is responsible for the smooth and quiet operation of the entire assembly. Worn bearings, backlash in the gearing, or leaking seals can cause whining, vibrations, and oil leaks. When choosing an element such as a Mercedes W211 rear axle, it is worth checking the condition of the mounts, housing tightness, and compatibility with half-shafts, while if you are looking for a component such as an E46 differential, it is good to compare the OEM part number, gear ratio, and body style. A useful supplement to the selection process is the article Drive axles and differentials from dismantling – how to choose gear ratios for driving style.
Differential installation procedure includes
- Lifting the vehicle and removing the driveshaft.
- Unscrewing and removing the old differential.
- Installing the new differential while maintaining the manufacturer's tightening torques.
- Changing the oil in the differential.
- Test drive to verify correct operation.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the construction and purpose of differentials? | Differentials are drivetrain components mounted on the drive axle or in the axle housing. They usually consist of a housing, final drive, spider gears, side gears, bearings, and seals. Their task is to distribute torque between the wheels of one axle and allow for a difference in rotational speed while turning. |
| What are differentials used for? | Differentials are used for smooth power transfer to the wheels while maintaining car stability in corners. Thanks to them, the inner and outer wheels of the drive axle can rotate at different speeds without jerking the drivetrain. Failure of this assembly can cause noise, overload the half-shafts, and impair vehicle handling. |
| What is the construction and function of differential bearings? | Differential bearing is a system of bearings supporting the pinion shaft and the differential carrier. It serves to maintain the proper position of gear elements, limit backlash, and ensure uniform gear operation. Its condition affects noise levels, gear durability, and the tightness of the entire assembly. |
| How to choose a differential for a specific car version? | When choosing, it is best to compare the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, gear ratio, and vehicle placement. It is also worth checking the fuel type, body version, drive type, and compatibility with half-shafts and the driveshaft. If the car was available in several equipment variants, verification by VIN will also be helpful. |
| What symptoms may indicate differential wear? | Most commonly, these are whining or humming sounds that increase with speed, jerking when changing loads, and noticeable play in the drivetrain. Symptoms also include oil leaks from the housing and uneven operation during turns. Such signals should be compared with the condition of bearings, seals, and mounts. |
| What does the installation and maintenance of a differential look like? | Installation involves removing the driveshaft, disconnecting the half-shafts, replacing the assembly, and resetting all connections according to the manufacturer's documentation. After installation, check for leaks, mount condition, and the correct oil specified for the given design. In operation, regular checks for leaks, noise, and play appearing during driving are important. |
Summary: differentials at the Global Parts automotive store
Differentials are crucial for the operation of the entire drivetrain, so when purchasing, it is worth paying attention to the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, vehicle placement, and compatibility with the car version. The Global Parts offer includes used and refurbished elements for many models, including for brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and others. This makes it easier to select the right differential for a planned repair or replacement of the entire assembly. We invite you to contact us – we are here to help you! For more information and interesting facts, we also invite you to visit our automotive blog.