Differentials: Types, Gear Ratios, and Locking Differentials

Question 1

Which of the following is **not** a type of differential used in automotive transmissions?

Accepted Answer

Planetary differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Open differential

Answer

Locking differential

Question 2

What is the primary function of a differential?

Accepted Answer

To allow wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds while maintaining equal torque

Answer

To increase torque to the wheels

Answer

To prevent wheel spin

Answer

To change the direction of rotation

Question 3

Which type of differential allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds, but limits the difference in speed?

Accepted Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Open differential

Answer

Locking differential

Answer

Viscous coupling differential

Question 4

What is the purpose of a locking differential?

Accepted Answer

To lock the wheels on the same axle together, ensuring they rotate at the same speed

Answer

To increase torque to one wheel

Answer

To reduce friction between wheels

Answer

To improve handling on slippery surfaces

Question 5

Which type of differential transfers power to the wheel with the least resistance?

Accepted Answer

Open differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Locking differential

Answer

Viscous coupling differential

Question 6

What is the advantage of using a viscous coupling differential?

Accepted Answer

Improved handling on slippery surfaces by allowing wheels to spin at different speeds

Answer

Increased torque to the wheels

Answer

Reduced fuel consumption

Answer

Lower cost than other differentials

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a type of differential used in automotive transmissions and drivetrains?

Accepted Answer

Transaxle differential

Answer

Open differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Locking differential

Question 8

What aspect of a differential is described by its gear ratio?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of input speed to output speed

Answer

The ratio of torque input to torque output

Answer

The ratio of wheel speed to engine speed

Answer

The ratio of power input to power output

Question 9

Which factor has no influence on the performance of an automotive differential?

Accepted Answer

Engine size

Answer

Vehicle speed

Answer

Road conditions

Answer

Tire size

Question 10

What characteristic defines a locking differential?

Accepted Answer

Provides a complete mechanical connection between both wheels

Answer

Limits the amount of slip between the two wheels

Answer

Automatically adjusts its locking mechanism based on driving conditions

Answer

Is exclusively used in all-wheel drive configurations

Question 11

What is one primary benefit of incorporating a limited-slip differential into an automotive drivetrain?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced traction in low-grip situations

Answer

Increased fuel efficiency

Answer

Smoother acceleration

Answer

Reduced cost of maintenance

Question 12

Within a differential, what is the primary function of the pinion gear?

Accepted Answer

Driving the ring gear

Answer

Transferring torque to the wheels

Answer

Reducing noise

Answer

Supporting the differential case

Question 13

For the proper operation of an automotive differential, which type of lubricant is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Gear oil

Answer

Synthetic oil

Answer

Conventional oil

Answer

Transmission fluid

Question 14

What component in a differential assembly houses and supports its internal components?

Accepted Answer

Differential carrier

Answer

Ring gear

Answer

Spider gears

Answer

Pinion shaft

Question 15

Which of the following is an advantage of using a locking differential?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced traction on slippery surfaces

Answer

Reduced tire wear

Answer

Increased fuel economy

Answer

Improved handling on smooth roads

Question 16

What is the primary function of spider gears in a differential?

Accepted Answer

To allow wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds

Answer

To transmit torque from the pinion gear to the ring gear

Answer

To lock the wheels on the same axle together

Answer

To reduce noise and vibration

Question 17

What is the main purpose of a drivetrain in a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

To transfer power from the engine to the wheels

Answer

To control vehicle speed

Answer

To provide traction for the vehicle

Answer

To reduce engine噪音

Question 18

How do differentials improve a vehicle's traction?

Accepted Answer

Provide equal torque to both wheels on the same axle, even when the wheels are turning at different speeds

Answer

Increase the overall gear ratio of the drivetrain

Answer

Reduce the load on the transmission

Answer

Engage a locking mechanism that rigidly connects both wheels

Question 19

The primary function of a differential is to:

Accepted Answer

Allow for independent rotation of the driven wheels

Answer

Transmit power from the transmission to the wheels

Answer

Reduce the speed of the driveshaft

Answer

Provide traction in slippery conditions

Question 20

In a vehicle with an open differential, what happens when one wheel loses traction?

Accepted Answer

The wheel with traction will receive all the power

Answer

The other wheel will also lose traction

Answer

The differential will lock up and both wheels will receive equal power

Answer

The vehicle will come to a complete stop

Question 21

What type of differential is commonly used in front-wheel drive vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Open differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Locking differential

Answer

Torsen differential

Question 22

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the gear ratio of a differential?

Accepted Answer

Width of the differential housing

Answer

Number of teeth on the ring gear

Answer

Number of teeth on the pinion gear

Answer

Diameter of the ring gear

Question 23

What is the purpose of a spider gear in a differential?

Accepted Answer

To allow for independent rotation of the axle shafts

Answer

To transmit power from the pinion gear to the ring gear

Answer

To lock the differential when needed

Answer

To reduce the speed of the wheels

Question 24

What is the key difference between a limited-slip differential and a locking differential?

Accepted Answer

A limited-slip differential allows for some slippage, while a locking differential does not

Answer

A locking differential allows for more slippage than a limited-slip differential

Answer

There is no difference between a limited-slip differential and a locking differential

Answer

A limited-slip differential is used in front-wheel drive vehicles, while a locking differential is used in rear-wheel drive vehicles

Question 25

Which factors influence the selection of a differential for a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Type of vehicle, driving conditions, and desired handling characteristics

Answer

Type of vehicle only

Answer

Driving conditions only

Answer

Desired handling characteristics only

Question 26

Which of the following is a benefit of using a limited-slip differential?

Accepted Answer

Improved traction on slippery surfaces

Answer

Reduced tire wear

Answer

Increased fuel economy

Answer

Enhanced cornering stability

Question 27

What is the gear ratio of a differential with 10 teeth on the pinion gear and 40 teeth on the ring gear?

Accepted Answer

4:1

Answer

2:1

Answer

8:1

Answer

10:1

Question 28

Which component in a differential is responsible for allowing the axle shafts to rotate at different speeds?

Accepted Answer

Spider gears

Answer

Side gears

Answer

Locking hub

Answer

Pinion gear

Question 29

What type of differential is typically used in front-wheel-drive vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Open differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Locking differential

Answer

Torsen differential

Question 30

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the performance of a differential?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle weight

Answer

Gear ratio

Answer

Locking mechanism

Answer

Lubrication

Question 31

What is the main function of a differential carrier?

Accepted Answer

To house the differential gears and bearings

Answer

To provide a mounting point for the driveshaft

Answer

To transfer power to the axle shafts

Answer

To lubricate the differential

Question 32

What is a key difference between a Torsen differential and a limited-slip differential?

Accepted Answer

Torsen differentials use friction plates, while limited-slip differentials use gears.

Answer

Limited-slip differentials are always engaged, while Torsen differentials are only engaged when needed.

Answer

Torsen differentials are more durable than limited-slip differentials.

Answer

Torsen differentials are used in high-performance vehicles, while limited-slip differentials are used in off-road vehicles.

Question 33

Which type of differential is commonly utilized in vehicles with front-wheel-drive systems?

Accepted Answer

Open differential

Answer

Locked differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Answer

Torsen differential

Question 34

Which of the listed advantages is associated with utilizing a limited-slip differential?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced traction in low-friction conditions

Answer

Increased fuel efficiency

Answer

Reduced noise levels

Answer

Improved cornering stability

Question 35

In a differential, what is the spider gear primarily responsible for?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting torque between axle shafts

Answer

Regulating the rotational speed of wheels

Answer

Locking the differential when necessary

Answer

Adjusting the gear ratio between wheels

Question 36

Which tool is typically used to measure the backlash between differential gears?

Accepted Answer

Dial indicator

Answer

Micrometer

Answer

Vernier caliper

Answer

Torque wrench

Question 37

What is the primary purpose of a differential in a vehicle's drivetrain?

Accepted Answer

To allow the wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds while cornering or navigating uneven terrain.

Answer

To reduce torque to the wheels.

Answer

To transfer power from the transmission to the wheels.

Question 38

What is the purpose of a locking differential?

Accepted Answer

To force both wheels on the same axle to rotate at the same speed, providing increased traction in low-traction situations.

Answer

To reduce wear on tires.

Answer

To allow wheels to slip independently.

Question 39

Which of the following statements about limited-slip differentials is true?

Accepted Answer

They allow wheels to rotate at different speeds to some extent while still providing increased traction compared to open differentials.

Answer

They are commonly used in drag racing.

Answer

They completely prevent wheel spin.

Question 40

What is the gear ratio of a differential?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear to the number of teeth on the pinion gear.

Answer

The ratio of the speed of the input shaft to the speed of the output shafts.

Answer

The ratio of the torque applied to the input shaft to the torque applied to the output shafts.

Question 41

What is the effect of increasing the gear ratio of a differential?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the speed of the wheels and increases the torque applied to them.

Answer

It has no effect on the wheels.

Answer

It increases the speed of the wheels.

Answer

It decreases the torque applied to the wheels.

Question 42

What is the proper procedure for servicing a differential?

Accepted Answer

Follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals and use approved fluids.

Answer

Only service the differential if it is leaking.

Answer

Service the differential every 10,000 miles.

Question 43

Which of the following tools is essential for adjusting a differential?

Accepted Answer

Dial indicator

Answer

Hammer

Answer

Screwdriver

Answer

Wrench

Question 44

What is the purpose of using a dial indicator when adjusting a differential?

Accepted Answer

To measure the backlash between the ring gear and pinion gear.

Answer

To lubricate the bearings.

Answer

To tighten the ring gear bolts.

Answer

To set the pinion angle.

Question 45

What type of differential is typically found in a front-wheel drive car?

Accepted Answer

Open differential

Answer

Torsen differential

Answer

Locking differential

Answer

Limited-slip differential

Question 46

In a differential, what is the main purpose of a gear ratio?

Accepted Answer

To manage the speed difference between the wheels on an axle.

Answer

To increase the drivetrain's torque output.

Answer

To connect the wheels mechanically.

Answer

To equally split the engine's power to both wheels.

Question 47

What is a key advantage of a limited-slip differential?

Accepted Answer

Better traction on slick roads

Answer

Increased fuel efficiency

Answer

Cheaper maintenance costs

Answer

Less tire wear

Question 48

Why would a vehicle need a locking differential?

Accepted Answer

To stop one wheel from spinning out of control on slippery surfaces

Answer

To improve fuel economy

Answer

To make the vehicle go faster

Answer

To make the drivetrain quieter

Question 49

Compared to a spur gear differential, what is the main advantage of a helical gear differential?

Accepted Answer

It runs smoother and quieter.

Answer

It is more efficient in transferring power.

Answer

It can handle more torque.

Answer

It costs less to make.

Question 50

What is the job of a differential carrier?

Accepted Answer

To hold and support the differential gears and shafts

Answer

To adjust the differential ratio

Answer

To supply lubrication to the differential

Answer

To connect the driveshaft to the differential gears

Question 51

Why is it important to keep the right amount of fluid in a differential?

Accepted Answer

To make sure the differential parts are properly lubricated and cooled

Answer

To get better gas mileage

Answer

To reduce noise from the differential

Answer

To prevent rust