Differential: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The five-speed MTX-75 manual transaxle assembly final drive consists of:
^ transmission output shaft pinion gear
^ ring gear bolted to the differential
^ four-pinion differential, transversely mounted side-to-side in the vehicle
^ differential assembly supported by two opposed, tapered roller bearings

OPERATION
^ Preload is maintained by means of a selected shim.
^ The transaxle and differential are housed in a two-part lightweight aluminum alloy case which is bolted to the engine assembly.
^ The inboard constant velocity joints are positively connected with the differential side gears by means of splines and secured in the case with two circlips.
^ Torque is transmitted from the engine through the transaxle to the final drive ring gear. Inside the case two differential pinion gears are mounted on a differential pinion shaft which is pinned to the case. The pinion gears are engaged with two differential side gears. As the differential case turns, it rotates the constant velocity joints and the front wheels. When it is necessary for one wheel and shaft to rotate faster than the other, such as in turning a corner, the faster turning side gear causes the pinions to roll on the slower turning differential side gear to allow the differential action between the two differential side gears.