Editing Differential (mechanical device) (section)

=== Ring-and-pinion design ===
[[File:Transmission diagram.JPG|thumb|left|Illustration of a ring-and-pinion differential for a rear-wheel drive vehicle]]
[[File:Differential (Manual of Driving and Maintenance).jpg|thumb|Schematic diagram of a ring-and pinion differential]]

A relatively simple design of differential is used in [[rear-wheel drive]] vehicles, whereby a [[ring gear]] is driven by a [[pinion]] gear connected to the transmission. The functions of this design are to change the axis of rotation by 90 degrees (from the propshaft to the half-shafts) and provide a reduction in the [[gear ratio]].

The components of the ring-and-pinion differential shown in the schematic diagram on the right are: 1. Output shafts ([[axle]]s) 2. Drive gear 3.  Output gears 4. Planetary gears 5. Carrier 6. Input gear 7. Input shaft ([[driveshaft]])
{{clear right}}