What Is a Diff on a RC Car?

A diff, or differential, is a part of the suspension system on remote control cars. It is a mechanical device that allows the car to turn corners and maneuver around obstacles without losing speed.

The diff works by sending power to both the left and right wheels at the same time, but at different speeds. This ensures that both wheels spin at equal speeds when going straight, but can spin at different speeds when turning a corner.

A diff consists of two gears, one fixed and one movable. The fixed gear is connected to the drive shaft, while the movable gear is connected to the wheel.

When the car turns a corner, the fixed gear remains stationary while the movable gear rotates in relation to it. This creates a difference in speed between the left and right wheels which allows them to turn corners without losing speed.

The diff also helps keep traction on all four tires when accelerating or braking hard. Without it, only two of the tires would be able to grip onto the surface and provide traction for acceleration or deceleration. This would cause your car to spin out of control.

How Does A Diff Work?

When your RC car turns a corner, each wheel will rotate at different speeds relative to each other due to their distance from center point of rotation. This difference in wheel speed creates a torque imbalance which is sent through your drivetrain until it reaches your differential.

The differential then works by sending power from your drivetrain (motor) out through its two gears. These two gears have different diameters and rotate at different speeds relative to each other so that they can split up power sent from your motor in order to ensure that both wheels receive equal amounts of power when going straight and can turn corners without losing speed.

Conclusion

A diff is an important part of any remote control car’s suspension system as it allows for smooth cornering without losing speed. It consists of two gears which split up power from your motor so that both wheels receive equal amounts of power when going straight and can turn corners without losing speed. Understanding how a diff works can help you get more performance out of your RC car.

What Is A Diff On A RC Car?

A diff (differential) is an important part of any remote control car’s suspension system as it allows for smooth cornering without losing speed; it consists of two gears which split up power from your motor so that both wheels receive equal amounts of power when going straight and can turn corners without losing speed.

Photo of author

Karen Watkins