0501-212-404 ZF DIFFERENTIAL

Basically, a differential lets your wheels rotate at different speeds. Now, when you're driving around a corner, the outside wheel has to travel a longer distance than the inside wheel. If both wheels were locked together, one would have to slip or scrub, which isn't good. The differential splits the power from the engine and allows each wheel to spin at its own rate. It’s a pretty clever piece of engineering, actually. It uses a set of gears—pinion, ring, spider, side—all working together to manage that difference in speed. It also transfers power from the driveshaft to the axles, ultimately getting power to the wheels. It's a core part of your drivetrain, sitting between the axles. Think of it as the final link in getting the engine's power down to the road. The engine spins the transmission, the transmission sends power to the driveshaft, and the driveshaft spins the differential. From there, the axles take over and turn the wheels. It’s not something you directly interact with, but it’s constantly working when the vehicle is in motion. It’s absolutely critical for smooth driving and tire life. Without a functioning differential, you’d have serious handling issues, tire wear would be dramatically increased, and you’d likely cause damage to other drivetrain components. If it starts failing, you’ll notice if you’re getting a whining noise, especially when turning. Sometimes you'll feel vibrations or shuddering. Ignoring a bad differential can lead to a complete drivetrain failure, which is a much bigger and more expensive fix. You can find replacement differentials, and a good source, like Fixparts Online, will have a variety to match your vehicle. It’s a fairly involved repair, so most people prefer to have a professional handle it. Quality you can count on: Differential (MPN 0501212404) comes with a 12-month warranty!

About ZF

ZF developed the revolutionary 8HP automatic transmission, widely used by luxury brands including BMW, Audi, and Porsche.

Why Choose ZF?

• ZF parts are known for lasting a long time and working reliably, saving you money on repairs in the long run. • We make parts for many different cars and trucks, so there’s a good chance we have what you need. • ZF invests a lot in research and development, meaning our parts often have the latest technology for better performance and safety. • Our parts are made to meet or exceed what car makers originally used, so you can trust the quality and fit. Drive with confidence – choose ZF parts at FixParts Online.