Silly genuine question on something i have never been aware of until today...........

 

Why, or how, when i spin one front wheel one way, the opposite side spins the opposite way?

I have never lifted both sides (fronts) at once, prior to today whilst checking my brakes over. Is it to do with the DSG?

 

Just curious.

Every car has a final drive differential

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_(mechanical_device)

 

Without it you would find it difficult to go round corners.

 

 

Edited 1 February, 20188 yr by xman

30 minutes ago, Tilt said:

Silly genuine question on something i have never been aware of until today...........

 

Why, or how, when i spin one front wheel one way, the opposite side spins the opposite way?

I have never lifted both sides (fronts) at once, prior to today whilst checking my brakes over. Is it to do with the DSG?

 

Just curious.

Nope nothing to do with DSG, all cars with an "open" diff both front wheels will turn in opposite directions when spun of the ground, cars with a "limited slip" diff both wheels when turn in the same direction when spun off the ground.

If you look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUK9m1TUKHA at about 10s in you will see "wheels turning in opposite directions" .  The electric motor (engine) at the top isn't turning. The left hand "wheel" is being turned and you will see the RH wheel rotating the opposite direction.  Advance the video to see the difference when  the  "drive from the engine " is applied and how the wheels can be stopped

Again, just for curiosity if nothing more, I assume cars with 'open' diff's will still roll normally on the ground without engine running or ignition on, should this situation ever arise ie for a few feet, yards etc. Not talking about towing............just curious.

 

cheers

51 minutes ago, Tilt said:

Again, just for curiosity if nothing more, I assume cars with 'open' diff's will still roll normally on the ground without engine running or ignition on, should this situation ever arise ie for a few feet, yards etc. Not talking about towing............just curious.

 

cheers

Yep you are correct .