Final Drive
The final drive is the last gear reduction between the gearbox and the wheels, usually combined with the differential.
What is Final Drive?
On front-wheel-drive cars it is part of the transaxle; on rear-wheel-drive cars it sits in the rear axle. A typical final drive ratio is between about 3:1 and 4.5:1. On rear-wheel-drive cars the pinion and crown wheel use hypoid gears, which need special hypoid gear oil.
How it works
A small pinion gear drives a large crown wheel, reducing speed and multiplying torque once more before it reaches the driveshafts.
Why it matters for your car
Whining that changes with road speed and load can point to final drive wear. The correct oil and level are important for its life. Leaks at the pinion seal or axle seals lower the oil level and can lead to noise and wear.
Other terms
- API Oil Specification
- Aquaplaning (Hydroplaning)
- Charge Limit (State-of-Charge Target)
- Column Gear Shift
- Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Distilled Water (Demineralised Water)
- Emergency Brake Signal (Flashing Brake Lights)
- Engine Speed (Rpm)
- Footwell
- Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF/OPF)
- i-Size Child Seats (UN R129)
- Maximum Roof Load
- Parking Pawl
- Ride Height
- Roadster
- Roadworthiness Defect
- Seasonal Tyre Change
- Third-Party Liability Insurance
- Timing Belt
- Waterless Wash