2008 Nissan Frontier - Differential Ring & Pinion

What is a Differential Ring and Pinion Assembly?

A differential ring and pinion is a combination of the two primary gears that make up the differential. A differential splits the power from the transmission of your vehicle so that each wheel of the front or rear axle can operate at different speeds while turning to maintain traction. The ring and pinion gears are powered by the vehicle's driveshaft, and are used to transfer power to the wheels. The driveshaft turns the pinion shaft and gear, which is splined to the ring ring and converts incoming power to lateral motion that drives the carrier gears and axle shafts. Differential ring and pinion gears can suffer damage or wear with time that may cause looseness or slipping. If you notice wobbling from the tires or drifting while turning, or if you hear clunking or banging noises during turns, check your differential, including the ring and pinion, for damage or wear. Ring and pinion gears also rely on lubrication from gear oil to prevent direct metal-on-metal contact, and if gear oil levels are low, they should be restored as soon as possible to prevent premature wear. If the ring and pinion gears are damaged, they should also be replaced. If the damage extends beyond the ring and pinion gears, the entire differential assembly may need to be rebuilt or replaced. If you need a differential or differential parts, check out O'Reilly Auto Parts to find the right replacement parts and tools for your vehicle's next repair.