Many RC cars use gear differentials (as opposed to ball differentials or solid axles) in their transmissions in order to transfer power from the drivetrain to the wheels. Many 4WD cars also use gear differentials in the middle of the car to balance the power distribution between the front and rear of the car. Learn more about types of differentials.
Adjusting the fluid in gear differentials is a powerful way to change its handling and steering characteristics. Read below to see how each differential's fluid affects your car's handling.
Front diff
Lighter front diff fluid
- More off-power steering
- Less on-power steering
- Less on-power stability
Thicker front diff fluid
- More on-power steering
- More on-power stability
- Less / smoother off-power steering
Center diff
Lighter center diff fluid
- More off-power steering
- More on-power rear traction
- Less on-power steering
- Less acceleration
Thicker center diff fluid
- More on-power steering
- More acceleration
- Less off-power steering
- Less on-power rear traction
Rear diff
Lighter rear diff fluid
- More traction exiting corner
- Less traction in corners
- More off-power steering
- Less on-power steering
Thicker rear diff fluid
- More traction in corners
- More on-power steering
- Less off-power steering
- Less traction exiting corner
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