There are three differentials in a tandem axle arrangement. The differential most susceptible for spin-out failure is the

There are three differentials in a tandem axle arrangement. The differential most susceptible for spin-out failure is the

• A. Forward drive axle main differential
• B. Rear drive axle differential
• C. Inter-axle differential or power divider
• D. All are equally susceptible to spinout failure

Answer: (C)

In a tandem axle system, three differentials exist: one on each drive axle and a differential between the two axles, often called the power divider. Its job is to split torque between the front and rear drive axles. This inter-axle differential is the most susceptible to spin-out because it controls how much power goes to each axle. If one axle encounters low traction (slippery surface), an open inter-axle differential tends to send more torque toward the axle with less resistance, causing that axle to spin. Since the power divider sits between the two axles, a loss of traction on one side directly disrupts the balance across the tandem, making a spin-out more likely. The individual axle differentials only manage torque between the wheels on their own axle and don’t directly govern cross-axle power distribution, so they’re less prone to this cross-axle spin-out effect.

In a tandem axle system, three differentials exist: one on each drive axle and a differential between the two axles, often called the power divider. Its job is to split torque between the front and rear drive axles.

This inter-axle differential is the most susceptible to spin-out because it controls how much power goes to each axle. If one axle encounters low traction (slippery surface), an open inter-axle differential tends to send more torque toward the axle with less resistance, causing that axle to spin. Since the power divider sits between the two axles, a loss of traction on one side directly disrupts the balance across the tandem, making a spin-out more likely. The individual axle differentials only manage torque between the wheels on their own axle and don’t directly govern cross-axle power distribution, so they’re less prone to this cross-axle spin-out effect.