Automotive  Wheel + Trans diff + Torsion bar?

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The discussion revolves around the challenges of using a differential with a gear reduction in a four-motor electric vehicle (EV) setup. The main concern is how to manage the unused side of the differential without damaging it, while exploring the effects of adding a torsion bar to the opposing side of the CV axle. Experts advise against locking one side of the differential at high speeds due to potential rapid wear on the pinion gears and bearings. Instead, it is suggested to lock both sides of the differential together to maintain balance and performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration and seeking feedback when developing complex mechanical ideas.
Khataro
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TL;DR
What happens if I have a cv axle on one side of a diff and a torsion bar in the other?
I have a crazy idea to make a 4 motor EV, but ran into an issue: the motors I want to use have a gear reduction (transmission?) That has a differential built into it. I only need to use one side of each, but I don't want to weld or otherwise destroy the other side of it. (That way I can repurpose or sell the parts later on) So now here's my question: if I put a torsion bar into the opposing side of the CV axle, how will that effect power delivery to the wheel? Would it have potential to improve or hinder performance and how?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom. I'm aware that this idea has potential to be brilliant, or amazingly dumb.
 
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If you lock one side of a differential, the other side will rotate at twice the speed.

Because vehicles tend to travel in close to straight lines, the pinion gears and their bearings inside the differential are only designed to rotate slowly. I would not recommend locking one side of the differential for any period of time at high speed, since it will wear quickly.

It would be better to lock the two sides of the differential together by preventing pinion rotation inside the carrier.
 
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Baluncore said:
If you lock one side of a differential, the other side will rotate at twice the speed.

Because vehicles tend to travel in close to straight lines, the pinion gears and their bearings inside the differential are only designed to rotate slowly. I would not recommend locking one side of the differential for any period of time at high speed, since it will wear quickly.

It would be better to lock the two sides of the differential together by preventing pinion rotation inside the carrier.
I feel exceptionally shortsighted for not realizing this. Thanks for pointing that out.
 
Welcome to PF.
Don't feel bad. The answer is only obvious once you know the answer.

If you know what question to ask, you can probably answer it yourself. Your question was almost perfect.

Working alone is difficult because you need a different brain to review your ideas, or to check your own work. That is what we are here for.
 
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