Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Drive Axle - Positive Traction: Description
Positive traction type differential directs a majority of driving force to the wheel with best traction. This is accomplished by 2 spring-loaded thrust plates pressing against the differential side gears, seated in tapered brake cones.
The brake cones fit into a tapered recess in each end of differential cases. Outward pressure of thrust plate assembly forces brake cones against recesses, providing resistance to normal differential action. Thrust plate spring load is calibrated to permit some slippage under variable torque conditions.
All models equipped with positive traction, except Camaro and Firebird, use Auburn type differential units. Camaro and Firebird models can use either Borg-Warner or Auburn differential units.
Models equipped with Borg-Warner differential use rear disc brakes, while Auburn differential come with rear drum brakes. The Borg-Warner unit is serviceable. The Auburn unit is not serviceable and must be replaced as a unit.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.