Why is it that on most cars when up on a lift etc. and you move one of the front wheels forward ( fWd car) and the other goes the other direction and but when on the ground they are suppose to go one way? I'm talking about cars in general I know there must be exceptions such as LSD's etc... but i just want to understand it.
Thanks guys... Sorry if it sounds like a stupid question , but i was stumped when i thought of it.

tj

 

http://www.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

 

It is not very easy to explain if you do not have in mind the inside of a differential. The interactions in the gearings are diffenrent wether the engine is turning the wheels from the input shaft of the differenetial or wether you are turning one wheel with the rest of the drivetrain locked. I guess until you see the inside of a differential and understand how they work, you are going to have to just take it as it is.

 

Thats a stumper.

 

I was trying to say the exact same thing, but link was easier to post.

Scary part is I fully understood the basics of a diff in 4th grade!
Just simple power gear transfer, PITA to explain.

Get out the Legos and play with them. The Technic line can teach you alot.

 

Thanks for the help guys.