Hi: I have a 1991 240, Standard B230F Engine. Automatic Transmission.

Question? Which rear wheel is the drive wheel?

Rear Left? or Rear Right?

For example, if I'm on snow (or some ice) which rear wheel is pushing the car?

If I spin the rear wheels (by giving it extra gas) which rear wheel will spin and lose traction?

Thanks....Mr. Tool

right
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'91 244 205k auto

^
wrong.

that's what mine does... no limited slip..
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'91 244 205k auto

Whichever wheel has less traction--doesn't matter right or left.-- Dave

I'll expand on my statement. That's the nature of what's called an "open diff". Going around a curve the outside wheel spins faster than the inside wheel. The open diff allows that to happen but the upshot is that power flow will go to the wheel with the least traction. - Dave

Above the equator, the right rear tire will spin 1st and below the equator, the left rear will spin 1st and the diff will explode if you're on the equator!!! :-) :-)

Given equal traction and equal tire size and condition, the right rear will have a little more rotational torque and most often will spin 1st with an open differential.

And this is due to the directional rotation of the engine. This effect is why a lot of boats with 2 engines will have 1 engine that is a standard rotation engine and the 2nd engine will be a reverse rotation engine.

AFAIK, the only manufacturer to use a reverse rotation engine in a car is Honda and none of those cars are rear wheel drive. Did you ever notice that most 4 cylinder front wheel drive Hondas have the engine on the left while all other front wheel drive car have their engines on the right. This does not include the few odd ball front wheel drive cars with longitudinal mounted engines like Cadillacs and Saabs.


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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502

"...And this is due to the directional rotation of the engine. This effect is why a lot of boats with 2 engines will have 1 engine that is a standard rotation engine and the 2nd engine will be a reverse rotation engine...."

The same reason behind aircraft engines with counter rotating props - it takes very little rudder and aileron input (reduced drag) to keep it flying straight.

Oh yeah, this is a car forum - Sorry.
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Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (STILL not road worthy!)