How do car brakes work? Won’t braking both wheels destroy the drive shaft and the differential?

Question

I believe differentials distribute power to the other wheel right? Where would the power go to if both wheels are braking?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Imagine 2 situations: driving down a hill with no power and driving up a hill with maximum power. There are very different power figures being transferred from the engine to the wheels in those two situations and it’s the same when you start braking.

If you suddenly start going uphill, your driveshaft or differential won’t break under the increased stress, nor will it do that if you start braking.