Limited Slip Differentials

When a vehicle is turning, the outside wheel is spinning faster than the inside wheel. This is because the outside path of a turn has a greater distance to travel than the inside path does. To compensate for this, a differential allows one wheel to spin faster than the other.

Open differentials power the wheel with the least resistance. This causes a tire that has broken loose and started to spin to spin even faster. This leaves the other tire with little or no torque. A limited-slip differential provides a limited connection between the two axles, providing torque to both wheels, even when one has begun to slip or break loose.

There are different types of limited-slip differentials, and some are not serviceable. Most are and contain a series of friction discs and steel plates held under a constant, but limited amount of spring pressure. Some contain a viscous clutch with a thick sticky fluid that gets thicker as it heats up. This unit is typically replaced when the fluid wears.

Special Fluid: These units require a special type of fluid typically recommended by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in slippage and chatter around corners.