Limited Slip Differentials

Greg Reale

Differentials

What Are They Used For?

Open Slip Differentials:• Same amount of torque between each wheel• Amount of torque applied is limited• Problem Scenarios

– Slipping on ice– Off roading

Limited Slip Differentials:• Allow different amounts of torque to be applied to

each wheel

Types of Limited Slip Differentials

• Mechanical– Spring-pack and clutches– Spring forces side gears against clutches– Clutches “fight” each other– Torque applied to wheels is same as torque

required to overpower clutches

Types of Limited Slip Differentials

• Fluid-Based (Viscous Coupling)– Links front wheels to back wheels– Consists of plates and viscous liquid– Viscous liquid transfers torque through plates– Viscosity of liquid affects amount of torque

Types of Limited Slip Differentials

• Locking– Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanism– Activated manually by switch– Wheels are forced to spin at same speed– For serious off roading

• TorsenTM

– Senses difference in torque– Uses gears that bind together

Open Differential Limited Slip Differential(Mechanical)

References

Nice, Karim. "How Differentials Work." Howstuffworks. Howstuffworks. 17 Oct. 2005 <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm>.

"Limited Slip Differential." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 04 Oct 2005. Wikipedia. 17 Oct. 2005 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential>.

"LSD - OEM and Aftermarket Limited Slip Differentials." FAQ. Club 4AG. 17 Oct. 2005 <http://www.club4ag.com/faq%20and%20tech_pages/FAQ.html>.