Limited Slip Differentials Greg Reale Differentials What Are

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 • Torsen. TM – Senses difference in torque – Uses gears that bind together

Open Differential Limited Slip Differential (Mechanical)

References Nice, Karim. "How Differentials Work. " 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 4 AG. 17 Oct. 2005 <http: //www. club 4 ag. com/faq%20 and%20 tech_pages/F AQ. html>.