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Limited slip differential (LSD)

By Alborz Fallah |

Limited slip differential (LSD)

LSD is a mechanical version of traction control, limiting wheel spin on an axle in two and four-wheel drives. We can notice the main advantage of a LSD when it is compared to a typical standard differential. Imagine a scenario whereby in the case of the standard differential one wheel has no contact with the ground. In this scenario, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate at nearly twice its intended velocity! Therefore the torque transmitted will be zero and the vehicle will remain stationary.

This sort of situation is rather rare in everyday driving, but in more extreme situations such as in motor sports or in off-road driving this situation is highly undesirable and does occur. Using an LSD limits the velocity difference between the two wheels and allows for torque to be transmitted correctly given that some friction is available on at least one of the driving wheels.


 
  • Wayne

    The Ford G6ET does not have a LSD but the XR6 does. Will the lack of a LSD have any affects or benefits for the G6ET?

    • Bob

      It will be more unpredictable when driven hard, some say safer in the wet (though the falcon has good grip in the rear now as apposed to the past)
      If Driven hard then it is more likely to spin the outside wheel crazily.

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      • Nick

        No, If cornered hard the INSIDE wheel will spin, because weight is transfered to the outside of the car. Therefore the inside rear has very little weight on it, reducing grip, and increasing the likelihood it will spin…

        • Gez

          Everyday driving they wont be different, driving them around a track the G6E turbo will just be smoking it up around every corner. While the XR6 Turbo will get alot more power to the ground around the corners

  • http://caradvice Ron

    Hi,

    I have a 2007 model Mazda BT50 Diesel 4/4 Freestyle Cab- chassis ute. How can I test that the vehicle has a working LSD rear differential.

    Many thanks

    Ron.

    • JEKYL & HYDE

      jack up rear wheels under diff.put car in neutral.rotate one wheel(by hand).if other wheel goes in same direction,it is lsd.if it goes in other direction,it’s a open wheeler…

      • http://caradvice Ron

        Thanks Jekyl & Hyde,

        I’ll certainly check it out.

        Ron.

      • http://caradvice Ron

        Jekyl & Hyde,

        I did what you suggested (checking rotation of opposite wheel), and the wheel on the opposite side fails to move in either direction. Could that mean it may have a different type of LSD?

        Ron.

  • Wessie – Tasmania

    I am looking for the front & rear LSD’s for a Toyota 2.7 VVTi Raider. This vehicle is in South Africa and if need be I am willing to export the parts to South Africa.
    Is there someplace that can help me?