Auto lsd

The limited-slip differential is a common feature of sports cars and 4x4s. This little kit, also known as LSD, is part of a car’s driving system. It’s intended to improve the car’s performance, handling, and fuel efficiency.

The limited-slip differential does precisely what it says. It limits the amount that the wheels spin when the engine is applied to the wheels. LSD distributes engine power to the wheels that have the most grip. This can be done with either a mechanical system or electronics.

An LSD can improve the car’s driving experience. However, it is also beneficial for safety as it gives more control over the car’s power delivery. A limited-slip diff is often fitted to high-performance vehicles with a lot of power. They can then get to the road much more quickly. These diffs can also be equipped with four-wheel-drive vehicles more likely to travel off-road and require extra traction.

They are costly to make and fit. This is why they’re often found on higher-performance models and hot-hatchback variants of the smaller family car. Some manufacturers now offer electronic diffs. These do the same job as an LSD but use wheel speed sensors to tell the car’s electronics when to apply brakes to spinning wheels to control the car’s power delivery.

History of the limited slip diff

The origins of LSD, like many other road car innovations, can be traced back to motor racing. Ferdinand Porsche ordered ZF, a German engineering firm, to develop a differential to help reduce wheelspin in Auto Union’s Grand Prix cars. Their powerful outputs easily outweighed the limited grip of narrow tires.

With the increasing power outputs of their V8 engines but not much sophistication in their drivetrains, the limited slip diff (also called a posi or positraction diff) was created to help cars gain traction. It is now a highly desirable option when choosing a muscle car. There are many types of LSD available depending on the purpose. A mechanical diff is still an option for rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Well-designed systems will provide better response times than any electronic.

The benefits of this diff were then exploited in offroad vehicles. However, the limited-slip differential was again popularized in the 1960s and the US Muscle Car era. These machines were created during the performance car arms race between American Motors, Chrysler (and its brands Dodge, Plymouth), Ford (plus Mercury), and General Motors (with its Buick and Chevrolet brands). The introduction of advanced electronics allows the front wheels to handle power outputs that were impossible a decade ago. The four-wheel-drive car’s limited-slip differential sends power to the corner with the most excellent grip. Locking diffs can also be used to enhance a car’s off-road capabilities.

What is a limited-slip diff?

The limited-slip differential’s principle is to offer more control over power delivery than an open diff. Open diffs use gears to ensure that the wheels turn at different speeds in corners. However, when a lot of power is delivered, it is easy for an open diff not to overcome. The engine seeks the path of least resistance when it arrives at the wheels. In this case, the tire that has the most grip is chosen. You don’t want to be too heavy when you push the throttle on a powerful car. This can cause all your power to evaporate in a cloud of smoke as the unloaded tire spins away while the other tire grips. This results in less wheelspin for the unloaded tire and more power being put into the road, which increases grip and accelerates performance.

There are many types of limited slip diffs available. The type of driving system a car uses will determine which one it uses. A 2-way LSD may be used on rear-wheel-drive cars and 4WD cars. The LSD can affect power when the vehicle is slowing down. This gives the car a consistent feel.

One-way LSDs are better suited for front-wheel-drive cars, as they will not limit acceleration. The LSD is inactive when you are slowing down. This helps to corner off the power. A 2-way diff can introduce understeer to your drive system.

Other LSD types

Some car manufacturers have developed alternatives to the limited slip diff to lower manufacturing costs. Viscous LSD is made from thick oil. However, this system wears faster than mechanical LSDs and can also lose its effectiveness over time.

Electronics have made it possible for car manufacturers to imitate the effects of LSDs using sensors. A few systems have a conventional diff and an LSD-style clutch, but the computer controls its actions. You can adjust it to meet your needs, and the driver can switch between drive modes.

The fully electronic diff (or e-diff) is another variation. These cars will use a traditional open diff but without LSD components. Instead, the car’s electronics will rely upon wheel speed sensors and ABS to detect the early stages of wheelspin. The car’s brake system will limit torque to the wheel losing traction. This is a highly effective system. However, torque vectoring is an improvement that actively distributes power to wheels with the best grip.