Guide to Limited Slip Differential (LSD): Working, Pros & More

The main function of a differential is to transmit power from the engine to the wheels. Since the wheels rotate at various speeds and turn at different radial distances, it is important to balance the power flow to stop the slippage. There are three main types of differentials namely, open-differential, locked differential or diff locks, and limited slip differential.

You can find any of the three types of differential systems in your car. However, limited slip differential (LSD) and electronic LSD are the latest ones, which as the name suggests, work efficiently by limiting the slip.

Here’s a complete guide on limited slip differential and how it provides a better utility than the other differential types.

WHAT IS A LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL?

working of limited slip differential — LSD works using two methods i.e. clutch pack and helical gear style

Limited slip differentials were first used in the 1930s and became prominent in the 1960s when the muscle car era began. The LSDs limit the slip by providing limited power to the wheel that starts losing traction. Meanwhile, the open differentials keep transmitting the same power to the wheels.

The open differentials transmit the same amount of torque to the wheels. However, the amount of torque transferred is not balanced with the limited slip differentials. The tyres with more traction receive a higher amount of torque. Limited slip differentials work using the following methods:

CLUTCH PACK STYLE

The limited slip differentials with clutch pack style become active even before the wheels lose grip and start slipping. One wheel may slip when the torque input changes. This is where the clamping load on the clutch packs increases which allow smooth transfer of power to the other wheels as needed.

HELICAL GEAR STYLE

In the helical gear style method, the limited slip differentials operate as open differentials under normal conditions. However, if they encounter terrain change or loss of traction, the helical gears transfer more torque and power to the high traction wheel to stop the spinning. After the wheels recover their traction, the limited slip differentials operate under normal conditions.

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERETIAL PROS AND CONS

advantages and disadvantages of limited slip differentials — The main advantage of LSD is that it helps to provide better grip on off-road terrains

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL BENEFITS

You can find this type of differential in AWD and 4WD cars. The following are the advantages of limited slip differentials:

Limited slip differentials help in off-roading by transferring enough torque to the wheels to maintain the grip
On the paved surfaces, the traction of tyres becomes even better with the LSDs.
With the input of sufficient torque to the tyres, it maintains the grip and lessens the chances of tyre wear.
Since the limited slip differentials allow the wheels to rotate at different distances, the car axle shafts won’t go through wear and tear as they won’t have to face high pressure and stress when manoeuvring.

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL DISADVANTAGES

Alongside the advantages, the limited slip differentials have the following disadvantages:

Limited slip differentials provide power to the wheels with low traction which results in loss of power due to the loose grip. This is why LSDs don’t transmit the complete power to one wheel, unlike open differentials.
The vehicle could end up pulling on one side on tough terrains as the LSD doesn’t transmit full power to the wheel with high traction. As a result, the wheel with high traction starts losing its grip.
There are different types of limited slip differentials according to the working methods. Moreover, there are electronic limited slip differentials as well. Therefore, you can’t stick to one type as different vehicles may have different variations of LSD.

This was all about the limited slip differentials. Always make sure that you check the differential fluid level for its proper functioning. You can find a collection of used cars for sale in the UAE with LSD. Here are some of the cars that feature limited slip differentials:

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