{"id":54622,"date":"2022-04-22T11:13:43","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T11:13:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/?p=54622"},"modified":"2024-01-04T06:08:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T06:08:13","slug":"limited-slip-differential-lsd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/limited-slip-differential-lsd\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does a Limited Slip Differential Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>, and limited slip differential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find any of the three types of differential systems<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a complete guide on limited slip differential and how it provides a better utility than the other differential types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT IS A LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"working
LSD works using two methods i.e. clutch pack and helical gear style<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Limited slip differentials were first used in the 1930s and became prominent in the 1960s when the muscle car<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLUTCH PACK STYLE<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HELICAL GEAR STYLE<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERETIAL PROS AND CONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"advantages
The main advantage of LSD is that it helps to provide better grip on off-road terrains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL<\/strong> BENEFITS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can find this type of differential in AWD and 4WD cars<\/a>. The following are the advantages of limited slip differentials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n