Limited Slip Differential Description and Operation

Limited Slip Differential Description and Operation
The locking differential consists of the following components:
^ Differential case
^ Pinion gear shaft
^ Differential pinion gear shaft lock pin
^ 2 clutch discs sets
^ Differential side gears
^ Differential clutch disc guides
^ Differential side gear shim
^ Differential clutch disc thrust washer
^ Differential pinion gears
^ Differential pinion gear thrust washers

In a conventional differential, if one wheel spins, the opposite wheel will generate only as much torque as the wheel with the least amount of traction. In a limited slip differential, part of the ring gear torque is transmitted through clutch packs which contain multiple discs. In operation, two forces engage the limited slip differential's clutches. The first is the pre-load force within the clutch packs. The second is the separating forces generated by the side gears as torque is applied through the ring gear.

The limited slip design provides the action needed for turning corners and for driving in a straight line when traction is uneven. When one wheel loses traction' the clutch packs transfer additional torque to wheel having the most traction. Limited slip differential resist wheel spin on bumpy roads and provides greater pulling power when one wheel loses traction. If both wheels slip due to unequal traction, limited slip operation is normal. Also in extreme cases of unequal traction, the wheel with the least amount of traction may spin.