A few questions about LSDs
Discussion
Just trying to get my head around the various types of LSDs available on cars, but have a couple of questions.
Firstly, am I right in thinking the 3 types are:
-Viscous
-Clutch-type
-Torsen
Have I missed any out?
Secondly, I've read that the viscous and clutch-type LSDs wear out over time. Typically, what kind of mileage are you likely to see from each of these before they start behaving like an open diff?
ETA: I'm talking about purely mechanical diffs, nothing with any electronic intervention.
Firstly, am I right in thinking the 3 types are:
-Viscous
-Clutch-type
-Torsen
Have I missed any out?
Secondly, I've read that the viscous and clutch-type LSDs wear out over time. Typically, what kind of mileage are you likely to see from each of these before they start behaving like an open diff?
ETA: I'm talking about purely mechanical diffs, nothing with any electronic intervention.
Edited by Synchromesh on Tuesday 15th October 20:40
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there are a lot more than 3 types, there are a few different ways they can functions and different combinations of technologies they can use to achieve this, giving lots of possibilities, for example clutch based you have mention covers a very broad range, but torsen is a specific design.
The most obvious one that you have missed out is the purely software based ones you now get on a lot of modern cars, these have no mechanical parts, and work to balance the torque by selectively breaking wheels, some people claim they don't count as an LSD.
The most obvious one that you have missed out is the purely software based ones you now get on a lot of modern cars, these have no mechanical parts, and work to balance the torque by selectively breaking wheels, some people claim they don't count as an LSD.
ging84 said:
some people claim they don't count as an LSD.
might just be because they are not.the clue is in the name, differential.
back to the OP's question, basically, your right there are only three basic types, although tgrre are a shed load if variety within each basic type.
typically these days, most will use gear (torsen etc) as they are cheaper to make and have much longer service life without overhaul.
The other type I have come across is the AP Suretrac, uses some odd lozenge shaped chunks of metal inside it.
This chap has some good photos on his page
http://www.mycaterham.com/66828/117416.html
This chap has some good photos on his page
http://www.mycaterham.com/66828/117416.html
Toltec said:
The other type I have come across is the AP Suretrac, uses some odd lozenge shaped chunks of metal inside it.
This chap has some good photos on his page
http://www.mycaterham.com/66828/117416.html
Then there's the Wavetrac type, which sounds like a hybrid of this and a conventional Torsen diff.This chap has some good photos on his page
http://www.mycaterham.com/66828/117416.html
Synchromesh said:
Just trying to get my head around the various types of LSDs available on cars, but have a couple of questions.
Firstly, am I right in thinking the 3 types are:
-Viscous
-Clutch-type
-Torsen
Have I missed any out?
Secondly, I've read that the viscous and clutch-type LSDs wear out over time. Typically, what kind of mileage are you likely to see from each of these before they start behaving like an open diff?
ETA: I'm talking about purely mechanical diffs, nothing with any electronic intervention.
Op, have a read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differen...Firstly, am I right in thinking the 3 types are:
-Viscous
-Clutch-type
-Torsen
Have I missed any out?
Secondly, I've read that the viscous and clutch-type LSDs wear out over time. Typically, what kind of mileage are you likely to see from each of these before they start behaving like an open diff?
ETA: I'm talking about purely mechanical diffs, nothing with any electronic intervention.
Edited by Synchromesh on Tuesday 15th October 20:40
Depending on what you are wanting, you may want to look at lockers too. Something like Detroit locker is locked, but under certain conditions will allow differing wheels speeds.
I've never understood how a viscous coupling 'wears out' - there are no mechanically touching parts and unless the viscous fluid has leaked out surely it will always work? Granted the fluid viscocity could change over time due to breakdown etc so operating characteristics may change, but it should always keep working.
DaveCWK said:
I've never understood how a viscous coupling 'wears out' - there are no mechanically touching parts and unless the viscous fluid has leaked out surely it will always work? Granted the fluid viscocity could change over time due to breakdown etc so operating characteristics may change, but it should always keep working.
The shearing action on the viscous fluid causes it to degrade over time until it's virtually no better than an open diff.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff