A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a drivetrain component that allows the driven wheels to rotate at different speeds during cornering, but mechanically locks or restricts slip when one wheel loses traction. Using clutch packs, helical gears, or viscous fluid, it forces torque to the wheel with grip rather than letting the slipping wheel spin freely and waste engine power.
I'm swapping out the open diff for a clutch-type limited-slip differential so I can actually put power down out of corners.
Clutch-type limited-slip differentials require a specific friction modifier additive in the gear oil; forgetting it will cause loud chattering around tight corners.
Also heard as
- LSD
- posi
- positraction
Related terms
Diff
The gear assembly that allows driven wheels to rotate at different speeds during a turn.
Open differential
A basic gear assembly that allows drive wheels to spin at different speeds while cornering.
Locking differential
An axle mechanism that mechanically binds the left and right wheels together to spin at identical speeds.
LSD
A differential mechanism that allows wheels to turn at different speeds while preventing a total loss of traction.