Another guestion... Limited Stip

[handsomeDave]

How is a limited slip differential good? I understand that it's useful when cornering because it allows one wheel to spin faster than the other. But in the example of like a RWD charger, with a limited slip differential, doesn't it give the power to the wheel that has the least traction? how is that helpful? And why is that better than an open differential?

 

[Dirk]

some light reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_differential

 

[Cochise]

And then read this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential

Oddly, this article doesn't mention Subarus who come stock with rear and centre limited slip. Maybe the type they use is mentioned in this article. Viscous couple, IIRC.

Post-edit: Found some nice pics and animation: http://www.drivingfast.net/technology/differentials.htm

 

[Root Moose]

But in the example of like a RWD charger, with a limited slip differential, doesn't it give the power to the wheel that has the least traction?

Depends on the differential type.

Any power flow is better than none.

I don't know about the Charger but I do know the Torsen in my S2000. It applies power to the wheel with the most traction. Can lead to some fun spins and such when cresting a hill at 8000+ RPM and hitting a puddle on the track. Not that I'd know anything about that. Btw, Honda F20C engines take a while to re-light after being run backwards.

 

[Root Moose]

Also note that less traction does not mean no traction...

 

[Farm Boy]

Post-edit: Found some nice pics and animation: http://www.drivingfast.net/technology/differentials.htm

Those are nice diagrams, good find.

Oh Dave, before you get to ask, Locker info found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locking_differential
And a spool is a device that solidly locks both axle shafts together with no option of unlocking. Makes turning a bit of a challenge sometimes.