A limited-slip differential is a differential designed to route some power away from a free-spinning wheel to the opposite wheel on the drive axle.
Differentials allow opposite wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds, as is necessary when the vehicle turns. But differentials are simple devices that inherently permit engine power to follow the path of least resistance. As a result, if a wheel begins to slip on a slick surface, all the rotational force of the driveshaft goes to that wheel, robbing the opposite wheel — the one that has traction — of all power and resulting in a stuck vehicle.
Limited-slip differentials, for which automakers have their own trade names (GM’s Positraction is a well-known example), include a clutch or pair of clutches that engage under high acceleration to maintain power to both wheels.
Limited-slip differentials may become less popular as ABS-based traction control now serves a similar purpose. The traction control computer monitors wheel rotation and applies the brake to the spinning wheel. This allows power to shift to the opposite wheel. Four-wheel traction control is offered now on some four-wheel-drive vehicles, which ensures mobility even if only one of the four wheels has traction.
Information for this was taken from Cars.com’s glossary, written by Joe Wiesenfelder.
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