Manual Transmission/Transaxle: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION1. Function
Operation of the limited slip differential is dependent upon the eight pinion gears that are in mesh with the two side gears. They transfer the driving power to the driving axles as well as permit the outside wheel to turn more times than the inside wheel when the vehicle goes around a turn. All gears are helically cut so that this differential action is limited by the friction created between each gear and differential carrier when either wheel slips.
2. Construction
The unit consists of the two side gears, four short pinion gears, four long pinion gears, two thrust washers, a center washer, and a carrier that houses the gears and washers. One short and one long pinion gear are in mesh with each other and are allowed to walk around the side gears.
3. Operation
- Straight-load driving The differential carrier and gears rotate together as a unit when both wheels rotates at the same speed. Turning effort from the final driven gears are directly transmitted to both wheels.
- When rounding a curve
When the vehicle rounds a curve, the differential allows the outer wheel to rotate a little faster than the inner wheel. When this takes place, the short and long pinion gears rotate, and walk around the side gears in the directions shown. If, for example, the right shaft is rotated in a counterclockwise direction with the differential carrier held stationary, the force is transmitted through the right side gear, short pinion gears and long pinion gears to the left side gear, causing the left shaft to rotate in a clockwise direction. This allows the outer wheel to turn more times than the inner wheel when the vehicle goes around a turn.
- When limiting differential action
The limited slip differential acts to limit the differential action when either wheel slips on ice or snow or on turn. This is done by using the friction created between each gear and differential carrier:
(1) The pinions are forced against the differential carrier by the force as they are rotated and repelled outward.
(2) The ends of the pinion gears are held firmly against the differential carrier due to the side thrust from the helically cut gears.
With the pinion gears locked, the torque applied to the slipping wheel is reduced and the torque delivered to the other wheel is increased.