Limited-slip differential
Term · Industrial and trades · MLC-T-IND-003351
A type of automotive differential that restricts the speed difference between the two output shafts, preventing one wheel from spinning freely when it loses traction. Unlike an open differential which sends equal torque to both wheels, a limited-slip unit uses clutch packs, viscous couplings, or geared mechanisms to automatically direct more torque to the wheel with better grip. This contrasts with a locking differential, which can force both wheels to rotate at the exact same speed, regardless of traction differences.
| Identifier | MLC-T-IND-003351 |
|---|---|
| Field | Industrial and trades |
| Subject | Mechanical engineering |
| Synonyms | LSD; limited-slip diff |
| See also | LSD |
| Translations | German: Sperrdifferential; Spanish: diferencial de deslizamiento limitado; French: différentiel à glissement limité |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-IND-003351",
"term": "Limited-slip differential",
"field": "Industrial and trades",
"definition": "A type of automotive differential that restricts the speed difference between the two output shafts, preventing one wheel from spinning freely when it loses traction. Unlike an open differential which sends equal torque to both wheels, a limited-slip unit uses clutch packs, viscous couplings, or geared mechanisms to automatically direct more torque to the wheel with better grip. This contrasts with a locking differential, which can force both wheels to rotate at the exact same speed, regardless of traction differences.",
"synonyms": [
"LSD",
"limited-slip diff"
],
"subject": "Mechanical engineering",
"see_also": [
"LSD"
],
"translations": {
"de": "Sperrdifferential",
"es": "diferencial de deslizamiento limitado",
"fr": "différentiel à glissement limité"
},
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/limited-slip-differential/"
}
Record 3,676 of 7,361 in Industrial and trades terminology (MLC-0113). Request the full dataset.