how does an LSD work??

[cschollum]

i have an E34 with im guessing no Limited slip diff, heres the situation, cars on rough ground, one wheel just touching the floor, the other firmly planted on it, i accelerate and the one wheel thats just touching slips and all power goes to that wheel, result - i go nowhere

does this mean i do or dont have a slip diff, and how can i get power to both wheels if one should loose traction?
chris

[Jay 535i]

does this mean i do or dont have a slip diff, and how can i get power to both wheels if one should loose traction?

You don't, and you can't.

That's why an LSD is preferred. It limits how much torque one wheel can waste. Once that spinning wheel reaches a certain speed, the LSD forces some of the torque to the other wheel, getting you unstuck.

[Jay 535i]

presumably i could fit an lsd? its to go on a 525 m20 how many types are there, is there a prefered version?


chris

Sure you could. As for details, someone else around here will know better than I

[632 Regal]

preferred would be a unit that has the same gear ratio as your current unit. as for different styles I dont think you have to worry much with a 1.8 litre engine.

[dacoyote]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential8.htm

[rob101]

are the BMW lsd's the salisbury (clutch) type or are they a torsen/quaife type

[Jay 535i]

are the BMW lsd's the salisbury (clutch) type or are they a torsen/quaife type

The former, I believe. Don't quote me.

[Zeuk in Oz]

LOL : I read this thread heading quickly and thought it said "how does LSD work" : after yesterday's great debate I thought - not again !

Is your car manual or auto, by the way ?

[Zeuk in Oz]

manual 525 m20

I was under the impression that all 5 speed M20 525i cars had an LSD. Is there anay way to check by serial no etc ?

[Jon K]

they work with a little bit of elbow grease provided by two baby rabbits and a gerbil working in unison.