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The differential, or diff, splits the torque from the engine two ways and allows each wheel to spin at two different speeds. What is a Differential?Ī differential is a component on your vehicle's axle that transforms the power from the engine into movement in the wheels. By distributing torque to the wheel that has the most traction on the ground, the vehicle will be much more stable and you will have better control due to less power going to the slipping wheel. When you drive through a tight corner or accelerate harshly, your wheels will want to spin at different speeds, which can decrease the traction and cause handling issues.Ī limited-slip differential will adjust the speed at which the rear tires spin and allow the axles to spin at different rates. This helps provide a smooth ride and is needed in most driving situations without any tight corners or slippery surfaces. If you are driving under normal conditions on a road or highway, the differential will provide an equal amount of torque to both of the wheels.
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Positraction works by directing torque to the wheel that needs it the most at any given time. Understanding how Positraction works and why it is important can help you make the right decision when buying a new or used car. This gives you more traction control with your vehicle and allows both of the rear wheels on a rear-wheel-drive car to grip the road evenly. When one rear wheel is slipping or sliding, a Positraction differential - and indeed all LSDs - will push more power to the wheel with more grip. The Positraction name was used on various General Motors vehicles in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s other brands at the time had their own names for limited-slip differentials. If you cannot avoid the water crossings…you may be able to put a ball valve or some other device on the vent for the diff…shutting it off just for the water x-ing…then returning it back to normal.Positraction, or positive-traction rear end, is a brand name for a limited-slip differential (LSD), which helps distribute power to the rear wheels and ensures that they are spinning at the same speed.
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Just change the lube more than one time… and avoid adding more water to the diff (with your river crossings) and you will be fine I’m sure. Could it damage your bearings? Sure maybe…over time…and if you left it the way it was…and if it sat for long periods of time unused…but its not something you should fret over. You dont need to be overly worried about damage since this is early detection and honestly it still has all of its gear oil present as well. Yes it can and does get inside of the diff…and yes it does NOT like to leave… it gets incorporated into the gear lube and turns it into a milkshake color.Īll you need to do is change the diff lube…say 2 times… that should carry all the moisture laden lube out and replace it with fresh lube. Oh its definitely possible to get water IN to the diffs… no doubt about that especially if you know that you have been doing some water crossings.
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