LSD

📖 YOUCANIC Automotive Glossary

An LSD (Limited-Slip Differential) distributes torque between the two driven wheels more evenly than an open differential, which sends all power to the wheel with the least resistance (the one spinning). LSDs use clutch packs, helical gears, or viscous fluid to transfer torque from the spinning wheel to the gripping wheel. Types include clutch-type (most common, uses friction plates), Torsen/helical (gear-based, maintenance-free), and electronic LSD (eLSD — uses electronically controlled clutch packs managed by the ECU).

Clutch-type LSDs require periodic limited-slip additive in the differential fluid to prevent chatter during tight turns. eLSD systems generate DTCs when the actuator, temperature sensor, or control module fails. The YOUCANIC UCAN-II reads eLSD module codes on supported vehicles.