Limited Slip Rear Axle - Operation

Improper operation is generally indicated by clutch slippage or grabbing. Sometimes this produces a chatter or whirring sound. These sounds are not always indicative of failure as they could be produced from lack of proper lubrication. For example, under certain conditions where one tire and wheel is on a very slippery surface and the other on dry pavement, wheel spin can occur if hard acceleration is attempted. Continued spinning may cause an audible noise, such as a whirring sound, due to the cones lacking sufficient lubricant. This does not necessarily indicate a failure of the unit.

During straight ahead driving when both tires and wheels rotate at equal speeds, there is an equal driving force delivered to each tire and wheel. When cowering, the inside tire and wheel requires extra driving force causing slippage in the clutch cone. Consequently, the operational life of the limited slip unit is dependent upon equal rotation of both tires and wheels during straight ahead operation. If wheel rotation for both rear tires and wheels is unequal during straight ahead operation, the limited slip unit will constantly be functioning as if the vehicle were cornering. This will impose constant slippage on the clutch and will eventually lead to abnormal wear on the clutch cones.