|
Kaaz USA is the top brand manufacturer and best source for limited slip differentials
(L.S.D.) for racing performance in Japan. The type we manufacture is known in the
automotive industry as ?Mechanical L.S.D.?, also referred to as ?Multi-Plate L.S.D.?
Kaaz currently make limited slip differentials for about 40 different makes and models
of Japanese vehicles, made to enhance the performance of your vehicle. Some of the
vehicles we currently manufacture L.S.D. for include Toyota Corolla, Nissan 240SX,
Mitsubishi Eclipse, Acura Integra, Honda Civic, and more.
Limited Slip Differential
With a normal differential, which a majority of the cars today are factory fitted with,
the operation is very basic. The differential simply separates the power from the engine
to the two wheels giving the wheel which is simpler to run more power so that the two wheels
are running at different speed, thus providing easier turn for the car. But, when the car
is turning at higher speeds, the car will tilt to one side, and you hear the squelching sound.
The car doesn't tilt as much as you see in the action movies, but tilting still occurs.
When this happens, the normal differential puts more power on the wheel that is in the air,
which is useless until the car is out of the turn. This is where a KAAZ L.S.D. can help to
reduce the loss of power transferred to the wheel.As you may already know, a race driver wins
their race from gaining time when they are cornering. For this reason, many car manufacturers
keep trying to make cars turn more efficiently at a faster speed without slipping out of course.
L.S.D.
Sometimes you will hear these terms used in the business of L.S.D. trading and the racing
department, etc. but what does it mean? As we mentioned before, when the accelerator is stepped
on, the L.S.D. comes into use. But what if you are braking through a turn? 1-Way L.S.D. means
that only when the accelerator is stepped on, the L.S.D. comes into use. The 1.5-Way L.S.D. means
that when the car is braking, there is little L.S.D. effect and the 2-Way L.S.D. means that
either when the car is accelerating or braking the L.S.D. is always active. The difference
between these are the shaping of the cam into different shapes for the pinion to fit.
Why is break-in important?
When the L.S.D. comes out of the factory, it has been thoroughly washed, but some iron dust and
dirt particles may still exist in between the clutch plates. The clutch plates do not fit perfectly
from the very beginning, therefore this causes some jumping effect. Applying too much torque when
the unit is new will cause damage to the clutch plates and may result in plates forming an angle
fit. Once these plates forms an angle fit, the L.S.D. is unable to function at 100% efficiency.
Damaging the clutch plates will decrease it?s lifetime. When the break in is done properly and the
clutch plates form a perfect fit, not only the L.S.D. can be functioning at 100% efficiency but the
lifetime of the unit will be longer than expected. Just like fitting a new brake pads, if you floor
the brake pedal right away the brake pad?s ability to stop the car will decrease. Therefore, you
have to let the brake pads and the brake disc rub and form a good fit before hard use. L.S.D. is
the same way, initial form fitting is very important.
Information about the break in is found in the instruction booklet that comes with each unit.
Every manufacturer of L.S.D. has their own way of break in procedures. Please follow the instructions
that come with each unit. After the initial break in procedure, L.S.D. oil must be changed.
Check the oil drained after the break in, you will find lots of iron grains from the friction of the
plates rubbing to form a good fit. You can then visually see the importance of the break in and oil
change
For more information on Kaaz, visit their website at Kaaz USA, limited slip differentials, L.S.D., rear ends, short gears
|
|
