How does viscous and detroit locker actually work?

[Robinxr4i]

I understand the principal of lock and semi locking diffs, lets face it its no fun spinning one wheel when drag racing, drifting, going off road, doing a burnout or getting out of a corner quickly is not good!

So open diff again are something I can get my head around and clutch type LSD as well, they make sense. However I can understand how viscous LSD works I've read articles and seen pics but I can't visualise it in my head has anyone got a animation or a slide show of what physically happens inside the diff when it work?

Also a Detroit Locker, it works in the opposite way to an LSD by locking the wheels permanently until you turn a corner then it lets one wheel spin independently. Great idea but again how does it actually work? I can't even find an explanation, let alone an animation or side show!

Sorry I'm probably being well thick but it's something that I’m really interested in and want to know exactly how it works! ;D

Some lockers and LSD in action.........

[IDY]

Nov 27, 2008 13:14:02 GMT Robinxr4i said:

However I can understand how viscous LSD works I've read articles and seen pics but I can't visualise it in my head has anyone got a animation or a slide show of what physically happens inside the diff when it work?

This link has a nice simple explanation of a viscous coupling that helped me visualise the concept of what happens in a viscous LSD

[akku]

manufacturer's website has an exploded diagram

www.eaton.com/EatonCom/ProductsServices/PerformanceProducts/Products/Differentials/DetroitLocker/index.htm

Detroit NoSpin service manual as PDF: www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@eaton/@per/documents/content/ct_128312.pdf

TBH I don't really question this stuff. I accept the actions you get out of it and write the rest off as magic

[popuptoaster]

Detriot locker is open until you send a set amount of torque through it when it locks up solid, makes corners very interesting if you apply to much power when going round them, had one on my old Fairmont and the 460 would lock it up solid and go siiiiiiiideways when it kicked down a gear, in the end i disconnected the kickdown cable as it was just to much hard work if the road was wet.

Viscious is great for road use but a bit unpredicitable for drifting or competition use although i personally prefer them over most other types.