What is the difference between a limited slip differential and a regular differential?

A limited-slip differential (LSD) improves traction by limiting how much power can be sent to a wheel that is slipping, while a regular open differential simply splits torque and allows one wheel to spin freely if traction is uneven. In practice, LSDs offer better acceleration and cornering on slick surfaces, whereas an open differential is simpler, cheaper, and more prone to wheelspin in low-traction conditions.

What a differential does

All driven wheels need a mechanism to distribute power while allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds in corners. An open differential splits torque evenly when both wheels have grip, but if one wheel loses traction, that wheel can spin freely and take most of the torque, leaving the vehicle with reduced propulsion. An LSD, by contrast, adjusts how torque is shared between the wheels to keep more power on the wheel that has grip, improving acceleration and stability in challenging conditions.

Key differences at a glance

Before we dive into the details, here are the core distinctions you’ll notice in practice.

• Traction under low grip: Open differentials tend to transfer torque to the wheel with less resistance; LSDs reduce that tendency by biasing power toward the wheel with better grip.


• Handling in turns: LSDs generally provide more predictable steering behavior by maintaining traction at both wheels during cornering.


• Performance and acceleration: LSDs enable quicker, more consistent forward motion on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces; open diffs can hamstring acceleration when one wheel slips.


• Maintenance and cost: LSDs add complexity, weight, and potential maintenance considerations compared with simple open diffs, which are cheaper to manufacture and repair.

In summary, LSDs trade simplicity for improved traction and handling in low-traction conditions, while open differentials prioritize cost and mechanical simplicity.

Types of limited-slip differentials

There are several designs that achieve limited slip, each with its own mechanisms, feel, and best-use scenarios. The main varieties are clutch-type, viscous, torque-biasing (Torsen), and electronically controlled or active LSDs.

Clutch-type LSD

Clutch-type LSDs use internal clutch packs that bind together as the difference in wheel speeds increases. The clutches gradually lock and transfer torque toward the wheel with more grip. They offer strong, tunable performance and are common on sports cars, but they wear over time and can feel abrupt if the limiter unlocks suddenly during corner entry or braking.

Viscous LSD

Viscous LSDs rely on a special fluid sealed between plates or sleeves. When one wheel spins faster, the shearing of the fluid resists differential motion and transfers torque to the other wheel. They are simple and smooth but can be less effective as temperatures rise or in rapid transitions, and they may gradually lose bias with wear.

Torque-biasing (Torsen) LSD

Torque-biasing or Torsen-type diffs use gear assemblies that sense torque and preferentially route more of it to the wheel with better grip without needing external actuators. They respond immediately and can improve both acceleration and cornering, but their biasing is fixed by design and they can behave differently under braking versus acceleration depending on the system.

Electronically controlled or active LSD

Electronic or active LSDs combine sensors, actuators, and control software to adjust slip bias in real time. They can vary torque distribution during acceleration, braking, and cornering, and often integrate with stability control or drive modes. These systems offer versatile tuning and can simulate locked behavior when desired, but add complexity and cost.

Many modern vehicles blend approaches—for example, using electromagnetic clutches controlled by computer to emulate the benefits of an LSD while maintaining smoothness and adaptivity across driving scenarios.

Choosing between LSD and open differential

Decisions depend on vehicle type, intended use, and environment. Performance cars, off-road rigs, and work trucks in slippery or uneven terrain typically benefit from an LSD for better traction and confident handling. For daily driving in mild conditions or on a tight budget, an open differential keeps costs down and maintenance simple. Some contemporary vehicles offer electronically controlled diffs that auto-adjust bias, providing a middle ground between the two approaches.

Summary

The essential difference is how torque is shared between the two wheels on an axle. An open differential splits torque equally but loses effectiveness when traction is uneven, allowing a slipping wheel to dominate the drive. A limited-slip differential limits that slip, redistributing more torque to the wheel with grip to maintain propulsion and stability. The choice between an LSD and an open diff hinges on your vehicle, climate, and driving demands, with several LSD designs available to balance performance, complexity, and cost.

Is a limited-slip diff worth it?

Limited slip differentials can help ensure that one wheel isn't spinning needlessly, thus preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your tires. The same goes for axle shafts – shifting torque means less pressure, which, in turn, means a longer lifespan.

What are the disadvantages of limited slip differentials?

The main disadvantages of a limited slip differential (LSD) are increased cost, higher maintenance needs, and potential for more uneven tire wear. LSDs are more complex and expensive than open differentials, and some types require special additives, frequent fluid changes, and have clutches that can wear out. Improperly matched tires or heavy driving can also cause premature clutch wear or jerking.
 
Cost and complexity

• Higher upfront cost: LSDs are more expensive to manufacture and purchase than open differentials. 
• Mechanical complexity: The added components make the system more complex, increasing the potential for more intricate repairs. 

Maintenance and longevity

• Increased maintenance: LSDs typically require more frequent fluid changes and sometimes special additives to keep the friction plates or clutches lubricated and functioning correctly. 
• Wear and tear: The friction components in clutch-based LSDs can wear out over time, necessitating replacement. 
• Tire wear: Uneven torque distribution can lead to more uneven wear between tires. Mismatched tire sizes (even a small difference) can cause the LSD to slip unnecessarily and accelerate wear. 

Performance and drivability

• Not 100% power to one wheel: Unlike a welded differential, an LSD limits power transfer, meaning it can't send all power to a single wheel if one has zero traction. 
• Potential for jerking: Some types of LSDs can cause jerking or noise during cornering, especially if they are set up with heavy pre-load. 
• Less effective in certain conditions: While it improves traction in many situations, some specific scenarios, like a single tire on ice, may benefit more from an open differential's "spinning" to move the vehicle. Heavy use in conditions like a wet burnout box can cause overheating and kill clutch packs. 

Which is better, limited-slip or open differential?

An LSD is better than an open differential for performance driving, as it provides better traction by sending power to both wheels, which is beneficial for high-speed cornering, accelerating, and drifting. An open differential is cheaper and sufficient for most daily driving, as it is smooth and predictable in normal conditions but will lose traction and send power to the wheel with the least grip in challenging situations.
 
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• How it works: It limits the speed difference between the two wheels, biasing torque to the wheel with more grip instead of sending all power to the slipping wheel. 
• Best for: Performance driving, track use, and slippery conditions. 
• Advantages:
  • Improves traction during acceleration and cornering. 
  • Makes drifting possible and easier to control. 
  • Helps prevent one wheel from spinning uselessly on low-traction surfaces. 
  • Can reduce understeer in front-wheel drive cars. 
• Disadvantages:
  • More complex and expensive. 
  • Some types may cause a slight "grab" in tight turns or under deceleration. 

Open Differential

• How it works: It allows the wheels to spin at different speeds, sending power to the wheel with the least amount of traction. 
• Best for: Everyday driving. 
• Advantages:
  • Simple, reliable, and inexpensive. 
  • Smooth and predictable handling in normal road conditions. 
  • No "grabbing" or binding in tight turns. 
• Disadvantages:
  • If one wheel loses traction (e.g., on ice or during hard cornering), it will send all power to that wheel and the vehicle will lose acceleration. 
  • Makes drifting very difficult. 
  • Less effective in slippery conditions and high-performance situations. 

How to tell if a differential is limited-slip?

You can tell if a differential is limited slip by checking for a tag on the differential housing, looking at the vehicle's door sticker for a specific code, or by doing a wheel spin test. For the wheel spin test, safely jack up the driven wheels and, with the transmission in neutral, spin one wheel by hand. If the opposite wheel spins in the same direction, it is a limited slip differential; if it spins in the opposite direction, it is an open differential.
 
This video demonstrates how to check if your car has a limited slip differential: 45sERICSDIYGARAGEYouTube · Dec 8, 2018
Method 1: Check for a tag or sticker 

• Look for a metal tag on the differential housing that might say "LSD" or "limited slip". 
• Some manufacturers, like Nissan, may have a large orange sticker inside the driver's door jamb indicating the differential type. 
• Check your vehicle's owner's manual or a sticker on the driver's side door jamb for a specific axle code, as shown in this YouTube video. 

Method 2: Perform the wheel spin test 

1. Secure the vehicle: Park the car on a level surface and chock the non-drive wheels to prevent rolling. Use jack stands for safety after lifting the drive wheels off the ground. 
2. Neutral gear: Ensure the transmission is in neutral. 
3. Spin one wheel: Rotate one of the driven wheels by hand. 
4. Observe the opposite wheel: 
   • Same direction: If the other driven wheel also spins in the same direction, you have a limited slip differential (LSD). 
   • Opposite direction: If the other wheel spins in the opposite direction, it is an open differential. 
   • No spin: If the opposite wheel doesn't spin at all, it is also an open differential. 

This video demonstrates how to perform the wheel spin test to check for a limited slip differential: 59sProblem Solver GarageYouTube · Jan 20, 2025
Method 3: Test drive (use with caution) 

• In a safe, open area with a loose surface (like gravel or a wet parking lot), accelerate from a stop.
• If only one wheel spins and leaves a single skid mark, it is likely an open differential. 
• If both wheels spin and leave two parallel skid marks, it is likely a limited slip differential. 
• This method may not be effective for all LSDs or if traction control is active.