LSD

Paul S. Brown wrote:
> Vectras traction control is achieved by backing off the power - it's
> supposed to stop you going into an uncontrolled skid by detecting when
> you're about to break away and backing the power off.
>
> The ETC on most 4x4s works by pulsing the brakes on the slipping
> wheel to make sure that the diff doesn't go fully open and just sits
> there spinning the wheel with no traction.

I don't know the Vectra specifically but some 2wd road
cars DO have the ability to brake an individual spinning
wheel to get traction on slippery surfaces. Our Lean Cupra
does, or so the brochure said; never had a chance to see
it work! They refer to it as EBD and it's intended to help
you move off in snow (etc) and it's complementary to the ETC
system which works in the way you describe.

-- Steve

"Steve Hunt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Huw wrote:
>> LSD's might as well not exist for all the advantage they convey to
>> the vehicle and user.
>
> Interesting notes there Huw. I have read (but never tried)
> that LSDs can sometimes be helped by tweaking the handbrake
> a little - assuming that it is the normal sort that acts
> on the rear brakes. Any truth to that in your experience?
>

In theory, and practice, applying brakes mildly while the wheels are
turning will ensure that drive is more equalised through a LSD. So the
answer is 'yes'. If you are in the slippery stuff you will likely be stuck
at that point anyhow but it could make more of a difference at extremes of
axle articulation when one rear wheel lifts off the ground.

Huw