Spinning one rear wheel...is that normal?

[Meeyatch1]

Hello, gang. Last year I was turning left onto a street with the TCS OFF and I went through some water, and when I gassed it the car only seemed to spin the inside left wheel, but not the other. I was expecting to have the back end kind of slide and fish tail, but it really felt and sounded like only that inner wheel was spinning. Two questions:

1.) Is this possible?

2.) Should it be that way?

Of course, if it should not be that way, what is probably wrong that needs fixed? I apologize for not knowing the technical jargon here, so I appreciate your patience. Thank you.

 

[dlongo]

Everything is probably okay. The NSX has a factory limited slip differential, so if there is significant enough difference in traction between the rear wheels, one wheel can possibly be spinning freely while the other is firmly planted and putting force to the ground. Here's a neat primer on how differentials work

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm/printable

dave

 

[1BADNSX]

As the late great Carrol Smith said: “Limited Slip Differentials are limited and they do slip!” Although Mitch, your unit may be more worn than most and not be providing very much locking ability.

Bob

 

[Meeyatch1]

As the late great Carrol Smith said: “Limited Slip Differentials are limited and they do slip!” Although Mitch, your unit may be more worn than most and not be providing very much locking ability.

Bob

The car is a '94 NSX with just over 71,000 miles on it. Should this be worn already?? My '91 NSX with over 115,000 miles does not seem to do this so I am just curious.

How do you fix this?? Buy a new differential? Is there a way to test it ahead of time? Ugh.

 

[dlongo]

There is a procedure on page 15-4 of the online service manual for checking the breakaway torque of the LSD. It looks pretty easy to check, but I've never done it myself. If you only experienced this one time, it's unlikely there is anything wrong.

Dave

 

[hlweyl]

Doesn't sound to me like anything is wrong. You WANT a limited slip differential. A posi-traction rear end(where both wheels turn at the same speed) is for drag race duty only. When you go around a corner with a true posi, you get this horrible grinding sound and you think the rear is going to break everytime you go around a corner. Many older 4 wheel drive systems were that way also, the manufacturer told you never to operate in 4 wheel drive mode on dry pavement.

Hope this answered your question.

 

[titaniumdave]

Posi-traction rear end

With a posi-traction rear end there is a set of clutches inside the mechanism which force the power to the wheel which has the most resistance. IE.- Positive traction. The wheels can and will turn at different speeds for the inside and outside arcs of the wheels as you go around a corner. A 'locker' rear end has both wheels locked together effectivly like a straight axel which makes both tires turn at the same speed. This requires one wheel to slip to allow the car to go around a corner, or to drift like a track car or go kart.

I believe the issue with 4 wheel drive is the slip angles which are built into the front axle steerering which require the front tires to go at different speeds and a slight amount different directions. You never notice this in loose stuff, but both tires gripping make the system bind, which makes the truck jump to relieve the pressure when you turn sharp on pavement. The other issue with 4 wheel drive on pavement is the input is trying to make the front and rear wheels turn at the same speed, but if you notice the rear wheels track inside the front wheels on a front steer car. The rear wheels will go a shorter distance and want to turn slower.

Dave

I know, bit off topic, I will shut up now.

 

[Meeyatch1]

Cool...thanks.