Limited-slip differential

For other meanings of LSD, see LSD (disambiguation).

A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential gear train that for on-road use still allows its two output shafts to rotate at different speeds, but limits the maximum difference between the two shafts to enforce a minimum of traction, unlike the common open differential, that allows one wheel to stand still while all power is wasted at the other wheel spinning at double speed, or a locking differential that simply locks them together, mostly temporarily in off-road use.

Limited-slip differentials are often known by the generic trademark Positraction, a brand name owned by General Motors and originally used for its Chevrolet branded vehicles.

In automobiles, such limited-slip differentials are used in place of a standard open differential, where they convey certain dynamic advantages, at the expense of greater complexity.

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