I just bought an '02 Max SE, how am I able to tell if it has the optional Helical limited slip differential? Thanks for the help...

 

should have been on window sticker.... or under the hood there is a plate that has engine and transaxle code.... if the transaxle code ends with "H" you got it.... i think "A" is the code for regular diff.

or just launch like crazy and see if you leave double skid marks

 

the drilled metal pedals were an indication

 

Do all with limited slip have drilled pedals? And I got it slightly used with 6k miles, so no sticker... I don't have drilled pedals though, so most likely I don't have it...?

 

Well, all HLSD equipped cars came with drilled pedals from the factory. Since you bought it used, it is a possibility that the previous owner took it off. The best bet is to call your dealer and give him your VIN.

 

If you're an auto you won't have HLSD. If your a 6sp manual you should have the pedals.

 

Have a buddy stand outside the car. Rev to 4000 RPM, dump clutch. Ask buddy if both wheels are spinning.

 

uh...unless your buddy is lying down in front of the car when he dumps the clutch, he won't be able to tell if both wheels are spinning. If he is willing to do that, you have a hell of a friend, not a very smart friend, just loyal.

 

How is Helical Limited Slip different from a standard differential in a front wheel drive car? Front wheel drive cars pull with both wheels or the car would pull to one side. Which is what mine does in first gear under hard acceleration. Can't be the same difference as standard rear drive differentials verses limited slip.

 

Nope. Break traction, and the wheel with less traction will start getting all the power.

Limited Slip Differential for FWD does the same thing as for RWD.

There are different types of Limited Slip; viscous, helical, Torsen, probably more.

Next time it rains, go out and dump the clutch. Only one wheel will spin. The other won't move (much ... depends on the traction under the spinning wheel.) The wheel that is barely moving isn't getting any power. That's how a regular differential works.

I'll bet you a dollar that www.howthingswork.com has an explanation of differentials.

 

Thanks for the info!

So both wheels are pulling until one loses traction. Still looks like it would pull strong to one side if only one wheel is pulling even with one spinning. This FWD is new to me so bear with me. Never owned a performance FWD.

 

That's correct. If you've got one wheel spinning, you'll get a pull.
(to the right, IIRC. I just automatically compensate with the steering)

If you DON'T have the limited slip, you could jack up one front wheel, start the car, put it in gear, and the wheel in the air will start moving, but the wheel on the ground will not move.

Just like RWD and a standard differential.

You understand the purpose of a differential? It allows you to turn the car without the drive wheels being dragged or shoved around the turn.

Check out this site: http://www.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

 

But if he DOES have the limited slip, he'd likely drive it right off the jack (depending on how much preload the Maxima HLSD is set up with). OUCH!!!

Norm

 

True.

With a little caution, that wouldn't be dangerous. In fact, any good driver could try this, and NOT drive off the jack, even with the HLSD.

If you set your emergency brake hard, it would not be difficult at all to slightly engage the clutch, and see whether the lifted wheel starts spinning by itself. Don't apply any gas.

But if anyone tries this, and screws it up, it is your fault, not mine. If you screw it up, you were not a good enough driver to try it.

 

I tried your little trick. The wheel off the ground does turn on my car just like a standard differential with RWD cars. Uck! This has got to be the reason I get so much torque steer when accelerating. These Maxima's should come from the factory with a Helical differential for safety reasons.

How expensive is it to change to Helical?

 

Ok, how about this, put the buddy in the passenger seat. Rev to 4000 RPM, dump clutch, hold WOT. If both you and your buddy see smoke out your window, then you got HLSD.
Just for fun, keep going WOT and see who gets smoked out of the cabin first.