how does one know if they have the optional Torsen limited-slip differential six speed, as opposed to the normal six speed? this is something id like to know before i purchase one.

 

i thought the max's came with helical lsd?

Do a search, theres a way to tell by looking at your VIN

 

its HLSD (helical)

easiest way - pedals
and the transaxle code http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....highlight=hlsd

 

If you have the tranny to inspect you can tell visualy. With the HLSD you'll be able to look through the axle holes and see right through without any obstructions. On the open diff tranny you'll see a round bar crossing on the inside. You can still see through but the bar will be blocking part of the view.

 

Does this helical lsd use clutches/friction plates?

Or is it like my Torsen and works with worm gears?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential

 

Im almost positive its the gear driven torsen-type, but instead of regular concentric shaped diff's, is has helical shaped. if you know what a helical shape is, good for you, if you don't: visualize the planetary orbits, earth's orbit aroung the sun. supposedly the helical-shapeness loads up the diff's more smoothly, less noticeble than the first gen lsd w. concentric gears, like Super Handling Preludes, had a tendency of 'oversteering' while cornering and 'overpulling' while doing simple high speed lane switching.

clutches/fiction plates, i believe, are the vicous limited slip diff's [aka vlsd] read that might have some issues with the perfomance, a small lag time in locking the diff's, and long term durability.

all prior suggestions are good, check the VIN number for sure, HLSD have some letter or denotation, check the forums, the answers are there...

love my hlsd, extra comforting while cruising in the snow/icy roads. don't notice it hardly at all in aggressive high/med/low speed turns. or off the line burning.

 

the Torsens lsds ARE the Helical

otherwise, they are not.

they are supposed to be pretty good at grabbing traction.

TORSEN makes three types, type I are the helical. its their baby...helps the unpredictability of torque steer distribution.

just wanted to know if there was something i could see at the dealer...but I guess it will all mostly be in the shifting/traction. thanks.

 

the transmission type, on the vin plate on the firewall, will say:
RS6F51H

that is the helical tranny. seems like everyone with that transmission is having problems (sentra spec vs included)?

 

Thanks for the link and replies.

I went with a Torsen because the viscous type need to have fluids changed
every couple of years along with the friction plates when they wear out.

It's been 7 years and about 40 dragstrip passes w/slicks and it's still working perfectly.

 

clutches/fiction plates, i believe, are the vicous limited slip diff's [aka vlsd] read that might have some issues with the perfomance, a small lag time in locking the diff's, and long term durability.


Exactly

 

Viscous lsd uses a silicon fluid in a core, along with a number of discs. The VLSD is speed sensitive as opposed to torque sensitive (with the hlsd).. no clutches involved.

vlsd, depending on your driving style, are supposed to wear out around 60,000miles and require the core be replaced (other wise it functions mostly as an open-diff)

good luck with your purchase

 

seems that since a lot of the cars for sale are at about 60k, i should make sure its the Torsen tranny. thanks.

 

just to clarify, it's not a sure thing that it'll go after 60k miles, but it's a known flaw to this type of lsd. You can always check to see if it's still active.

 

Just to be sure, I know I have the HLSD but what does it do exactly, does it mean if 1 of my wheel slip free(like in snow) I will still have one wheel with traction meaning the car is a 2 by 4 not a 1 by 4 like most tractions.

 

torsen's helical allows smoother shifts and less shock to the actual gears. you have to watch your fluids just like viscous as the design of the teeth allows for more movement/friction and damage to the threading on the outer edge of the gears.

lsd allows perfect power distribution to allow for safer cornering. it is the choice of the sports enthusiast since it allows you to not over corner and hit the guardrail head on (not fun).

also, i just saw what you guys meant about "by the pedals" as the HLSD has the drilled pedals from the factory.