I was going up a driveway, one tire had no traction (was off the ground due to angle of the driveway), was reving it up to 6k in 1st gear before I got up the driveway from a standstill. I'm under the impression it should work better than that. I did change my diff oil 6k miles ago to Mobil1 but wasn't sure if it's wearing out and wasn't sure how to check. Any ideas? My car has 25k miles. Thanks.

 

What model Z do you have?

 

`uh huh

 

Welcome to OEM VLSD.
Did it work? Yes.
Is it effective? No.
Although it prevents single wheel burnouts, it doesn't transfer nearly as much power as a clutch type or helical.
The VLSD is non-serviceable so you changing to mobil 1 has no effect on the VLSD. With 25k miles, it may already have degraded its fluid.


No, you can't replace the fluid inside the VLSD.

 

just for future reference: include much more detailed information in your posts when you ask a question like this. different models and years have different equipment.

in either case: the open diff on the base cars or the VLSD on the packaged cars (track, performance, gt) sucks. a VLSD requires fluid shear to work which you saw in action; you had to waste some time spinning before it started working effectively. and after a couple thousand miles, 50k+, maybe less depending on how you drive it, the effectiveness is shot. every time the fluid heats up it degrades and eventually it stops functioning properly and you are left with a open differential.

 

VLSD's are good ideas on paper, but they wear out quickly and really no way to (easily) service them.

if you really want full locking action go with an aftermarket LSD like Kaaz, Cusco, OS Giken, Tomei, ATS, etc etc etc... there's tons of em.

 

or Nismo... lol.

and yeah, VLSDs promise seamless transition but in reality it's anything but. newer Quaife designs actually can fulfill that, while the clutch type diffs can fulfill the nastiness needs, and do it cheaper and effective as you want it to.

for a mass produced car however, a clutch type LSD is just not feasible except as possibly an option. mass production is all about compromise in the name of appealing to the broadest audience and a Vlsd or open diff answers that criteria the best and cheapest.

 

REMIND ME about low speed driving situtaitons tomorrow. I need to sleeps

 

Thanks for the responses.

I have a 07 touring, 6 spd. i pulled the plug for vdc/tc so the VLSD was on it's own going up the driveway.

 

I don't really understand your last comment. or why you did it.

 

Pushing the little button near the gas release does the same effect... at least for when you are off the brake.