Sperrdifferenziale

Sperrdifferenziale, often translated as "locking differential" or "limited-slip differential" in English, is a type of differential that can overcome the limitations of a standard open differential. A standard open differential allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds, which is beneficial during turns. However, if one wheel loses traction, the open differential will send all available torque to that wheel, causing it to spin uselessly while the vehicle remains stuck.

A Sperrdifferenziale is designed to mitigate this issue. It achieves this by limiting the speed difference between the two wheels on an axle. There are various mechanisms to accomplish this, including clutch-based systems, viscous couplings, and mechanical gear-based designs. When a speed difference is detected, the Sperrdifferenziale engages to transfer some torque to the wheel with better traction. This ensures that both wheels on the axle receive a portion of the engine's power, improving traction and enabling the vehicle to move forward even when one wheel is on a slippery surface.

Sperrdifferenziale are commonly found in vehicles where enhanced traction is important, such as sports cars, off-road vehicles, and performance-oriented sedans. They can significantly improve a vehicle's ability to accelerate and maintain control in challenging driving conditions, including snow, ice, mud, and uneven terrain. While they offer improved performance, they can sometimes introduce slight tire scrub or noise during very tight turns compared to an open differential.