Description & Operation
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 1997 Pontiac Firebird, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro, 1996 Pontiac Firebird, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, and 1996 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Limited slip differential directs a majority of driving force to the wheel with best traction. This is accomplished by 2 spring-loaded thrust plates pressing against differential side gears, seated in tapered brake cones.
Brake cones fit into a tapered recess in each end of differential case. Outward pressure of thrust plate assembly forces brake cones against recesses, providing resistance to normal differential action. Thrust plate spring load is calibrated to permit some slippage under various torque conditions.
All models equipped with limited slip use the Auburn (limited slip) differential units. The Auburn differential is not serviceable and must be replaced as a unit. See Fig 1 .