POSITRACTION PROBLEMS????
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Monroe North Carolina
POSITRACTION PROBLEMS????
How do you know when your positraction is going bad? Mine still locks up but the passenger side tire mark is not as black as the drivers side also when i go around turns only one wheel spins at first then they both lock in. Do I need to change the fluid will that fix it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: POSITRACTION PROBLEMS???? (Corvettelvr73)
Hmm, did you have a passenger in the seat when you did your test? Seems like to me that if there was nobody in the passenger seat, then there would be better traction on the drivers side due to the extra weight of the driver. Hence, if the drivers side gets more power then I would say your positrac is working fine.
When you go around a corner which wheel spins more than the other? If it's the outside tire then that means your positrac is working fine. The inside wheel will be the one to break free first...on non-positrac differentials the inside tire is the only one to spin. Also, on welded differentials it's the inside tire that breaks free due to the extra weight on the outside tire giving the outside tire better traction.
My positrac gave out on me...cracked the carrier actually. Before it did the positrac was kicking back and forth between the left and right wheels very fast. So, my guess is that the sign for a positrac to be giving out is not that it's tight, but that it's loose.
All in all I'd say your positrac is fine.
When you go around a corner which wheel spins more than the other? If it's the outside tire then that means your positrac is working fine. The inside wheel will be the one to break free first...on non-positrac differentials the inside tire is the only one to spin. Also, on welded differentials it's the inside tire that breaks free due to the extra weight on the outside tire giving the outside tire better traction.
My positrac gave out on me...cracked the carrier actually. Before it did the positrac was kicking back and forth between the left and right wheels very fast. So, my guess is that the sign for a positrac to be giving out is not that it's tight, but that it's loose.
All in all I'd say your positrac is fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: POSITRACTION PROBLEMS???? (Rockn-Roll)
There are two clutch packs in a Posi unit. Theses must slip or you don't have a differential. They also must drive the wheels. There is an additive that MUST be used with the posi units in Corvettes. Without it the clutches will grab-slip, grab slip, kinda like a clutch disk with oil on it. The Chatter or hop can get very severe and even break things in the unit. It is most noticable at slow speeds or starting up making a slight turn. A chattering posi unit that you think is toast may work great after changing the gear oil and adding the additive. Don't let it go un solved or it will cost $$ to fix . USE GM posi oil and GM additve. There probably are others that will work but why take a chance on ruining the unit to save a buck or twon on gear oil..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: POSITRACTION PROBLEMS???? (74 vert)
I have heard pro's and con's . Some think that synthetics are too slippery and the clutches slip too easily. While it may not harm anything, it may not allow the posi unit to work at its optimum. Check their web site and ask.
[Modified by bluevetteman, 8:06 PM 5/18/2003]
[Modified by bluevetteman, 8:06 PM 5/18/2003]
