Rear Diff Question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA.
Rear Diff Question
I have a 04 Z06 with about 6000 miles on it (mostly auto-x). I have had problems with the car pushing through turns lately, more speed more of a problem. My set up is about the same as the other cars in my class. It is also spinning the inside rear tire on tight slower turns. I tried someone else’s car yesterday, what a difference!!!!! It almost seems like the rear diff is locking up causing the car to push. Any one had this problem before, or any ideas?? The car is almost all stock.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
rear end
I would say the diff is not locking up if you are spinning the inside tire on turns. If the diff is working either both tires spin or no tire spins. One of the purposes of a limited slip is to keep the inside tire(the one with less weight on it) from spinning.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA.
The wheel is not spinning like I lost the diff (did that in the Camaro), it seems to keep the same speed as the outside wheel. During tight turns (parking lot type) it seems like something is binding in the diff.
Resident moron
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,746
Likes: 20
From: Assachusetts
I'd change out the fluid, make sure you add the friction modifier to prevent the diff clutches from chattering and/or possibly causing this problem by binding partially. Check to see if anything interestnig falls out when you drain the fluid, the pre-load springs may have failed (I believe that's what they're called).
Dope
Dope
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 231
From: SoCal
I would take it to the dealer. Had my diff clutch packs redone under warrantee when they detected clatter.......all I saw was left plate seal leak 
No matter what they do they will replace your fluid for free
DH
No matter what they do they will replace your fluid for free
DH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
Sounds like something is binding in the clutch packs, and yes a reload of the lube and friction modifier is in order.... If that doesn't cure it, you are looking at a teardown to put new clutches in it.
But it really isn't such a bad thing to have a really tight limited slip in autox, you will come off of corners "shot from guns", but it takes a different driving style to avoid the push... What you need to do is to trail brake deep into the corner. That will lift the weight off the rear of the car and allow it to pivot, then as you reach max lat, roll on the power and hang on baby !!!
Also you could soften up the front bar and the car will go around mid speed corners like on rails....
The best thing that you will also see from a tight LSD is the ability to devour saloms...
But it really isn't such a bad thing to have a really tight limited slip in autox, you will come off of corners "shot from guns", but it takes a different driving style to avoid the push... What you need to do is to trail brake deep into the corner. That will lift the weight off the rear of the car and allow it to pivot, then as you reach max lat, roll on the power and hang on baby !!!
Also you could soften up the front bar and the car will go around mid speed corners like on rails....
The best thing that you will also see from a tight LSD is the ability to devour saloms...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA.
I think you are right, it does sound like something is binding. I was just not that familiar with the C5 Diff. I am use to them going out, not getting tighter. I checked with the company today that did the last service on my diff, they did not put any modifier in when they changed it (do to racing). It sounds like this may be part of the problem. It goes in next week, auto-x next weekend.
I do trail brake, but not left foot brake (big feet little pedals). I agree, I would rather have a tight diff. The front sway bar is stock, I don’t want to go smaller than that. The problem is more in a fast sweeper, I just could not get it to turn in with out slowing down a lot.
I tried a friends car on Sunday, what a difference. I am going to check the rear suspension tonight to make sure there is nothing else.
Thanks for all the input,
Ken
I do trail brake, but not left foot brake (big feet little pedals). I agree, I would rather have a tight diff. The front sway bar is stock, I don’t want to go smaller than that. The problem is more in a fast sweeper, I just could not get it to turn in with out slowing down a lot.
I tried a friends car on Sunday, what a difference. I am going to check the rear suspension tonight to make sure there is nothing else.
Thanks for all the input,
Ken
