Differential Configuration Explaination

[rich71]

Is there a thread or resource that explains how the redline diff works? I get more looks in parking lots from the embarassing clunks when driving slow, then releasing the clutch....People ask what is wrong. I tell them it is the way the diff is designed. They then are interested and ask why is it designed to sound like a piece of S***? I don't have the answer. Can anyone help? I haven't been able to find a schematic, or proper explanation of how it is designed and how it works.

[dengel]

Do you have the limited slip differential?

A general explanation of how differentials work and what an LSD is can be found here, http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

Why the ones used on the Solstice and Sky clunk is another matter.

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by rich71

Is there a thread or resource that explains how the redline diff works? I get more looks in parking lots from the embarassing clunks when driving slow, then releasing the clutch....People ask what is wrong. I tell them it is the way the diff is designed. They then are interested and ask why is it designed to sound like a piece of S***? I don't have the answer. Can anyone help? I haven't been able to find a schematic, or proper explanation of how it is designed and how it works.

I guess you can always order the factory Shop manual, Helm Publishing usually publishes them. I don't recall if it's in the Sky's owner's manual, but in most GM cars it is in the back of the book where you can order the different manuals.

[dengel]

Back in July 2006, a GM Engineer came and spoke to a number of Solstice owners at the First Annual North American Solstice Meet in Kansas City. There was a Q&A session where he answered a number of questions from the group.

Here was his response to the clunking diff question.

My differential makes a Clunking noise/whining noise/both. Is there any way to fix this? Is GM aware of the issue?
In short, yes, GM is aware of the issue. There is no 'fix' for shifting clunk or whine.

Addressing Misinformation:
The clunk and whine is not an indication of any near-term failure, it is unaffected by different fluids (and as a matter of fact only the recommended fluid and additive should be used), and cannot be solved by changing differential mount bushings to harder or softer bushings. The clunk and whine are unrelated issues to the pinion seal leaks.

Some facts:
Limited slip differentials tend to be more noticeable than open differentials. Whine can vary in intensity, and clunk can be more noticable if the differential is heated up. The source of the noise is the differential, not the transmission. Whine has some influence on break in, so avoid wide open throttle starts and vary the speeds in your car for the first 500-1000 miles. The effects of break-in are not huge, but severely treating your car in the first 1000 miles is not recommended and is certainly not good for the differential. The clunk is not as much of an issue in Solstices with the automatic transmission. The clunk is also dependent on driving style, and upshifting at a higher RPM can reduce clunk in your car.

All RWD differentials clunk to some extent, and most will exhibit some whine, even on competitive vehicles. The issue exists on the Solstice because we had to use common parts with the CTS/STS including the type of mounting. In the Solstice, the differential is mounted directly to the structure and noises coming from the differential have a direct noisepath.

We are looking at ways to sucessfully address this issue from an engineering standpoint for future cars, but there is no fix for current cars already produced. I am sorry to bring you that news, but I would rather be honest then mislead you.

The rest of the thread, with some other questions, is located here, http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=20063, for those who are interested.

[SkyMan 08]

Good Job Dengel