Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Mazda / Mazda Miata / October 2004

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Toson LSD question

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Brian Turner - 28 Sep 2004 12:41 GMT
I was recently involved in a rear end collision with my 1999 Miata.
The impact broke one of the brackets that holds the differential into
the car.  Since the bracket is part of the one piece differential
housing, the shop is going to have to find a used complete rear axle
assembly to replace it.  My car came with a Torson LSD and I want to
make sure that is what they put back in the car.  My question is how
to identify the Torson form a standard diff.  Are there any external
markings on the diff housing to show that it is a Torson?  Also, did
1999 Miatas come with anything but a Torson and should I even be
worrying about it?

Brian Turner
Chas Hurst - 28 Sep 2004 14:06 GMT
> I was recently involved in a rear end collision with my 1999 Miata.
> The impact broke one of the brackets that holds the differential into
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Brian Turner

The differential housing is of 2 pieces. The aluminum portion (your broken
part) is most likely interchangable with a similar part. The torsen is in
the iron portion.
Unless you know the VIN of the donor car, a torsen differential can be
determined only by visual inspection.

Chas Hurst
the invisible man - 29 Sep 2004 03:57 GMT
> The differential housing is of 2 pieces. The aluminum portion (your
> broken part) is most likely interchangable with a similar part. The
> torsen is in the iron portion. Unless you know the VIN of the donor
> car, a torsen differential can be determined only by visual inspection.
>
> Chas Hurst

With most LSDs, if both wheels are jacked up and free to turn, car in
gear (engine off), if you turn one wheel and the other spins in the same
direction you have a functioning LSD. If the wheels turn in opposite
directions, the differential is open.
Loren
Chas Hurst - 29 Sep 2004 04:16 GMT
> > The differential housing is of 2 pieces. The aluminum portion (your
> > broken part) is most likely interchangable with a similar part. The
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> directions, the differential is open.
> Loren

I own a 10AE with a torsen diff, and what you claim is simply not the case.
A torsen functions as an open differential when it's unloaded, which is the
situation you have decribed.

Chas Hurst
Larry Gadbois - 28 Sep 2004 22:49 GMT
It is most likely that your Torsen was not damaged. It can be installed in
the replacement housing.  If the entire differential is required, the
inspection cover can be removed. If you can see through the center it is an
open differential.  LS package '99s all have Torsen rear-ends.

>I was recently involved in a rear end collision with my 1999 Miata.
> The impact broke one of the brackets that holds the differential into
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Brian Turner
Brian Turner - 04 Oct 2004 19:31 GMT
That is exactly what they are going to do.  No used differentials
could be found so they are going to put mine in a new housing.  After
the body is repaired, the car will be towed to the local Mazda dealer
for the diff repair.  I ended up with $5,500 worth of damage to the
car since they have to use all new parts to fix it.  Again, not too
many used Miata body parts around.

> It is most likely that your Torsen was not damaged. It can be installed in
> the replacement housing.  If the entire differential is required, the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> >
> > Brian Turner
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.