Are you noticing your car is slipping a bit? If so, it may be time to upgrade to carbon fiber clutches in the limited slip differential. Save yourself a lot of money by doing this on your own. YouTube mechanic #ChrisFix shows you how.
How does ChrisFix say to install carbon fiber clutches?
It may sound complex, but ChrisFix says you can install carbon fiber clutches easily at home. Here’s how:
- Soak the clutches in friction modifier
- Prepare the car and disassemble the unit
- Replace the clutches
- Re-install everything
- Re-install the brakes
The video makes it look really easy, and we’ve made it even easier by breaking down the steps in this article. Want to learn more car care tips? Subscribe to Chris’s channel!
How Do You Know if Your Limited Slip Differential Needs to Be Rebuilt?
Chris knew he needed a limited slip differential rebuild because his track car was occasionally losing traction. However, he indicates this can be a problem for everyday cars too.
If you’re noticing problems with traction, it could be due to your limited slip differential. If the car suddenly can’t get traction in slippery conditions, this could be the issue. If you’re off-roading or towing and it slips, that can be the issue.
How Do You Know if You Have One
Find the rear differential and look for a tag. If the code has an “L” after the first number, then it means you have a limited slip differential. If the tag has fallen off, get the VIN. Type it into a VIN decoder or Vehicle History to get all of the details about your car.
How Do You Rebuild the Limited Slip Differential
Here are the steps to rebuild the limited slip differential:
Step 1 – Soak the Clutches
Grab a friction modifier additive. Put the clutches in a dish and cover them in the friction modifier. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Prepare the Car
Put the car safely on jacks and remove the brake calipers on the rear of the car. Make sure the calipers don’t hang from the brake line.
Next, remove the differential cover. Use an oil catch can to capture the fluid. Keep the last bolt loosely connected while the fluid drains, then remove completely.
Remove the gasket using a plastic scraper. Be sure to cover the gears to prevent dirt.
Step 3 – Disassemble the Unit
Chris shows you how to disassemble the unit. Turn the transmission until you find the lock bolt, then put the car in first or park to hold the transmission still. Remove the lock bolt. Reach behind the differential to push out the pin and slide it out.
Put the car in neutral and spin the axle to find the c-clips and spider gears and spring. Push the axle in so you can find the c-clips. Use a magnet to get the c-clips out. Pull the axle out about six inches.
Pull the axle out. If you haven’t done so in a while, replace the bearing and seal as part of your preventive maintenance.
Removing the s-spring takes a bit more attention because it’s under tremendous pressure. Put on eye protection first. Place a piece of wood over the spring and tap the wood with a hammer until the spring cannot go down any further.
Spin the transmission around and clamp the spring where it’s sticking out. Pull the spring out using clamping pliers and a screwdriver.
Finally, mark the gear and differential with a paint marker so you can re-install it properly. Remove the spider gears. Make sure the washer comes off too. Then remove the side gears.
Step 4 – Replace the Clutches
Check the order of the plates and clutches. Keep things in order. Lay out the washer, clutches, and steel plates in the same order as the originals.
Put the new clutch pack on the gear. Stick the washers on with gear oil. Remember to install spider gears at the same time to make it easier.
Step 5 – Re-install Everything
Reinstall everything in the opposite order. Make sure the clutches are aligned so they fit properly.
For the s-spring, compress it with a vice or c-clamp. Clamp it as far as you can and lock it with locking pliers, and push it into the differential. Tap it in with a piece of wood and hammer.
Check to see if it’s installed properly by putting the pin in. It should slide through.
Put the left and right axles back in, and put in a c-clip. Lock in the c-clip by pulling on the axle. Put the cross pin back in, and add a new cross pin bolt, not the old one. Torque it to 25 foot-pounds.
Add a new diff cover. Use a cheap paper gasket to seal the connection.
Step 6 – Add Gear Oil
Choose gear oil that’s made for limited slip differentials. Fill the differential with oil. Add 4 oz of friction modifier as well. Watch the fill hole to know when it’s full. Plug the fill hole.
Step 7 – Re-install the Brakes
Re-install the brakes and put the tire back on. You’re done!
Learn About Your Car’s Make, Model, and History
If you’re researching your car to see if it has a limited slip differential, Vehicle History is the place to start. Put in the VIN and get all of the details and maintenance history for your car.
