4WD Diff settings (Haldex clutch centre)

Messages
3
OK heres one for someone who has gotten a LOT further than me!
There are two main types of 4WD set up. Basically full time 4WD (Impreza WRX, EVO etc) and part time (Mazda MPS, Audi TT, VW Golf etc). A full time 4WD has power constantly running to the rear wheels via a differential whereas a part time 4WD delivers power via a (Haldex) clutch to the rear wheels ONLY when there is front wheel slip, this means that the car operates as a front wheel driver most of the time.
The effect of this is that in a part time 4WD set up the car must break into understeer before drive is directed rearwards due to the fact that the front wheels need to slip before the system is activated. With a constant 4WD set up you can reduce understeer by installing a variable centre diff and directing more power to the rear wheels, however because there is no diff on a part time 4WD set up a variable centre diff is of course not available.
Another method of reducing understeer in a constant 4WD set up is to install a diff. In real life on a part time (Haldex) set up we would install a diff in the front. Which leads me to my question.....
If I install a diff in my understeering Mazda 6 MPS will it be installed in the front or the rear of the car?
This is a big question as it will affect my choice of diff or whether I even spend my limited cash in installing one at all?
Any ideas?

Pete
 
I'd say that it would be placed in front, because the stock model is front wheel drive, like stock golfs are as well.
 
Leonidae
I'd say that it would be placed in front, because the stock model is front wheel drive, like stock golfs are as well.

Not really so, because while there is not diff rear diff on a front driver this is because the rears aren't driven, when they install 4WD a rear diff must be installed, otherwise you couldn't turn corners!

I'm guessing you are right but I'm not really keen on spending the money on the wrong diff, I'm struggling for cash at the moment! I'm looking at other ways to dial out the diabolical understeer on this car but the correct diff should be the best way to do it.....
 
Peter Marcatili
Not really so, because while there is not diff rear diff on a front driver this is because the rears aren't driven, when they install 4WD a rear diff must be installed, otherwise you couldn't turn corners!

I'm guessing you are right but I'm not really keen on spending the money on the wrong diff, I'm struggling for cash at the moment! I'm looking at other ways to dial out the diabolical understeer on this car but the correct diff should be the best way to do it.....

turn driver asssists off, except the ASM understeer.. turn it to 5-10, it has made my RS6 a real drift devil.. :cool: :lol:
 
Back