I also have the same car. The centre diff uses a electro-magnet to lock the diff. When you set it to 2/3 3/4 amber, and do a turn at slow speed, your front wheels are turning much more, while your rear are almost at a standstill.

Simple theory would proove that the diff will have difficulties as the difference in wheel rotation is great.

Always leave it on green when doing such manouvers like parking. One the road, 2/3 or 3/4 is no problem and can greatly improve stability.

Are you used to the car performance yet? I want more!!! What is your boost figures on stock car?

 

Seraph

Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware that you have to juggle the control when performing low speed manouvers(?). At least I know it's not a problem with the transmission.

Car performance is FANTASTIC !!! Took it out last night for the first time since the 1K service. WOW! A bit scary with the heavy rain but I'm looking forward to many, many, more sessions.

Sorry I can't provide you with boost figures since I don't have a boost gauge yet (one planned in the near future though!)

Regards

Simon

 

I have an STi V5 Type R and seem to be having problems with the centre diff lock.

When the control is set so that the dashboard readout shows either of the amber positions (4 or 5), at v.low speeds when turning, the rear diff seems to lock-up.

The car has only done 1.2K and had it's 1K service earlier today.

I've read the SIDC FAQ, and for wet conditions, have set the control between 1/2 and 3/4 as recommended

Is this normal? Can anyone enlighten me please because at the moment I feel that this shouldn't be happening!

Regards

Simon Rayner

 

Simon

As a general guide most people leave the diff lock in the full off position when it is dry myself included and only move the lock forward when it is wet to reduce teh tendancy for the car to oversteer.

Performing tight turns with the diff lock on will cause the rear end to hop and jump about becuase of the different rear diff in a type R. It has a mechanical limited slip differential that means that it locks up whenever power is applied as opposed to relying on a difference in wheel speed to lock up which is what a viscous coupled one requires. This does mean that when you accelerate out of a tight corner even with the diff lock off you will get the inside rear wheel starting to hop a small amount until you wind the lock off a bit. This is most noticeable if there is some loose material such as gravel on the corner.

I would suggest you go and find a nice empty gravel carpark and have a bit of a play and see what does what. With the diff lock on full on gravel it is very dificult to steer the car and I certainly find that winding the diff forward when out on fast dry roads tends to make the front push out a bit more which is what you would expect because you are moving more power to the front wheels which are already working hard to turn the car.

Darren

 

Simon,

I'm sure Darren knows his subject very well, but....gravel?

Try some nice wet grass with smooth ground (no ruts) and it's like driving on packed snow. You'll be amazed how easy it is to spin, but the effects of the diff setting can be very obvious.

It also won't chip your bodywork to buggery!

ps don't try the local golf course without covering up your number plate!

 

Darren / WAYSIDERS

Thanks for the info and suggestions.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for a quiet car park next time it rains (which should'nt take too long )

Simon