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How does your AWD work?

What makes a Subaru a Subaru? Well, the all wheel drive of course! Among many other unique features and a growing subculture, Subaru has made their name by offering standard all wheel drive on every vehicle except the BRZ. But how does it work?

In order to bring power to the rear wheels, a shaft runs from the Subaru transmission to a differential at the rear. The differential acts like its own mini transmission, with gears inside it that route power from the shaft to the wheels.

Aerial view of a rear differential showing the main drive shaft running into the differential and both axles coming out of the differential to power the wheels.
Drive shaft running to a rear differential

Some Subarus, and many other off-road or performance vehicles come equipped with a limited-slip differential or LSD. Limited-slip differentials allow power to transfer between the rear wheels, allowing for one wheel to gain more traction if the other slips or gets stuck. This results in better handling and more traction.

Cross section of the mechanical gearing of a limited-slip differential
Limited slip differential – Photo credit Aconcagua

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