If your differential isn't working, the car won't go anywhere. If it is in the process of failing there will be noise, which can vary depending on the type of failure. The limited slip action is tested by lifting the car and turning one rear wheel to see if the opposite rear wheel turns in the opposite direction.

Basically there is no way the differential could cause a spin unless it were to lock up for some reason, and of course if it was locked up, the rear wheels wouldn't turn, and you'd be going nowhere. If the limited slip stops working the car is actually less likely to spin.

 

It will also make horrible crunching noises.

 

While I won't go so far as to defend this guy's driving skill, I will dispute all of these guys that say "It's not possible to lose control/spin out at 10-15 mph unless you use some seriously heavy throttle." I've experienced it first-hand (though I regained control before spinning). Slightly damp pavement, cool temps (mid-50s), cold tires. I was taking a turn at 15-20mph in 3rd gear, and used about 20% throttle in the turn (enough to maintain speed, but not really accelerate much). Mid-turn, the tail started to come around. Fortunately, I had room to recover without incident... but it was definitely a surprising moment.

The right moisture/oil mix in addition to relatively smooth pavement will easily result in a 360 degree spin at 10-15 mph... it's almost equivalent to driving on ice.

With that said... this incident was probably driver error as much as anything else.

 

20mph in 3rd gear, at 20% throttle, the engine wouldnt produce enough power to even maintain speed...

 

[QUOTE=mxt_77,Feb 10 2007, 02:08 PM]While I won't go so far as to defend this guy's driving skill, I will dispute all of these guys that say "It's not possible to lose control/spin out at 10-15 mph unless you use some seriously heavy throttle."

 

Mine makes clicking sounds..

 

Under the right circumstances, centrifigual force alone is enough to initiate a spin.

 

LOL, not a good indicator. My KAAZ makes "horrible crunching noises" when it is cold, but all it means is that the oil is cold.

 

The Only time i lost control of my S and did a full 360 was at about 55 mph. It was wet and I was going through a left hand turn much too fast.

The car spun 180... and even at 55mph the revolution would have stoppped there and i would have been going backwards , so I simply corrected and did a reverse 180 and completed the 360 and went on my merry way.

I find it hard to believe that a complete 360 could have been done with the car alone with no driver input. Especially @ 15mph. Not to say its impossible, just highly improbable.