Mechanic Glossary

Active Yaw Control

An active differential system that uses electronic sensors and clutches to actively transfer torque between the left and right drive wheels to control vehicle rotation (yaw).

Active Yaw Control (AYC) is a performance drivetrain system that helps steer the car by sending torque to specific wheels. First made famous on rally-inspired cars, this system does not just brake the inside wheel during a slide. Instead, it uses a specialized rear differential with wet clutches to actively pump extra power to the outside wheel during a corner, pushing the car around the turn.

The system relies on sensors tracking steering angle, throttle position, and yaw rate. If you enter a sharp corner, the computer detects the steering input and clamps the outside axle's clutch. By spinning the outside wheel faster, it creates a turning force (yaw moment) that combats understeer, allowing you to carry more speed through corners.

Maintaining these systems requires specialized gear oil. The differential housing has separate chambers: one for the hypoid gears and another for the wet clutch plates. Putting the wrong fluid in the clutch chamber will ruin the plates, causing shuddering noises and system failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

It transfers engine power between the rear wheels during cornering to reduce understeer and help steer the vehicle.
Stability control uses the brakes to slow down a sliding car, while AYC uses clutches in the differential to send power to the wheel with the most grip.
It requires regular fluid changes in both the gear side and the clutch side of the differential using specialized fluids, typically every 30,000 miles.

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