Clutch Systems
This component uses friction to connect the engine flywheel to the transmission input shaft.
What is the Clutch Disc?
These components match the speed of the gear to the speed of the shaft to allow for clash-free shifting.
What are Synchronizers (or blocker rings)?
This type of joint is commonly used on FWD vehicles to allow for steering angles while transmitting power.
What is a Constant Velocity (CV) Joint?
This gear set allows the two drive wheels to turn at different speeds while cornering.
What are the Spider Gears (or Pinion/Side gears)?
This component is responsible for splitting power between the front and rear axles.
What is the Transfer Case?
A "chirping" noise that disappears when the clutch pedal is lightly pressed usually indicates a fault in this part.
What is the Release (Throw-out) Bearing?
This type of gear is used for forward speeds because it is quieter and stronger than spur gears.
What is a Helical Gear?
A clicking sound heard only during tight turns usually indicates a failure of this specific joint.
What is the Outer CV Joint?
This is the name for the clearance between the teeth of the Ring gear and the Pinion gear.
What is Backlash?
On a part-time 4WD system, driving on dry pavement in 4H can cause this "binding" sensation.
What is Crowhop (or Driveline Binding)?
If a clutch is "slipping," it means the engine RPM increases but the vehicle speed does not. This is often caused by a weak __________.
What is the Pressure Plate (or diaphragm spring)?
If a transmission jumps out of gear under load, the most likely internal cause is worn __________.
What are Shift Forks or Detent Springs?
On a RWD driveshaft, these must be "in phase" to prevent driveline vibrations.
What are the U-Joints (Universal Joints)?
A howling noise that occurs only during deceleration usually points to a problem with this specific component's preload.
What is the Pinion Bearing?
AWD systems often use this type of "clutch" filled with silicone fluid to transfer torque automatically.
What is a Viscous Coupling?
This process is required to remove air from the hydraulic slave and master cylinders.
What is Bleeding the system?
To calculate a gear ratio, you divide the number of teeth on the ________ gear by the number of teeth on the ________ gear.
What is Driven divided by Drive?
(Ratio = Driven/Drive)
This measurement is used to check if a driveshaft is bent or hitting an "out-of-round" condition.
What is Runout?
When checking a gear tooth contact pattern, "Heel" refers to this part of the ring gear tooth.
What is the outer end (away from the center)?
his internal transfer case component is often used to link the main shaft to the front output shaft.
What is a Drive Chain?
Excessive crankshaft end play can be caused by the failure of this small bearing located in the center of the flywheel or crankshaft.
What is the Pilot Bearing/Bushing?
In a 5-speed transmission, if the output shaft is spinning faster than the input shaft, the unit is in this state.
What is Overdrive?
To change the operating angle of a RWD driveshaft, a technician would use these under the leaf springs or transmission mount.
What are Shims?
This type of axle housing supports the weight of the vehicle on the housing itself, not the axle shaft.
What is a Full-Floating Axle?
In a planetary gear set used for "4-Low," which component is typically held stationary to achieve maximum torque multiplication?
What is the Ring Gear?