Drivetrain Basics
What is the primary purpose of the drivetrain?
To transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
What are the three types of transmissions?
Manual, automatic, and continuously variable transmission (CVT).
What do gears prevent by having teeth?
Slippage.
What does a CV shaft connect on a front-wheel drive vehicle?
Transaxle to each front wheel.
Name the four main drivetrain configurations.
RWD, FWD, 4WD, AWD.
Name two main functions of the drivetrain besides transferring power.
Smooth power transfer and control of speed/torque through gears.
What component connects the engine to the transmission in a manual system?
Clutch.
If the drive gear has 12 teeth and the driven gear has 24 teeth, what is the gear ratio?
2:1
What component allows wheels to rotate at different speeds while turning?
Differential.
Which configuration gives extremely good traction due to engine weight on the front wheels?
Front-wheel drive (FWD).
What component connects the transmission to the wheels in a rear-wheel drive vehicle?
Drive shaft.
What device in an automatic transmission uses fluid to transfer power?
Torque converter.
What happens to speed and torque when the input gear is smaller than the output gear?
Lower speed and greater torque.
What is the purpose of a transfer case?
To transmit power to both front and rear drive shafts for 4WD.
What does the range selector in a 4WD vehicle allow you to choose?
High range and low range.
What term describes the way an engine mounts in the vehicle?
Engine orientation.
Name one benefit of a CVT compared to an automatic transmission.
Improved fuel economy, smoother ride, increased acceleration, reduced emissions, less weight.
What type of gears are used in differentials?
Ring and pinion gears.
What type of differential uses sensors and electronics to guide torque?
Torque vectoring differential.
How does AWD differ from 4WD in terms of design and purpose?
AWD is designed for all-weather road use and can split torque variably; 4WD is for off-road and locks torque equally.
Which drivetrain configuration was standard on cars before the 1980s?
Rear-wheel drive (RWD).
What are the three operational stages of a torque converter?
Stall, acceleration, and coupling (lock-up).
Explain why gear ratio is important in vehicle performance.
It determines speed and torque output, affecting acceleration and power.
What might cause a clicking noise when turning sharply on a FWD car?
Worn CV joints.
What is torque vectoring and why is it beneficial?
A system that shifts torque to specific wheels for better stability and cornering.