Parts & Functions
What connects the output shaft of the transmission to the differential in a rear-wheel drive vehicle?
Driveshaft
What problem might be indicated by excessive play in the driveshaft or a vibration at highway speeds?
A worn U-joint or an unbalanced driveshaft
If a transmission has an input speed of 3000 RPM and a gear ratio of 3:1, what is the output shaft speed?
1000 RPM
What was the first mass-produced car with a manual transmission?
Ford Model T
True or False: "Riding the clutch" (keeping your foot lightly on the pedal) has no effect on wear and tear.
False – It causes premature wear of the clutch components.
What is the purpose of the throwout bearing in a clutch system?
It helps disengage the clutch by pressing against the diaphragm spring.
A car makes a clunking noise when shifting into reverse. What drivetrain component could be worn?
Universal joint (U-joint) or differential
A differential gear ratio is 4.10:1. What does this mean in terms of driveshaft rotations per one wheel rotation?
The driveshaft rotates 4.10 times for every 1 wheel rotation.
What feature did synchronized manual transmissions introduce to improve shifting?
Synchronizers
True or False: Manual transmissions are always more fuel efficient than automatics.
False – Modern automatics can be more efficient due to advanced transmission technology.
What type of gear mechanism allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while cornering?
Differential
A driver complains that the engine revs up, but the car does not accelerate as expected. What is the likely issue?
A slipping clutch
A vehicle has a transmission with a 2:1 first gear ratio. If the engine is running at 4000 RPM, how fast is the output shaft spinning?
2000 RPM
What decade saw the decline of manual transmissions in most U.S. passenger cars?
The 1990s to early 2000s
True or False: You should double-clutch when shifting in a modern synchronized transmission.
False – Synchronizers eliminate the need for double-clutching.
What component in a manual transmission allows for smooth gear changes by temporarily disconnecting engine power?
Clutch
A grinding noise is heard when shifting gears. What could be the likely cause?
Worn or damaged synchronizers
What happens to torque as the gear ratio increases?
Torque increases, but speed decreases.
What type of manual transmission uses sequential shifting, commonly found in motorcycles and race cars?
Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT)
True or False: A higher gear ratio in the differential (like 4.10:1) results in better fuel economy.
False – A higher ratio increases acceleration but decreases fuel economy.
What is the name of the clutch component that presses the clutch disc against the flywheel?
Pressure Plate
A customer complains that their manual transmission vehicle pops out of gear while driving. What could be the issue?
Worn shift forks, loose shift linkage, or weak detent springs
If a vehicle’s speedometer is off after installing larger tires, what drivetrain component likely needs to be recalibrated?
Speed sensor or differential gear ratio correction
What was the name of the early semi-automatic transmission developed by Chrysler in the 1940s?
Fluid Drive
True or False: You should shift into neutral at every stop to extend clutch life
True – Keeping the clutch engaged while stopped can cause unnecessary wear.