Drivetrain part descriptions
A - F
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Oil-based fluid with special additives that lubricates, cools, and protects the automatic transmission. It should be regularly checked and changed according to the manufacturer’s schedule to prevent transmission problems like slipping, overheating, and failure. Low, dark, or contaminated fluid indicates issues that require immediate attention.
CV Half Shaft Assembly
The CV half shaft assembly, also known as a CV axle, transfers power from the transmission to the wheels. It consists of a shaft with inner and outer CV joints protected by rubber boots and lubricated with grease. CV axles can wear out over time, causing various symptoms before failing completely.
Clutch
The clutch is located between the engine and transmission. It consists of a pressure plate and clutch disc, which engage and disengage the engine from the transmission, allowing for smooth gear shifts and preventing stalling. A faulty clutch can cause slipping, grabbing, noise, hard shifting, and stalling.
Clutch Cable
The clutch cable connects the clutch pedal to clutch components, allowing the driver to disengage the clutch for smooth gear changes. Symptoms of a bad clutch cable include a hard to press or non-returning clutch pedal. Improper adjustment or “riding” the clutch can cause premature clutch failure.
Clutch Disc
The clutch disc is a friction disc located between the pressure plate and flywheel that transmits engine torque to the manual transmission when engaged. Made of similar material to brake pads, it wears out over time and requires replacement. Symptoms include difficulty shifting, slipping, shuddering, and lack of acceleration.
Clutch Master Cylinder
The clutch master cylinder is part of the hydraulic clutch system. When the clutch pedal is pressed, it sends pressurised fluid to the slave cylinder, which disengages the clutch. A faulty clutch master cylinder can cause symptoms like a soft, loose, or hard clutch pedal, shifting problems, and fluid leaks.
Clutch Pilot Bearing
The clutch pilot bearing is a component that connects the manual transmission input shaft to the engine crankshaft, allowing the input shaft to rotate independently. Symptoms of a failing clutch pilot bearing include abnormal noise when the clutch pedal is depressed and hard shifting due to clutch drag.
Clutch Pressure Plate
The clutch pressure plate squeezes the clutch disk against the flywheel, transmitting engine power to the manual transmission. Symptoms of a failing pressure plate include difficulty shifting, slipping, shuddering, engine revving without vehicle movement, and abnormal noises. It’s commonly replaced with the clutch disc, and the flywheel is usually resurfaced.
Clutch Release Bearing
The clutch release bearing, also known as the “throw out” bearing, disengages the clutch by pushing on the pressure plate. A failing release bearing may make abnormal noises when the clutch pedal is depressed. It should be replaced along with the clutch assembly to prevent premature failure.
Clutch Safety Switch
The clutch safety switch is a device in manual transmission vehicles that prevents the engine from starting unless the clutch pedal is pressed. It is a safety feature to avoid the vehicle lurching forward or backward if started in gear. Failure can cause starting issues or unintended vehicle movement.
Clutch Slave Cylinder
The clutch slave cylinder disengages the clutch when the pedal is pressed, allowing gear shifts. Located either externally or internally on the transmission, it receives hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder. A failing slave cylinder can cause shifting issues and potential accidents.
Differential
The differential transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing them to rotate at different speeds when cornering. Signs of failure include unusual noises, leaks, vibrations, and inability to move. Rebuilding or replacement by a professional is often required to fix a faulty differential.
Drive Shaft
The drive shaft is a long tube that transfers rotational power from the engine to the rear differential, allowing the wheels to move. It is usually made of steel or aluminum and has universal joints or CV joints at each end to accommodate suspension movement.