What is a Transmission System
What is a Transmission system?
A Transmission System is another name for a vehicle’s gearbox and the clutch, clutch disk and other components transferring power from the engine to the wheels. It keeps the engine’s output optimally matched to the speed and load conditions. The torque converter, connected to the automatic transmission/transaxle input shaft, connects, multiplies, and interrupts the flow of engine torque into the transmission. Universal and/or Constant Velocity (CV) joints connect to the driveshaft to transmit output power from the transmission to the rear axle and /or the front axle. These joints also allow the driveshaft and/or CV shaft to work at an angle. Several different types of transmission fluid serve multiple purposes clean, cool, lubricate, transmit force, transmit pressure, inhibit varnish build-up and continually protect the transmission. Wear and tear on the transmission can be influenced by driving habits, towing, operating conditions, and service intervals.
Symptoms indicating possible problems with the Transmission system include:
- Warning light illuminating on the dashboard
- Grinding gears
- Difficulty in changing gears
- Gears slipping – specific in automatic transmissions
- Fluid leaks or low fluid levels
Four (4) types of Transmission Systems:
- Manual Transmission (MT)
- Automatic Transmission (AT)
- Automated Manual Transmission (AM)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Manual Transmission (MT)
With a manual transmission, the driver selects all gears manually using both a movable gear selector and a driver-operated clutch.
Automatic Transmission (AT)
This is a transmission that uses a torque converter, planetary gearset, clutches or bands to shift through a vehicle's forward gears automatically. Some automatics allow the driver a limited amount of manual control over the vehicle by utilizing buttons or paddles on the steering wheel or the gear selector. Common names for such transmissions are "shiftable automatic," "Tiptronic" and "AutoStick"
Automated Manual Transmission (AM)
Similar to a manual transmission, an automated manual (ATM) also employs a mechanical clutch; however, the action of the clutch is not controlled by the driver via the clutch pedal but rather is automated using electronic, pneumatic, or hydraulic controls. Sometimes referred to as a "Direct Shift Gearbox" ("DSG") or a "Sequential Manual Gearbox" ("SMG"), this transmission allows for either fully automatic forward gear shifts or manual shifts through the gear selector or through buttons or paddles on the steering wheel.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
This transmission has a continuously variable drive ratio (as opposed to conventionally stepped gear ratios) and uses belts, pulleys, and sensors rather than gears to maintain a steady acceleration curve with no pauses for gear changes. Because of this, a CVT can keep the engine in its optimum power range, thereby increasing efficiency and fuel economy.
Posted on Dec 05, 2023 by Auto Repair Directory