Parts Glossary
Understand the essential components of automotive engineering
Transmission & Driveline
Automatic gearbox
Automatically selects appropriate gears based on speed and load, using hydraulic or electronic control systems.
Axles
Shafts that connect differential to wheels, transmitting rotational power to drive the vehicle.
Clutch disc
Friction disc that connects engine to transmission in manual cars, allowing smooth engagement and disengagement of power.
Clutch fork
Actuates the clutch release bearing when the clutch pedal is pressed, disengaging the clutch.
CV boots
Rubber covers that protect CV joints from dirt and retain lubricating grease.
CV joints
Constant velocity joints that allow driveshafts to flex and articulate while maintaining smooth power transfer.
Differential
Allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds while cornering, dividing engine torque between them.
Differential mount
Secures differential to chassis while isolating vibration and managing drivetrain loads.
Driveshaft / prop shaft
Transfers rotational power from transmission to differential in rear or all-wheel drive vehicles.
Dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
Uses two separate clutches for odd and even gears, enabling extremely fast gear changes without interrupting power delivery.
Flywheel / Flexplate
Provides rotational inertia to smooth engine operation and serves as the mounting surface for the clutch or torque converter.
Gear selector/shift linkage
Mechanical or electronic connection between gear lever and transmission, translating driver input into gear changes.
Half shafts
Drive axles in front-wheel or independent rear suspension vehicles, incorporating CV joints for articulation.
Manual gearbox
Allows driver to manually select gears to match engine speed with road speed, providing direct control over power delivery.
Pressure plate
Clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel, transmitting engine torque to the transmission.
Release bearing/throw-out bearing
Pushes against pressure plate fingers to release clutch pressure when pedal is pressed.
Shift solenoids
Electronically controlled valves in automatic transmissions that direct hydraulic fluid to actuate gear changes.
Synchro rings
Match gear speeds in manual transmissions, enabling smooth gear engagement without grinding.
Torque converter
Fluid coupling in automatic transmissions that transfers engine power to transmission while allowing slippage at low speeds.
Transmission mount
Isolates transmission vibration from chassis while securely positioning the transmission.
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