What are the basic components of a manual transmission?
2 Answers
Manual transmission consists of components such as the drive shaft and reverse gear mechanism. Also known as a manual gearbox, it is a fundamental type of automotive transmission that alters gear ratios (referred to as gear ratios). Utilizing the principle of torque through leverage, it employs the largest diameter low-speed gear with the longest radius to amplify engine torque, assisting the vehicle in initiating forward motion. The transmission mechanism can be classified based on the number of forward gears or the type of shafts: by forward gear count, it can be categorized into three-speed, four-speed, five-speed, and multi-speed transmissions; by shaft type, it can be divided into fixed-axis (where the gear rotation axis remains stationary) and rotating-axis (where the gear rotation axis also rotates, such as in planetary gear transmissions). Among these, fixed-axis manual transmissions can be further classified by the number of shafts into two-shaft, intermediate-shaft, dual intermediate-shaft, and multi-intermediate-shaft configurations.
The basic structure of a manual transmission involves multiple aspects. Having driven manual cars for decades, I feel the clutch is one of the core components—you press it to disconnect the engine's power, while the gear lever selects different gear ratios. The input shaft receives power from the engine, and the output shaft connects to the drive wheels to transmit power. The intermediate gearset provides speed variations, such as first gear offering strong starting force but low speed, while fifth gear enables high-speed and fuel-efficient cruising. The synchronizer is ingeniously designed to help gears engage smoothly, reducing grinding noises, whereas the reverse gear operates independently to allow the car to move backward. The entire structure is protected within a metal housing, with lubricating oil reducing wear. In daily driving, especially on mountain roads, frequent gear shifts test the durability of the structure. I recommend beginners learn the proper timing for clutch engagement to avoid premature gear wear and remember to regularly check transmission fluid to prevent overheating issues caused by leaks.
