What is the working principle of the drivetrain?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction to the working principles of each sub-assembly of the drivetrain: 1. Clutch: The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. 2. Transmission: By changing the gear ratio, the transmission alters the torque of the engine crankshaft to meet the varying requirements for driving wheel traction and speed under different driving conditions, such as starting, accelerating, driving, and overcoming various road obstacles. Generally, automotive transmissions include manual transmissions (MT), automatic transmissions (AT), dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), and continuously variable transmissions (CVT). 3. Driveshaft: The driveshaft assembly consists of an outer universal joint (RF joint), an inner universal joint (VL joint), and a splined shaft. Both the RF joint and VL joint are constant velocity ball-type universal joints. The VL joint is connected to the differential driveshaft flange with bolts, while the RF joint connects to the front wheel via the splined shaft at the end of the outer race. The left and right front wheels are each driven by a constant velocity universal joint driveshaft.
After all these years of repairing cars, I'm quite familiar with how the drivetrain works. Simply put, it transfers the engine's power to the wheels, making your car move. The engine rotates to generate power. In a manual transmission, the clutch acts like a switch—stepping on it disconnects the engine from the transmission, while releasing it reconnects them. The power then goes to the transmission, which contains gear sets of different sizes. Different gears adjust speed and torque; for example, first gear provides high torque but low speed, while fifth gear offers low torque but high speed, suitable for climbing hills or highway driving. Next, the power travels through the driveshaft to the differential, located at the center of the car's underside. The differential distributes power to the left and right wheels, especially during turns, allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds to prevent dragging or slipping. The entire system relies on oil lubrication and proper component function. Issues like oil leaks or wear can cause jerking or difficulty climbing hills. Regular checks of fluid levels and oil changes—typically every 50,000 kilometers—can extend its lifespan. Nowadays, automatic transmission cars don’t require manual shifting, as the torque converter handles the clutch function, making driving easier but slightly increasing maintenance costs. In short, the drivetrain is the lifeblood of your car—proper maintenance ensures safe and durable driving.
