Autoshop 101

Online Resources

The Automotive Drivetrain

Summary: From the Transmission, through the drive shaft and ending up in your rear axle, the torque your engine produces reaches the road through your car's drivetrain. Learn the differences between front and rear wheel drive systems, common problems and more...

Before you start work, make sure you have a good repair manual. We recommend and use an online manual from ALLDATA.

Common Problems:

Manual transmission suffer from wear mainly in the synchronizers. The synchronizers make shifting easier and help to prevent gear clash. Over time the synchronizers, which are made of brass, can wear out causing hard shifting and grinding.
Automatic transmissions can also wear out, causing slipping and uneven shifting patterns.
Universal joints can wear and cause vibrations while driving. Many newer universal joints are sealed and can not be lubricated, leaving replacement as the only option.

Preventive Maintenance:

Change the fluid in your transmission at recommended intervals. Your owners manual will give you a time schedule in miles and or months. If you tow a boat or trailer be prepared to change the fluid even sooner. Most owners manuals will give you recommend intervals for severe use like towing or off-road use.
Do not "ride" the clutch if you have a manual transmission. Learn to release the clutch in a smooth motion without revving the engine too much. Revving the engine too much while pulling out can cause premature wear on the clutch.
If you do tow a boat or trailer, consider getting a transmission cooler for your automatic transmission. Temperatures can approach the boiling point in severe conditions. Most newer trucks come equipped with transmission coolers if sold with a towing package.
Make sure your universal joint are lubricated at oil changes if they are the type which can be lubricated. When replacing universal joints try to find replacements with lubrication fittings so you can lubricate in the future.
If you have a front wheel drive car, avoid applying the gas to the floor while the wheels are turned at full lock. This puts stress on the universals and can cause premature failure. This can happen when stuck in the snow and trying to get out.

What to discuss with your mechanic:

If you are noticing a vibration in the car while driving, make sure to describe when it happens. While accelerating?; braking?; Maintaining speed?; When turning?

If you have any other questions feel free to ask me.

Share This Page With Your Friends

Drivetrain Videos

Want A Job That Pays $1200/hr?

Latest Drivetrain Blog Posts

Jeep Transmission Repair Costs?: Question: How much should it cost with labor and everything to replace a second gear synchronizer on a 2002 jeep wrangler 4.0 litre standard car. Answer: I do not have a labor guide in front of me to give you an exact number. The AllData online manuals have labor guides included for most vehicles, but you do [...]

Ford F-350 Transfer Case Damage?: Question: Hello. I let my neighbor borrow my Ford F350 Diesel Pickup truck. When I picked it up, he informed me that he had put it in 4-wheel low. I asked him if he put it in neutral first, and he said he did not, he just had it in park. My question is, will that [...]

Clicking from front end when turning.: Question: Everytime i’m driving my car,i here this clicking noise when i turn the wheel to the right..i’m afraid i might “break” something or possibly have the car stop running while i’m driving…what is this and also when i leave from my parking spot,there seems to be a grease spot on the ground…i know it is not the oil in [...]

Sonoma Clutch Cylinder Problems: Question: There’s been something going on with my clutch ever since my floormat got shoved up in there and was pushing up on where the clutch thing connects to the master clutch cylinder. It’s not leaking any fluid, but it’s almost like air is getting in there. I’ve seen a lot of info about how the slave cylinders have needed [...]

Clutch Noises: Question: Hi Kevin: It is interesting stumbling on this site. My 1992 Honda Ballade makes a noise in idle running. Pressing the clutch stops the noise. What part of the clutch could this noise be coming from? What could be the cause from your own view? -Tunji Answer: Either the pilot bearing or the throwout bearing. Generally the [...]