Your car's drivetrain is a vital power-transmitting component ,and
key to dependability. It's responsible for transmitting the flow of
power from the engine to the wheels. The components include the clutch,
torque converter, transmission, driveshafts (or axle shafts in front
wheel drive), Ujoints, CV joints, differential and axles.
Most motorists take these components
for granted until something goes wrong. That "something" can
range from leaks or strange noises to shifting problems to total
failure. If you do a lot of stop-and-go-driving, tow a trailer or
otherwise subject your vehicle to unusual service, check your owners
manual for recommendations. With regular checks and maintenance you
can expect two bonuses: a more dependable car, as well as fewer and
smaller repair bills.
See how much you know about your vehicle's drive train.
1. If you hear a loud clucking sound as you shift your rear wheel
drive car from drive to reverse, you probably need:
a) new universal joints.
b) universal joints tightened.
c) transmission mounts tightened.
2. The most common cause of damage to an automatic transmission is
a) driving too fast in second gear.
b) failure to have bands adjusted.
c) overheating due to improper use.
3. The drive train most commonly used in new cars is
a) front engine, front drive.
b) front engine, rear drive.
c) rear engine, rear drive.
4. Most automatic transmissions are cooled by
a) the vehicle's air conditioning system.
b) a fan driven air cooler.
c) the engine cooling system.
5. A lock-up torque converter is a
a) theft-proof device built onto an automatic transmission.
b) torque converter that serves as a parking brake.
c) torque converter in which the fluid coupling is mechanically locked
out, providing a solid, nonslipping connection for better efficiency.
ANSWERS: 1. a) By the time the
noise has become noticeably loud universal joint failure may be imminent.
You could be stuck on the side of the road. 2. c) Improper use can
range from heavy duty trailer towing without adequate cooling to
excessive "rocking" out of a snow drift.
3) a) is correct. 4) c) is correct. 5) c) is correct.
