"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 10

This list focuses on drive trains and axles (Chapters 53-64).

Here are links to all the sections of the textbook published by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.: Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9, Section 10, Section 11, Section 12, Section 13
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. disengage
    release from something that holds fast or entangles
    Only vehicles with manual transmissions require a clutch. Vehicles with automatic transmissions have a fluid coupling, or torque converter, which automatically disengages the engine and transmission at low engine speeds.
  2. lever
    a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
  3. pedal
    a lever that is operated with the foot
  4. cushion
    protect from impact
  5. rivet
    a heavy metal pin used to fasten two pieces of metal
  6. release
    a device that when pressed will let go part of a mechanism
  7. pivot
    axis consisting of a shaft supporting something that turns
  8. ratchet
    move by degrees in one direction only
  9. insufficient
    of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
  10. pulsate
    move with or as if with a regular alternating motion
  11. linkage
    a mechanical system that transmits power or motion
  12. axle
    a shaft on which a wheel rotates
  13. shift
    change gears
    A manual transmission must be shifted by hand to change the amount of torque going to various parts of the drivetrain. An automatic transmission uses hydraulic pressure and sensing devices to shift gears. Without a transmission, the engine would not develop enough power to accelerate the vehicle from a standstill.
  14. mesh
    contact by fitting together
  15. cluster
    a grouping of a number of similar things
  16. synchronized
    operating in unison
  17. arbor
    a shaft that serves as an axis for larger rotating parts
  18. scribe
    score a line with a pointed instrument, as in metalworking
  19. transmit
    transfer to another
    An automatic transmission uses three methods to transmit power: fluids, friction, and gears.
  20. fluid
    a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure
    While a torque converter uses fluid to transfer power, band and clutches use friction.
  21. multiplication
    a multiplicative increase
  22. support
    any device that bears the weight of another thing
  23. stationary
    not capable of being moved
  24. revolve
    turn on or around an axis or a center
  25. anchor
    fix firmly and stably
  26. schedule
    a list of times at which things are planned to occur
  27. mushy
    having the consistency of a soft or soggy mass
  28. harsh
    disagreeable to the senses
  29. varnish
    a coating that provides a hard, lustrous finish to a surface
  30. limp
    proceed slowly or with difficulty
  31. compensate
    adjust for
  32. yoke
    a connection between two things so they move together
  33. joint
    junction by which parts or objects are linked together
  34. universal
    coupling that connects two rotating shafts
  35. differential
    a gear that permits rotation of shafts at varying speeds
  36. swivel
    a device that allows an object to spin or pivot
  37. extension
    an addition to the length of something
  38. propel
    cause to move forward with force
    Many new vehicles use a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. After engine power flows through the transmission and drive shaft, it enters the rear axle assembly. Small gears inside the differential case send torque to each axle. The axles normally hold and turn the rear wheels to propel the vehicle.
  39. traction
    the friction between a body and a surface on which it moves
  40. hub
    central part of a car wheel through which the axle passes
  41. depth
    the extent downward or backward or inward
  42. backlash
    a movement away from an impact
    Ring and pinion backlash is the amount of space between the meshing teeth of the gears. Without sufficient backlash to allow for heat expansion and lubrication, the ring and pinion teeth could jam and the gears would fail; too much backlash could cause gear noise (whirring, roaring, or clunking).
  43. advantage
    the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
    A front-engine vehicle with front-wheel drive and a transaxle (combined transmission and differential assembly) has several advantages, including reduced drive train weight, improved traction, smoother ride, quieter operation, and increased passenger compartment space.
  44. steer
    determine the direction of traveling
    A front-wheel-drive vehicle has several disadvantages: torque steer (upon rapid acceleration, the vehicle tends to steer to one side of the road), less steering feel (focused on overcoming torque steer, the steering wheel gets less feedback about road imperfections), and loss of directional control under hard acceleration.
  45. transverse
    extending or lying across, in a crosswise direction
  46. longitudinal
    running lengthwise
  47. velocity
    distance traveled per unit time in one direction
  48. tripod
    a three-legged rack used for support
  49. retain
    hold back within
  50. cradle
    a trough that can be rocked back and forth
Created on November 2, 2016 (updated December 28, 2016)

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