Drivetrain 101: Getting To Know The Power-Provider Of Your Vehicle

Posted on: 8 June 2018

The drivetrain is one of the most complex and important sections of any vehicle, but this system of parts and components rarely gets the respect it deserves until something goes wrong. The simple truth is, not many drivers are familiar enough with the drivetrain and its function to give it the proper respect. The more you know about the drivetrain of your vehicle, the more equipped you will be to tackle signs of problems when they show up. Check out this short list of questions about the drivetrain and the answers you should know as an automobile owner. 

What is the drivetrain comprised of?

The drivetrain has multiple parts, and these parts can vary depending on the type of drivetrain a vehicle has. For the most part, the drivetrain consists of the differential, U-joints, axles, and possibly gears and bearings to help with the translation of power supplied by the motor. If the drivetrain is an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system, there are more components included. 

Is a drivetrain costly to repair?

The cost of repairing a messed up drivetrain will depend on exactly what is wrong. In some cases, one of the smaller components will go bad, such as a seal or gasket, that will not cost much at all. On the other hand, if something goes wrong with gears, axles, or bearings, you could be looking at repairs that can be fairly costly. A complete drivetrain overhaul would be the most expensive repair, but it is rare for all drivetrain components to need replacing at the same time. 

What are some common signs of drivetrain problems?

Drivetrain issues can be difficult to diagnose because they are easily blamed on other problems. For example, if the differential is not translating power to turn the wheels, it is easy to say the transmission must be failing. One of the most common signs of drivetrain issues will be rough movement, which may come across as vibration or even just noise at first. Properly diagnosing drivetrain issues usually involves the help of a professional mechanic because the systems can be so complicated with so many parts to generate issues. 

In the end, the drivetrain of your vehicle works super hard to keep your vehicle moving and utilizing the engine's supplied power. If you would like to know more about your drivetrain or suspect drivetrain problems, reach out to an auto service near you for help. For more information, contact a company like Furgersons Garage.

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