Technician Handbook ! 302 Manual Transmissions & Transaxles Drivetrain Configurations and Energy produced in the engine is transmitted to the drive wheels through the drivetrain. The drivetrain allows the driver to control powerflow using engine torque and allows the vehicle to move from a stop to cruising speed while maintaining engine speed within its most efficient power band. Components A drivetrain can transmit engine power to the rear wheels, front wheels or all 4 wheels.
• When the drivetrain delivers power to the rear wheels , it is referred to as front engine rear drive (FR or RWD) • When the drivetrain delivers power to the front wheels , When the drivetrain front engine front drive (FF or FWD) • When the drivetrain delivers power to all wheels , it is referred to as 4- wheel drive (4WD). Front Engine, Rear Drive The drivetrain components in the front engine rear drive configuration are:
• Clutch • Transmission • Propeller shaft • Differential • Axle shafts (or drive shafts) Front Engine, The drivetrain components in the front engine front drive configuration are similar to the front engine rear drive, except a transaxle with a built-in differential is used in place of a transmission and rear differential. Front Drive 6 Technical Training