Guides: Automotive: Transmission and Drives

eBooks

Advanced Hybrid Powertrains for Commercial Vehicles -- Chapter 3: Introduction of Clutches and Transmission for Commercial Vehicles "Transmissions convert the engine output speed and torque to meet the demand of the vehicle for starting, stopping, slower travel, overdrive, and other operations. The transmis- sion of a commercial vehicle provides speed and torque conversions from the output of the prime mover, such as the internal combustion engine, to the drive wheels" -- taken from book
Automotive Power Transmission Systems Provides technical details and developments for all automotive power transmission systems. The transmission system of an automotive vehicle is the key to the dynamic performance, drivability and comfort, and fuel economy. Covers aspects of design, analysis and control. Includes the most recent developments in the field of automotive power transmission systems.
Advanced Vehicle Technology (2nd Edition) A bit of an older book, but has some very useful descriptions of clutches, gearboxes and transmissions from the 1990s and 2o00s.

Online Articles

Car Transmission and Drivetrain Systems From the website 'HowStuffWorks' - Upkeep of your transmission may save you money in the long run. Learn manual and automatic transmission basics, then move on to clutches, differentials and torque converters.
Simple Guide to Various Automotive Transmission Types A simple guide that explains some of the more common types of transmissions, including, conventional automatic, CVT, Manual and Dual clutch.
Troubleshooting: Common Clutch Issues and Causes "There are several ways that the clutch in your car can go wrong, but once you understand the parts, and how they interact, finding and fixing the problem should be easy." -- taken from article.
How a Manual Transmission Works Cars need transmission so the engine doesn't blow up due to it exceeding maximum RPM. This article is a good basic explanation about how manual transmissions work.
How Dual-clutch Transmissions Work Given a different name by some manufacturers (DSG by VW for example), Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT), split odd and even gears along two separate input shafts.
How CVTs Work Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) use a pulley system rather than traditional gears and toothed wheels to transfer power and energy from the engine to the wheels,

Online Videos

Automatic Transmission Technology Driving a car with an automatic transmission may be relatively simple, but the machinery isn’t! Technicians-in-training need a clear and thorough visual guide. This video provides an in-depth technological grounding that will enable students to troubleshoot and repair systems which make up today’s automatic transmissions. (25 minutes)
Chassis and Front End Series A collection of videos about how to service brakes, steering, suspension and bearings.
Clutch Operation and Service Demonstrating a wide range of standard shop techniques as well as a few handy tricks of the trade, this video introduces viewers to the operation and service of typical automotive and light-truck-type clutches. Beginning with an overview of the theory and construction of clutches, the program then shows how to inspect, diagnose, remove, and replace clutch components efficiently. (21 minutes)
How Automatic Transmissions Work. Diagnosis, Prevention and Repair. A short video explaining how transmissions work, and the symptoms of a transmission that is in need of repair.
How does a clutch work? "Ever wondered how your car’s clutch works? Most of us press our foot down on the pedal, shift gears and think nothing more about what’s happening down below." -- taken from description.
How does the mechatronic in the automatic transmission work? Consisting of 3 main components, Control Units, Valve Body & Solenoids, the mechatronic unit controls the transmission and torque converter through hydraulic pressure.
Manual Transmission Technology For enjoyable open-road driving many people prefer a stick shift. In much the same way, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of providing first-rate service and maintenance on a manual transmission. This video illustrates the engineering and operating principles of helical gear manual transmissions with help from high-energy graphics, animation, and live-action footage. (21 minutes)

Books in the Library

Auto Fundamentals (12th edition) Auto Fundamentals leads students through the design, construction, and operation of all major automotive systems. It touches on different professions within the automotive industry and is intended for those who need a sound foundation in the basics of automotive technology.
Automotive Mechanics (10th edition)
Today's Technician : automatic transmissions & transaxles (Classroom manual) This proven resource (7th edition) includes practical, easy-to-understand coverage of topics aligned to the latest ASE Education Foundation standards for the MLR/AST/MAST program accreditation levels, including continuously variable transmissions (CVT), drivelines for front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, and the latest information on today's high-tech electronic controls and automatic shifting devices. The Classroom Manual provides easy-to-understand coverage of every applicable ASE Education Foundation standard, while the Shop Manual includes Job Sheets to guide you through hands-on service and repair tasks. Written with the needs of current and aspiring technicians in mind, this trusted text will help you master the design, construction, troubleshooting techniques, and procedures necessary for a successful industry career.
Today's Technician : automatic transmissions & transaxles (Shop manual) Includes practical, easy-to-understand coverage of topics aligned to the latest ASE Education Foundation standards for the MLR/AST/MAST program accreditation levels, including CVT, drivelines for front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, and the latest information on today's high-tech electronic controls and automatic shifting devices.