8 parts of a manual transmission (and their functions)
A manual transmission is the original type of transmission in an automobile. It requires the driver to operate the gear lever and press the clutch pedal while driving, which increases the burden on the driver. Basically, you shift gears manually while the vehicle is moving.
The vertically protruding shift lever is attached to the center console area, making it easy to grasp and move. The shift lever is connected to the transmission. So it can also be used to change gears.
There is a clutch disc between the internal combustion engine and the transmission. The clutch pedal is located to the left of the brake pedal. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, it disengages the clutch disc, breaking the power connection between the engine input shaft and the transmission.
This means that the engine still runs, but it does not drive the vehicle. This is important if you want to stop the vehicle without shutting off the engine.
Manual transmission systems are also called manual transmissions. Most manual transmissions have 5 or 6 speeds and are operated through a series of gears. While driving, you need to change gears at the right time depending on the speed you need and the power you need.
Manual Transmission Parts
A manual transmission system is made up of several components: Each of them is important for shifting and releasing the clutch. If any of these components are not working, you will not be able to drive smoothly. Below is a list of components of a manual transmission system:
1) Clutch disc
The clutch disc helps to transfer the torque from the engine to the manual transmission system. The disc is controlled by the driver pressing the clutch pedal.
2) Clutch pedal
The clutch pedal is actually a separate gear that is hydraulically controlled. You can disengage the clutch by pressing the clutch pedal with your foot.
3) Synchronizer
The synchronizer stimulates the engagement between the clutch sleeve and the gear so that the speeds can be synchronized. The speeds can be different, so a synchronizer is needed to prevent this.
4) Flywheel
The flywheel is a circular part that transfers the torque from the engine to the clutch disc.
5) Gears
Gearboxes are equipped with gears of all sizes. There are large gears with many teeth and small gears with fewer teeth. Large gears generate additional torque, slowing down the vehicle. Small gears generate less torque, allowing the vehicle to travel faster.
6) Shift forks
These gears are like the arms of a machine. This allows the adjustment ring to move on the output shaft.
7) Shifter
This is the hand-controlled component. It is a vertical lever that protrudes from the center console. It is connected to the transmission and can be used to change gears.
8) Adjustment Ring
When you put a gear in, the adjustment ring locks the selection and allows torque to be transmitted to the output shaft.
Conclusion
If you have never driven a manual car before, it will take some time to get used to it. You will have to practice the best times to engage and disengage the clutch. It’s not like driving an automatic car where everything is done automatically.
Manual cars require more effort to drive, but they are easier to maintain, (often) use less fuel, and (for many) are more fun to drive. Unfortunately, due to lack of interest, more and more car manufacturers are not offering manual transmissions as an option.