Auto Transmission and Drive Train

Getting the power of your engine to the wheels is the job of your drive train and your auto transmission.

Your engine may spin several thousand times per minute, but if your tires did, you’d be driving a drag racer with burning tires. The auto transmission steps the engine speed down to the more reasonable wheel rotations that make it possible to control your vehicle. After the auto transmission the drive shaft, universal joint (UV), rear end and axles get the power to the wheels on rear wheel drive vehicles, and the axles and constant velocity (CV) joints make the transfer in front wheel drive vehicles. The joints allow for movement in multiple directions so the suspension can move up and down and still get power from the system and may require replacement from time to time. Front wheel drive trouble alert One weakness of the front wheel drive system is the joints that provide power and at the same time flex enough to allow the steering to turn the wheels over a wide range. They are protected by rubber “boots” that keep lubrication in and dirt and debris out. What commonly happens (especially here in snow country) is the soft pliable boot tears and dirt gets into the joint. You may notice a clicking noise when you make a hard turn coming from a front wheel. If you do, it’s time for immediate service. Catching the torn boot early allows us to fix the problem before serious damage is done to the joint. If left alone, the joint will fail, which will stop your vehicle dead since the power from the engine no longer will reach the wheels. We check the boots every time you get an oil change While your vehicle is up on the rack, we check the boots for damage and tears. It’s one of the ways Tires Tires Tires helps you save money while we help you extend the number of miles you get out of your present vehicle.