Manual Transmissions and Drivetrains

Calculate the gear ratio if the driven gear has 36 teeth and the driving gear has 12 teeth.

3:1 3-1 3 to 1

What are the 4 main components of the clutch?

Clutch Disc Pressure Plate Flywheel Throwout Bearing (Release Bearing)

Which type of rear axle gearsets do not need to be indexed?

Hunting Gearset

The shift lever on a manual transmission in a light duty truck is loose and has excessive play in all directions. Which of the following is MOST likely causing this condition? a. A worn shift lever bushing b. A worn detent spring c. A bent shift rail d. Loose shift rods

a. A worn shift lever bushing

Which of the following is probably not the cause of a vibrating clutch? a. Excessive crankshaft end play b. Out-of-balance pressure plate assembly c. Excessive flywheel runout d. Loose flywheel bolts

a. Excessive crankshaft end play

Which type of driving axle supports the weight of the vehicle? a. Semifloating b. Three-quarter floating c. Full-floating d. None of the above

a. Semifloating

Which type of gear develops gear whine at high rotational speeds? a. Spur gear b. Helical gear c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

a. Spur gear

Technician A says damaged powertrain mounts can cause jumping out of gear? Technician B says worn powertrain mounts can cause a transmission to stay locked in a gear. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

a. Technician A

Technician A says that clutch slippage is most noticeable in higher gears. Technician B says that clutch slippage is not noticeable in lower gears. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

a. Technician A

Technician A says that double-cone synchronizers have friction material on both sides of the synchronizer rings. Technician B says that multiple-cone synchronizers are used with larger engines and require a larger transmission housing. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

a. Technician A

Technician A says that in a conventional transmission, the speed gears freewheel around the mainshaft until they are locked to it by the appropriate synchronizer. Technician B says that speed gears are an integral part of the countershaft assembly. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

a. Technician A

Technician A says that reverse lamp switches are activated at the transmission/transaxle by the gearshift lever. Technician B says that reverse lamp switches are activated by a sensor at the input shaft. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

a. Technician A

A reverse idler gear changes the direction of torque flow to the opposite direction of engine rotation. a. True b. False

a. True

A set of gears can be configured or used in three different ways. a. True b. False

a. True

Bearing noise increases under load and is usually described as a growl that gets louder with speed. a. True b. False

a. True

If the fluid reservoir for a hydraulic clutch is low, the entire system should be checked for fluid leaks. a. True b. False

a. True

Some manufacturers recommend the use of heavy oil in the transaxle; others may recommend the use of automatic transmission fluid in the transaxle. a. True b. False

a. True

The cone on a synchronizer's blocking ring serves as a cone-clutch assembly while changing gears. a. True b. False

a. True

The backlash exceeds specifications. The technician should position the ring gear_____ a. closer to the drive pinion gear b. farther from the drive pinion gear c. toward the heel d. toward the toe

a. closer to the drive pinion gear

The double-offset CV joint is typically used in applications that require ___. a. higher operating angles and greater plunge depth b. lower operating angles and lower plunge depth c. higher operating angles and lower plunge depth d. lower operating angles and greater plunge depth

a. higher operating angles and greater plunge depth

When the clutch pedal is released on a hydraulic clutch linkage, the ___. a. master cylinder piston is returned by spring tension b. master cylinder piston is returned by hydraulic pressure c. slave cylinder is returned by hydraulic pressure d. slave cylinder piston does not move

a. master cylinder piston is returned by spring tension

Before making a clutch adjustment, it is necessary to ___. a. measure clutch pedal free travel b. lubricate the clutch linkage c. check the hydraulic fluid level d. place the transmission in reverse

a. measure clutch pedal free travel

A CV joint that is capable of in-and-out movement is a ___. a. plunge joint b. fixed joint c. inboard joint d. Both A and C

a. plunge joint

The shim used on a drive pinion gear is used to properly position the gear so that it can correctly mesh with the ______________. a. ring gear b. side gear c. differential pinion gears d. both b and c

a. ring gear

The component used to ensure that the mainshaft (output shaft) and main (speed) gear locked to it are rotating at the same speed is known as a ___. a. synchronizer b. shift detent c. shift fork d. transfer case

a. synchronizer

Both the clutch and the brake system may share the same master cylinder. a. True b. False

b. False

In most transmissions and transaxles, there is one synchronizer assembly for each speed gear. a. True b. False

b. False

A FWD car has a clicking noise when turning. Technician A says a worn inner CV joint may be the cause. Technician B says a worn outer CV joint may be the cause. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

Technician A says a gear ratio of 3.5:1 is an overdrive ratio. Technician B says a gear ratio of 0.85:1 is an overdrive ratio. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

Technician A says most rear differentials can use 80 or 90 weight gear lubricant. Technician B says limited-slip differentials require special lubricants. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

Technician A says that a gear tooth pattern identifies excessive ring gear runout. Technician B says that gear patterns are not accurate if there is excessive ring gear runout. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

Technician A says that a hunting gearset is one in which one drive pinion gear tooth contacts only certain ring gear teeth. Technician B says that a partial nonhunting gearset is one in which one pinion tooth contacts only six ring gear teeth. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

Technician A says that if a single idler gear is used to obtain reverse gear, its size and number of teeth must be used to calculate gear ratios. Technician B says that an idler gear is often used for reverse gear because it causes the output shaft to rotate in the reverse direction of the input shaft. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

While diagnosing the cause of a clicking noise that is heard only when the car is turning: Technician A says that the most probable cause is a worn wheel bearing. Technician B says that the most probable cause is a worn outboard CV joint. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

While discussing different abnormal clutch noises: Technician A says that pilot bushing noises are most noticeable in cold weather and usually occur when the pedal is being depressed and the transmission is in neutral. Technician B says that release bearing noise is most noticeable when the transmission is in neutral and occurs when the clutch pedal is depressed and stops when the pedal is fully released. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

While discussing the cause of a pulsating clutch pedal: Technician A says that this can be caused by a low fluid level in the hydraulic system. Technician B says that this can be caused by a warped flywheel. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

While discussing the various types of transmissions found on today's vehicles: Technician A says that one type is the sliding gear transmission. Technician B says that one type is the sliding collar transmission. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

While discussing ways to determine if a pilot bushing is faulty: Technician A says that if it operated quietly, it does not need to be replaced. Technician B says that a careful inspection of the transmission's input shaft can determine the condition of the pilot bushing. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

b. Technician B

A manual transmission is difficult to shift but only when the outside temperature is below freezing (32°F or 0°C). Technician A says that the brass blocking ring could be defective. Technician B says that incorrect gear lubricant could be the cause. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

b. Technician B only

Technician A says that if the backlash is okay, then the side bearing preload is also okay. Technician B says that a ring gear tooth pattern check will indicate if the drive pinion depth is correct. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

b. Technician B only

Two technicians are discussing a dented driveshaft. Technician A says that it should be repaired. Technician B says that it should be replaced. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

b. Technician B only

Two technicians are discussing which lubricants are used in a limited-slip differential. Technician A says to use SAE 80W-140. Technician B says that most vehicle manufacturers usually specify SAE 80W-90 be used with or without special limited-slip additives. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

b. Technician B only

A vehicle with a five-speed manual transmission has a squealing sound when the clutch pedal is first depressed. Which of the following is causing this noise? a. The pilot bearing b. The clutch release bearing c. Flywheel d. A worn syncronizer

b. The clutch release bearing

Large cars with long drive shafts often use a double-U-joint arrangement called a ___. a. Spicer style U-joint b. constant velocity U-joint c. Cleveland style U-joint d. none of the above

b. constant velocity U-joint

Using a lubricant that is thicker than the specified lubricant can lead to ___. a. the gear to jump out b. hard shifting c. gear lockup d. gear slippage

b. hard shifting

In a transaxle, the pinion gear on the pinion shaft meshes with the ___. a. reverse idler gear b. ring gear c. countershaft drive gear d. input gear

b. ring gear

When an idler gear is placed between the driving and driven gears, the driven gear: a. rotates the opposite direction as the drive gear b. rotates the same direction as the drive gear c. reduces the torque transfer from the drive gear to the driven gear d. none of the above

b. rotates the same direction as the drive gear

A rough, growling noise that is heard from a transaxle while it is in neutral with the engine running, the vehicle stationary, and the clutch engaged is a likely indication that there is a problem in the ___. a. transaxle input shaft bearings b. transaxle main (intermediate) shaft bearings c. first/second synchronizer assembly d. pinion and ring gear interaction

b. transaxle main (intermediate) shaft bearings

The clutch, or friction, disc is connected to the ___. a. engine crankshaft b. transmission input shaft c. transmission output shaft d. transmission countershaft

b. transmission input shaft

Which of the following gear ratios indicates an overdrive condition? a. 2.15:1 b. 1:1 c. 0.85:1 d. None of the above

c. 0.85:1

Which of the following gear ratios provides the highest torque multiplication? a. 0.85:1 b. 2.67:1 c. 5.23:1 d. 0.50:1

c. 5.23:1

The best tool for checking ring gear runout is a: a. A bore gauge b. A digital micrometer c. A dial indicator d. Straightedge and a feeler gauge

c. A dial indicator

Which of the following would not cause clutch binding? a. A warped clutch disc b. Improper pedal adjustment c. An oil-soaked clutch disc d. A cracked fire wall

c. An oil-soaked clutch disc

Technician A says out-of-phase U-joints can cause a vibration. Technician B says incorrect driveline angles can cause a vibration. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that an oil-soaked clutch disc can cause clutch chatter. Technician B says that clutch chatter can be caused by loose bell housing bolts. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that if the hydraulic clutch reservoir is overfilled, the clutch may prematurely wear. Technician B says that if the fluid level is too low, the clutch may not disengage. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that incorrect clutch adjustment can cause premature clutch disc wear. Technician B says that incorrect clutch adjustment can cause premature clutch release bearing wear. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that limited-slip differential clutch packs are designed to slip when the vehicle turns a corner. Technician B says that a special additive is placed in the hypoid gear lubricant to promote clutch pack slippage on corners. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that side-bearing preload limits the amount the differential case is able to move laterally in the axle housing. Technician B says that adjusting backlash sets the depth of the mesh between the ring and pinion gears' teeth. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that some axle shafts are retained in the housing by a plate and bolts. Technician B says that a C washer or clip retains some axle shafts in the housing. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that some synchronizer assemblies use frictional material on the blocking rings to reduce slippage. Technician B says that the inside of some blocking rings is shaped like a cone lined with many sharp grooves. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that the countergear or cluster gear is actually several gears machined out of single piece of iron or steel. Technician B says that the countergear is driven by the clutch gear and drives the mainshaft speed gears. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

Technician A says that when a car is moving straight ahead, all differential gears rotate as a unit. Technician B says that when a car is turning a corner, the inside differential side gear rotates slowly on the pinion, causing the outside side gear to rotate faster. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

The single Cardan/Spicer universal joint is also known as the ___. a. cross joint b. four-point joint c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

When draining a manual transmission brass particles are found in the fluid. Technician A says this indicates worn bearings. Technician B says this indicates damaged gear teeth. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

While discussing different types of ring and pinion gearsets: Technician A says that with a nonhunting gearset, each tooth of the pinion will return to the same tooth space on the ring gear each time the pinion rotates. Technician B says that when a hunting gearset rotates, any pinion gear tooth is likely to contact each and every tooth on the ring gear. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

While discussing the power flow through a five-speed transmission while it is in first gear: Technician A says that power enters on the input shaft, which rotates the countershaft that is engaged with first gear. Technician B says that the first gear synchronizer engages with the clutching teeth of first gear and locks the gear to the main shaft, allowing power to flow from the input gear through the countershaft and to first gear and the main shaft. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

While discussing the purpose of a clutch pressure plate: Technician A says that the pressure plate assembly squeezes the clutch disc onto the flywheel. Technician B says that the pressure plate moves away from the clutch disc so that the disc can stop rotating. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

While reviewing the procedure for setting backlash: Technician A says that backlash is adjusted along with side-bearing preload by loosening or tightening side-bearing adjusting nuts. Technician B says that normally, to decrease the amount of backlash, a thin shim is installed on one side of the gear and a thick one on the other side. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

c. Both A and B

A manual transaxle is suffering from clutch chatter. Technician A says that clutch chatter is caused by glazed clutch facings. Technician B says a worn pressure plate will cause clutch chatter. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both Technicians d. Neither Technician

c. Both Technicians

A vehicle has a slipping clutch. Technician A says there may be oil leaking onto the clutch assembly. Technician B says the pressure plate may be weak. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both Technicians d. Neither Technician

c. Both Technicians

Two technicians are discussing faulty CV joints. Technician A says on a front wheel drive vehicle, faulty inboard and outboard axle joints can make noise while traveling forward in a straight line. Technician B says an outboard CV joint's noise is more prominent while cornering. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both Technicians d. Neither Technician

c. Both Technicians

Technician A says that the convex side of the ring gear is the drive side on most rear axle assemblies. Technician B says that the convex side of the ring gear is the drive side on differentials used in the front of many four-wheel-drive vehicles. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

c. Both Technicians A and B

Two technicians are discussing bleeding a hydraulic clutch. Technician A says to open the bleeder and allow the fluid to gravity bleed. Technician B says to have an assistant slowly depress the clutch pedal as the bleeder valve is opened at the slave cylinder to bleed the air out of the system. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

c. Both Technicians A and B

Which type of joint has a flatter design than any other? a. Double-offset b. Disc c. Cross groove d. Fixed tripod

c. Cross groove

Torsional coil springs in the clutch disc ___. a. cushion the driven disc engagement rear to front b. are the mechanical force holding the pressure plate against the driven disc and flywheel c. absorb the torque forces d. are located between the friction rings

c. absorb the torque forces

A defective outer CV joint will usually make a a. rumbling noise b. growling noise c. clicking noise d. clunking noise

c. clicking noise

The surface of the pressure plate contacts the ___. a. transmission main shaft b. throwout bearing c. clutch disc d. flywheel

c. clutch disc

Insufficient clutch pedal clearance results in ___. a. gear clashing while shifting transmission b. a noisy front transmission bearing c. premature release bearing failure d. premature pilot bearing failure

c. premature release bearing failure

When the clutch is disengaged, the power flow stops at the ___. a. transmission input shaft b. driven disc hub c. pressure plate and flywheel d. torsion springs

c. pressure plate and flywheel

A collapsible spacer is used in some differentials to provide ______________. a. a lubrication path to the drive pinion bearing b. the proper preload for the side bearings c. the proper preload for the drive pinion bearings d. the proper amount of slippage in a limited-slip differential

c. the proper preload for the drive pinion bearings

The drive shaft component that provides a means of connecting two or more shafts together is the ___. a. pinion flange b. U-joint c. yoke d. biscuit

c. yoke

A poorly adjusted shift linkage can cause which of the following problems? a. Gear clash b. Hard shifting c. The gear to jump out d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Which of the following describes the double-Cardan universal joint? a. It is most often installed in front-engine rearwheel-drive luxury automobiles. b. It is classified as a constant velocity U-joint. c. A centering ball socket is inside the coupling yoke between the two universal joints. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

What could be a symptom of a defective U-joint? a. A vibrations at highway speed b. A clicking sound c. A clunking sound d. Any of the above

d. Any of the above

In front-wheel drivetrains, the CV joint nearer the transaxle is the ___. a. inner joint b. inboard joint c. outboard joint d. Both A and B

d. Both A and B

A manual transmission makes a growling sound that increases with engine speed. The sound is heard toward the front of the transmission with the clutch pedal out and the clutch fully engaged. Which of the following is causing this noise? a A pilot bearing b. Output shaft bearing c. Warped flywheel d. Input shaft bearing

d. Input shaft bearing

Technician A says that all manual transmission vehicles have at least one pilot bearing or bushing for the input shaft. Technician B says that the pressure plate always rotates with the input shaft when the engine is running. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

d. Neither A nor B

Technician A says that most transaxles have a countershaft between the main and output shafts. Technician B says that a countershaft is always in motion when the engine is running. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

d. Neither A nor B

While discussing shift mechanisms: Technician A says that the interlock notches hold the transmission in the selected gear. Technician B says that the detent notches prevent the selection of more than one gear during operation. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

d. Neither A nor B

While discussing the different types of pressure plates: Technician A says that coil spring types are commonly used because they have strong springs. Technician B says that Belleville-type pressure plates are not commonly used because they require excessive space in the bell housing. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

d. Neither A nor B

While discussing the possible causes for a clunking noise during acceleration: Technician A says that an outer CV joint could be the cause. Technician B says that runout in the drive axle may be the cause of the problem. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

d. Neither A nor B

Gold metal shavings are found in the oil after draining a five speed manual transaxle. Technician A says this is a normal condition. Technician B says this is from chipped gear teeth. Who is correct? a. Technician A b. Technician B c. Both Technicians d. Neither Technician

d. Neither Technician

What part(s) wears rapidly if a vehicle equipped with an open differential spins one wheel on ice or snow for an extended period of time a. Ring gear and pinion b. Side gear c. Pinion bearings d. Pinion and side gear thrust washers

d. Pinion and side gear thrust washers

Which of these is the best way to determine which CV joint is faulty? a. Squeeze test b. Runout test c. Visual inspection d. Road test

d. Road test

Inside the drive axle of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the ring gear is attached to the ________. a. drive shaft b. pinion gear c. differential case d. spider gears

d. spider gears

Worn teeth on a speed gear can cause ___. a. gear clash b. hard shifting c. the transmission to shift into a gear d. the gear to jump out

d. the gear to jump out

The proper grease to use with a CV joint is ______________. a. black chassis grease b. dark blue EP grease c. red moly grease d. the grease that is supplied with the boot kit

d. the grease that is supplied with the boot kit

A clicking noise during transmission/transaxle operation may be an indication of ___. a. worn mainshaft (input shaft) bearings b. faulty synchronizer operation c. failed oil seals d. worn, broken, or chipped gear teeth

d. worn, broken, or chipped gear teeth

Which of the gears in a typical RWD transmission is not synchronized?

reverse gear