Vehicles with a manual transmission have long been a favorite of car enthusiasts that want to enhance their riding experience. But even those enthusiasts that love the manual option, many have very little idea of what their transmission actually does.
To start, a manual transmission has two types; sliding gear and constant-mesh. While both types have similar qualities, the sliding gear option has quickly become outdated and almost all modern manual vehicles feature a constant-mesh transmission.
But how exactly does your vehicle’s transmission work? Let’s take a look at some of the basics:
Constant-Mesh Transmission
The constant-mesh transmission works very similar to a sliding gear transmission. The biggest difference between the two is that the constant-mesh option works in a way where all of the mainshift gears are consistently meshed with the cluster gears. This means that cluster gears, mainshift gears, gearbox, and main drive gears are always rotating, even when your vehicle is in a neutral state.
The Role of Synchronizers
One of the most important parts of manual transmissions is the synchronizers. Without them, the transmission would not be able to work in concert with the clutch to allow for efficient shifting. These synchronizers are generally made from parts that include a hub, inner sleeve, shift plates, springs, and blocking rings.
Advanced Transmissions
While these are some of the basics for modern day manual transmissions, many vehicle owners make the decision to go with advanced transmissions that can further enhance their driving experience. These options are generally designed by transmission experts and generally involve adding additional gears.
The Final Word
The makeup of transmissions has changed quite a bit over the years. While there was a time when 4-speeds were the standard option, you will now be hard pressed to find a passenger vehicle that does not feature 5-speeds. Many vehicles today, mostly sports cars, even feature 6-speed manual transmissions. Some of the most popular 6-speed vehicles include the Porsche Boster S and the Dodge Viper.
While this quick guide should give you a basic idea of how your vehicle’s transmission works, it is always a good idea to get in touch with a transmission expert when any type of work needs done. Even if the price range of repair or rebuilding is out of your budget, they can still provide a lot of great information to make sure everything runs smoothly. Experts like Trans Works have decades of experience helping customers better understand transmissions and how they work.
Trans Works specializes in the repair and rebuilding of a manual transmission. Be sure to get in contact with them if you have any questions about how your transmission works.
