Vehicle Drivetrain Parts and Components

WHAT IS A DRIVETRAIN?

A vehicle's drivetrain is often referred to as the powertrain or driveline. However, the terms drivetrain, powertrain, and driveline don't actually refer to the same thing, though they're all related to the power required to make your car move.

The powertrain consists of the engine and the drivetrain.

The driveline consists of everything before the transmission. This includes the driveshaft, differentials, CV joints, U-joints, axle shafts, and wheels.

The drivetrain consists of the transmission and the driveline.

WHAT DOES A VEHICLE'S DRIVETRAIN DO?

A car's drivetrain, sometimes written as drivetrain or drive-train or referred to as the powertrain or driveline, is essential to getting your vehicle in motion. The drivetrain components work together to enable you to turn the wheels. It transfers power produced by the engine all the way to the wheels. Once it gets power from the engine and the transmission, it rotates the driveshaft, which then supplies power at a constant speed to the differential and allows the wheels to turn.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRIVETRAINS

The right drivetrain system for a vehicle depends on the driving conditions and how the vehicle is used. There are four different drivetrain systems: four-wheel drive (4WD), all-wheel drive (AWD), front-wheel drive (FWD), and rear-wheel drive (RWD).

What is four-wheel drive?

4WD (or 4X4) means that every wheel gets power directly from the vehicle's drivetrain. The system will power mostly the front or rear wheels, however, unless 4WD is engaged.

What is all-wheel drive?

AWD means the vehicle's drivetrain powers all wheels. The system will power mostly the rear wheels, however, unless 4WD is engaged.

What is front-wheel drive?

With FWD, the vehicle's drivetrain powers only the front wheels.

What is rear-wheel drive?

Like FWD, RWD powers only two wheels, in this case the rear wheels.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION?

Multiple factors can cause a car's drivetrain to stop working properly. Some of the signs and causes are listed below.

Noticeable grease on the wheels, vibration, and unusual noises: caused by worn-out boots, which can lead to rust buildup and broken joints.
Vehicle overheating: caused by either blown head gaskets or problems with the radiator.
Unusual burning smells, noises, leaks, trouble shifting gears, poor acceleration, or check engine light: caused by low transmission fluid.

Whether you have a manual transmission or an automatic transmission, transmission fluid allows you to shift gears in addition to cooling the transmission, lubricating moving metal parts and bearings, and preventing the clutch, valve body, and torque converter from wearing out due to constant friction.

POWERTRAIN ISSUES AND REPAIR

If you begin to experience any of the problems mentioned above, you'll need to diagnose the issue before you can repair the drivetrain. To do this, you have two options: bring your vehicle to an expert or diagnose the drivetrain yourself.

NAPA AUTOPRO DRIVETRAIN SERVICE

If you decide to leave the diagnostics to the experts, take your vehicle to the closest NAPA Auto Parts location. Our expert staff will answer your questions and find the right solution to repair or replace your vehicle's drivetrain parts. NAPA specialists have the expertise and the knowledge to fix your car and keep it on the road.