driveline

Driveline refers to the collection of components that transmit power from a vehicle’s engine to its drive wheels. In conventional setups, the driveline includes the clutch or torque converter, the transmission or transaxle, one or more driveshafts or half-shafts, and the differentials and axles that deliver power to the wheels. In four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems, a transfer case and sometimes a center differential are added to distribute torque between front and rear axles.

Configurations vary by layout. In two-wheel drive vehicles, power travels from the engine through the transmission to a driveshaft and then to a differential that drives the wheels. In front-wheel-drive cars, the transmission and differential are combined in a transaxle, with power delivered to the front wheels via constant-velocity joints. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, a driveshaft connects the transmission to the rear differential. In all-wheel-drive systems, a transfer case or center differential splits torque between front and rear axles, and some systems continually or selectively engage different wheels.

Key functions and considerations include accommodating suspension and steering motion with joints such as U-joints or CV joints, and managing gear ratios and efficiency. Driveline losses affect overall power delivery and fuel economy. Design aims to balance weight, complexity, durability, and noise, vibration, and harshness.

Maintenance typically covers lubrication and fluid levels for transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials, as well as inspection of joints and driveshaft balancing. Common issues include vibrations, clunking noises, or difficulty engaging gears, signaling wear or misalignment in the driveline.