Most drivers on the road when asked about transmissions and transmission types will honestly say – well I just get in the car (or truck) put the car in drive and drive away. Is there any other type of transmission? If there is I really do not know about it.

Yes there is another type of transmission, which is an alternative to the run of the mill “automatic” transmissions which are so commonplace and indeed standard in the automotive industry. It is the “manual” or “standard” transmissions complete with a clutch. Manual transmissions overall a lot more fun to drive , give a lot more flexibility and perhaps control in emergency situations and in most cases are not only less expensive to purchase in a vehicle but also offer great miles per gallon fuel , and more economical driving when it comes to fuel costs.

What are the basics of manual transmissions and their drive trains? Overall as a summary and basis of simple explanation it can be said that the drive train delivers power to the wheels. It consists of a clutch, assembly or torque converter, transmission, driveshaft assembly, differential assembly (in rear wheel drive vehicles as opposed to front wheel drive transmission setups). Alternatively in the case of front wheel drive vehicles, which in 2010 are much more prevalent and popular on American and Canadian roads a transaxle assembly. Lastly of course we have the wheels which transfer the power to the roadway to propel our vehicles forward or reverse direction.

What is the clutch or “clutch assembly” used with a manual transmission mechanically engages and disengages the engine from the transmission itself.

The clutch assembly is attached to the flywheel and consists of a clutch disc) with friction material on each side) splined on the transmission input shaft. The assembly also ahs a pressure plate made of heavy steel, with coil springs or diaphragm release fingers or lever, and a cover bolted to the flywheel itself. A release bearing slides on the transmission input shaft, and the clutch release fork is connected to the foot pedal for the driver.

Yet how does the clutch function within the whole system of driving and the motion of the automobile? When the clutch pedal is released (in its up position), the clutch disc is sandwiched, under pressure, between the flywheel and pressure plate, connecting the engine directly to the transmission. When the driver pushes down on the clutch pedal, the clutch release fork moves the release bearing into contact with the pressure plate’s fingers. This releases pressure on the clutch disc and disconnects the engine from the transmission input shaft and permits the gears to shift smoothly.

Most manual or standard transmissions nowadays have 3, 4 and some 5 separate gears in their gear selection ranges. In first gear, the sliding low and reverse gear meshes with the cluster low gear. This provides high torque and low speed to the transmission outer shaft. In second gear the clutch sleeve on the transmission output locks with the constant mesh second gear. In 3 gear setups this would be referred to as the “mid gear”. Lastly in a three gear setup in third or high gear the clutch sleeve connects with the input shaft of the transmission to the output shaft producing a 1:1 direct-drive ratio. On a four or five speed transmission the system is basically similar, except there is less difference in ratios form one gear to the next.

Thus this is the basis of how a manual or standard transmission operates and your car, truck or Sports Utility Vehicle and how such a simple and basic mechanical gearing system can with ease and reliably power your vehicle down the road and highways of your travels and trips.

Author Bio: George I. Freed Edmonton Dodge Charger Derrick Dodge is Canada’s #1 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Dealer providing the largest selection of used cars and trucks in Edmonton Alberta Fort McMurray Chrysler Sebring