hand on the manual gearbox of a stick shift

Manual transmissions aren’t necessarily simple, but they’re much easier to understand in concept than their automatic counterparts. You’re probably aware there are gears in manual transmissions - but there’s a little more to it than that. Here are some of the major components you’ll find in a manual transmission.

Shafts - There are three main shafts inside a manual transmission. There’s an input shaft where engine power is transferred via the clutch, and that drives the layshaft, also known as the countershaft. The countershaft has different sized gears to achieve various gear ratios. Corresponding gears on the countershaft connect to the output shaft. The output shaft is connected to the driveshaft, which powers the differential. 

Gears - Pairings of different gear sizing on the output shaft and countershaft determine gear ratios. A small gear on the countershaft paired with a larger gear on the output shaft means more torque at lower speeds. A large gear on the countershaft paired with a small gear on the output is for high speed, low torque - your overdrive gear. Power is only sent through one set of gears at a time, and the gear is selected by the shifter.

Bearings - The shafts ride on bearings inside the truck’s transmission, holding everything in place and allowing for smooth quiet transfer of power. Synchronizers. The synchros allow gears in your SUV to shift seamlessly and easily, so you don’t have to force or grind the transmission into gear. Friction from the synchros matches the speed at which both gears are spinning, so they mesh up perfectly and the transmission slides into gear.

Shift Forks - The shift forks are operated by the truck’s shifter - they move a sleeve forward or backward along the shaft, engaging the corresponding gear.

Case - The case is the housing, which holds all the internal parts. There’s gear oil in there as well, to keep everything lubricated.

Now that you know what’s inside a transmission, the inner workings are hopefully becoming a little clearer. At Kevin's Auto Repair in Huntsville we have the tools and the skill to service your manual transmission. Call or come by the shop today! 



_________________

Thank you for visiting Kevin's Auto Repair in Huntsville, AL. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer.

Schedule your appointment today BOOK NOW   |   CALL: (256) 534-3772

  • Jasper
  • 247towing
  • Acdelco
  • Angies List
  • ASE
  • B&W Trailer Hitches
  • BF Goodrich
  • BG Products
  • Bosch Automotive
  • Bridgestone Firestone
  • Bumper to Bumber
  • Centramatic
  • Cooper Tires
  • Cummins Diesel
  • Customer Savings
  • Dayton Parts
  • Draw-Tite Hitches
  • Dunlop Tires
  • Duramax Diesel
  • Fleet Services
  • Goodyear
  • Ford Power Stroke Diesel
  • Hankook Tires
  • Hendrickson
  • Hunter
  • iATN
  • Kelly Tires
  • Magnaflow
  • Michelin
  • MACS
  • Marathon
  • Mastercraft
  • Motorcraft Parts
  • NFIB
  • Onan Generators
  • RV Repair
  • Sumitomo Tires
  • Tires
  • Toyo
  • Uniroyal
  • Viper
  • Wifi Available

Kevin's Auto Repair

2315 Spring Branch Rd SW # A
Huntsville, AL 35801
Get Directions

location small (256) 534-3772
Email the Shop

SHOP HOURS

Mon - Thurs:   7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fridays: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Weekends: Closed

Make An Appointment