An assembly of gears, shafts, and clutches or bands that multiplies engine torque and controls the rotational speed sent to the drive wheels. It allows the internal combustion engine to run within its narrow power band while the vehicle accelerates from a stop to highway speeds. The unit typically bolts directly to the rear of the engine block and transfers output to a driveshaft or directly to the axles.
We need to drop the transmission to get to the rear main seal.
Also heard as
- gearbox
- tranny
- Transmissioned
Related terms
Drivetrain
The complete group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface.
Torque converter
A fluid coupling that transfers rotating power from the engine to an automatic transmission.
Clutch
The mechanical assembly that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission.
Manual transmission
A gearbox requiring the driver to manually select gear ratios using a shift lever and a clutch.
Automatic transmission
A gearbox that changes gear ratios independently without a manual clutch pedal.