Bellcrank

nounStandard termMechanical

A pivoting lever bent at an angle to change the direction of applied force or motion.

A mechanical linkage component consisting of an L-shaped or V-shaped lever that pivots at its vertex. It is used to transmit motion and force around a corner, typically altering the direction of a push or pull by 90 to 180 degrees. Engineers use them in control systems, throttle linkages, and suspension geometries to route mechanical inputs through tight spaces.

Heard on the job

The throttle cable pulls the bellcrank, which then pushes the linkage rod down into the carburetor.

Also heard as

  • bell crank