CTE Transmission & Drivetrain Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a torque converter in an automatic transmission?
- Transfer engine torque to the transmission while allowing slip at low speeds (Correct answer)
- Lock the transmission output shaft to prevent rollback
- Regulate transmission fluid pressure throughout the system
- Convert rotational energy into hydraulic pressure for gear shifts
Correct answer: Transfer engine torque to the transmission while allowing slip at low speeds
A torque converter uses fluid coupling to transfer engine torque to the transmission, allowing the engine to idle while the vehicle is stationary.
Question 2: Which component in a manual transmission prevents gear clash during shifting?
- Pressure plate
- Synchronizer ring (Correct answer)
- Throwout bearing
- Pilot bearing
Correct answer: Synchronizer ring
Synchronizer rings (synchros) match the rotational speeds of the gear and shaft before engagement, preventing grinding or clashing.
Question 3: A vehicle with a front-wheel-drive layout uses which type of joint to handle both drive and steering angles?
- Universal joint (U-joint)
- Constant velocity (CV) joint (Correct answer)
- Rzeppa joint only
- Tripod joint only
Correct answer: Constant velocity (CV) joint
CV joints maintain constant rotational speed regardless of joint angle, making them essential for FWD vehicles that must steer and drive simultaneously.
Question 4: What does a limited-slip differential (LSD) do compared to an open differential?
- Locks both axles together permanently for off-road use
- Distributes more torque to the wheel with greater traction (Correct answer)
- Reduces rotational speed to both driven wheels equally
- Eliminates the need for a ring and pinion gear set
Correct answer: Distributes more torque to the wheel with greater traction
An LSD uses clutch packs or other mechanisms to bias torque toward the wheel with better traction, improving performance over an open differential.
Question 5: In a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the driveshaft connects the transmission output to which component?
- Transfer case
- Front differential
- Rear axle differential (Correct answer)
- Transaxle
Correct answer: Rear axle differential
In a RWD layout, the driveshaft transmits torque from the transmission to the rear axle differential, which then splits power to the rear wheels.
Question 6: What is the gear ratio of a transmission in direct drive (1:1)?
- Input shaft turns twice for every one output shaft turn
- Input and output shafts rotate at the same speed (Correct answer)
- Output shaft rotates faster than the input shaft
- Gear ratio changes continuously based on vehicle speed
Correct answer: Input and output shafts rotate at the same speed
A 1:1 ratio means the input and output shafts rotate at identical speeds, providing no mechanical advantage or speed reduction.
Question 7: Which teaching method best helps CTE students understand gear ratio calculations in drivetrain systems?
- Lecture-only instruction covering all formulas
- Hands-on lab using actual gear sets to measure input/output rotations (Correct answer)
- Showing a single demonstration video without student participation
- Providing completed ratio tables for memorization
Correct answer: Hands-on lab using actual gear sets to measure input/output rotations
Hands-on labs with actual gear sets allow students to physically observe and measure ratio relationships, reinforcing conceptual understanding through experiential learning.
CTE Transmission & Drivetrain Systems 2
What is the primary function of a torque converter in an automatic transmission?