Major Components, Layouts And Drive Arrangements

Question 1

What is the purpose of a chassis

Answer 1

Solid structure on which are mounted vehicle component parts

Question 2

What is a clutch?

Answer 2

Allows connection/disconnection of drive from the engine, to provide smoother gear changes

Question 3

What is a gear box?

Answer 3

Houses gears and amplifies engine output to supply sufficient drive

Engine speeds remain within limits

Provides neutral and reverse

Question 4

What is the front axles purpose?

Answer 4

Supports the weight of the vehicle

Accommodates the steering system

Carries the front wheels

Question 5

What is the purpose of the rear axle?

Answer 5

Houses the final drive and differential- allowing the wheels to travel at different speeds

Supports weight of the vehicle and carries rear wheels

Question 6

What is the propeller shaft?

Answer 6

Fitted to the rear wheel drive

Links gear box to the final drive unit

Question 7

What is fitted to each end of the propeller shaft?

Answer 7

Universal joint - allows it to be transmitted through varying angles

Question 8

What are the purpose of the wheels and tyres?

Answer 8

Inflated to sufficient pressure to support the load

Provide grip on road surfaces and help absorb road shocks

Question 9

What are the 2 styles of front engines vehicles?

Answer 9

Transverse and in-line

Question 10

What is a transaxle ?

Answer 10

Combined gearbox and axle

Question 11

What are the benefits of a front engined vehicle

Answer 11

Large mass at the front of the vehicle gives driver protection from collision

Engine cooler is simpler

Better Cornering ability

Question 12

What is the benefit of mid engined rear wheel drive?

Answer 12

Gives better handling and maximum traction due to good load distribution

More space in drivers compartment and provides good accessibility

Question 13

What is a disadvantage of mid engine ?

Answer 13

Restricts passenger space In smaller cars

Question 14

What advantage does rear engined wheel drive provide?

Answer 14

Gives better traction

Question 15

What is a disadvantage of rear engined wheel drive ?

Answer 15

Have an adverse effect on handling

Question 16

What are the 3 drive arrangements?

Answer 16

Front wheel drive
Rear wheel drive
Four wheel drive

Question 17

What’s an advantage of FWD

Answer 17

Compactness of components

Simplifies the transmission, output shaft move in a similar direction to the wheels

Question 18

What is the disadvantage of FWD

Answer 18

Driving wheels have less grip on road when accelerating or hill climbing

Question 19

Advantages of Rear Wheel drive?

Answer 19

Spacing out of main components makes them more accessible

Load transfer from front to rear gives good traction when accelerating or Hill climbing

Question 20

Disadvantages of rear wheel drive?

Answer 20

Intrusion of transmission components into passenger compartment

When wheels lose adhesion to road rear of vehicle moves sideways

Question 21

Advantage of four wheel drive?

Answer 21

The sharing of loads between the four wheels reduces wheel spin

Having positive drive to each wheel makes this layout advantageous for off road driving

Question 22

Characteristics of a petrol engine?

Answer 22

Fuel more volatile and cheaper 
Works on the Otto cycle 
Less compression
Better torque at high speeds 
Runs hotter and less fuel efficient
Cheaper to manufacture

Question 23

Characteristics of a Diesel engine

Answer 23

Fuel less volatile but more expensive
Works on diesel cycle
Higher compression ratio and fuel pressure
Good torque at low speeds, pulling power
Runs cooler and more fuel efficient
Close to tolerances so more expensive to manufacture

Question 24

Comparison between straight and v engines

Answer 24

Straight - taller and longer

V engine - shorter and longer