|
|
| A-pillar
|
| |
The roof support
on either side of A car`s windshield. |
| |
| Active
Suspension |
| |
An extremely
sophisticated, computer controlled suspension
system that uses powered actuators instead
of conventional springs and shock absorbers.
The actuators position a car`s wheels
in the best possible manner to deal with
road disturbances and handling loads.
|
| |
| Aerodynamic
drag |
| |
The drag produced
by a moving object as it displaces the
air in its path. Aerodynamic drag is a
force usually measured in pounds; it increases
in proportion to the object`s frontal
area, its drag coefficient, and the square
of its speed. |
| |
| Aerodynamics |
| |
The branch
of mechanics that deals with the motion
of gases (especially air) and their effects
on bodies in the flow. In car design the
positive and negative lift of the airflow
is studied in wind tunnels. Negative lift
is preferred to press the vehicle closer
to the ground. Car air resistance is also
studied. |
| |
| Aftermarket
|
| |
all products
and services used in the repair and maintenance
of vehicles. |
| |
| Air
Dam |
| |
A front spoiler
mounted beneath the bumper and shaped
to reduce the airflow under the car. Air
dams can increase the airflow to radiators,
reduce aerodynamic drag, and/or reduce
lift. |
| |
| All
Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| |
All four wheels
are driven by the engine. AWD systems
are superior to 4WD because (AWD) they
can be used under any road conditions.
AWD systems use a center differential
to allow the front and rear wheels to
rotate at different speeds. AWD provides
better traction than front or rear-wheel
drive. |
| |
| Alloy
wheels |
| |
Wheels usually
made of aluminum alloy; installed to improve
appearance. Alloy wheels are less prone
to corrosion and can be significantly
lighter than the equivalent steel wheels.
|
| |
| Alternator |
| |
A device that
converts rotational energy to AC current.
Alternators provide energy for the vehicle
electrical system. The alternator also
recharges the battery. |
| |
| American
Automobile Labelling Act |
| |
Regulations
requiring vehicle manufacturers to include
content information on vehicle labels
for cars and trucks for sale in the U.S.
after October 1, 1994. |
| |
| Anti-Dive
|
| |
A tuned-in
front suspension characteristic that converts
braking-induced forces in the suspension
links into a vertical force that tends
to lift the body, thereby reducing dive
under braking. |
| |
| Anti-Lock-Braking
System |
| |
A braking
system that senses when any of the wheels
have locked up, or are about to, and automatically
reduces the braking forces to keep the
wheels rolling. Commonly called ABS, such
a system can control all four wheels or
only two. |
| |
| Anti-Roll
Bar |
| |
A suspension
element (used at the front, the rear,
or both ends of a car) that reduces body
roll by resisting any unequal vertical
motion between the pair of wheels to which
it is connected. An anti-roll bar does
not affect suspension stiffness when both
wheels are deflected equally in the same
direction. Often incorrectly called a
sway bar. An anti-roll bar improves the
handling of a vehicle by increasing stability
during cornering or evasive maneuvers.
Most vehicles have front anti-roll bars.
Anti-roll bars at both the front and rear
wheels can reduce roll further. |
| |
| Anti-Squat
|
| |
Similar to
anti-dive, this suspension characteristic
uses acceleration-induced forces in the
rear suspension to reduce squat. |
| |
| Apex |
| |
The point(s)
or region on the line through a corner
that touches the corner`s inner radius.
|
| |
| Aspect
Ratio |
| |
Generally
the ratio between two dimensions of an
object. In tire terminology it applies
to the unloaded sidewall height of the
tire divided by its overall width. A lower
aspect ratio implies a shorter, wider
tire. When used to describe a wing it
is the span of the airfoil (the long dimension
perpendicular to the airflow) divided
by its chord (the dimension parallel to
the airflow). |
| |
| Auto
dealership or auto dealer |
| |
A retail outlet
that carries one (or in some cases in
the U.S., a number of) manufacturer`s
product line and sells to general consumers
and fleet operators. The outlet will also
provide service and sell parts for the
brand of vehicle that it carries. In some
instances, a dealer may dual for another
manufacturer`s product line. |
| |
| Automated
Guided Vehicle System (AGVS) |
| |
Vehicles equipped
with automatic guidance equipment which
follow a prescribed path, stopping at
each machining or assembly station for
manual loading and unloading of parts.
|
| |
| Automatic
Transmission |
| |
A transmission
that shifts its own gears according to
the prevailing speed, load, and road condition.
Also called automatic gearbox. Operation
can be electrical or hydraulic. |
| |
| Automobile |
| |
Four-wheeled
passenger motor vehicle having a seating
capacity for not more than 5% people including
police cars and racing cars but not including
ambulances or hearses. |
| |
| Axle
Ratios |
| |
The gear ratio
of the differential gearbox. The differential
gearbox distributes the engine`s power
(via the transmission input shaft or propellor
shaft) to the wheels. The axle ratio of
the differential reduces the revolutions
of the transmission input shaft before
it reaches the wheels. Typical automotive
axle ratios are in the range of 2.71 up
to 4.31. The higher the ratio, the faster
the engine will rev at a particular vehicle
speed. Axle Tramp A form of wheel hop
that occurs on cars with live axles, caused
by the axle repeatedly rotating slightly
with the wheels and then springing back.
|
| |
| Axle,
Live or Rigid |
| |
A solid or
straight axle that allows the movement
of one wheel to affect the opposite wheel.
A live axle is inexpensive to manufacture
and is useful for heavy duty applications.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| B-pillar |
| |
The roof support
between a car`s front door window and
rear side window, if there is one. |
| |
| Balance
shaft |
| |
A shaft designed
so that, as it rotates, it vibrates in
a way that reduces or cancels some of
the vibration produced by an engine. Not
essential to an engine`s operation, balance
shafts are nonetheless becoming increasingly
common as a means of engine refinement.
Balance-shafted four-cylinder engines
use two shafts turning in opposite directions
on either side of the engine`s crankshaft.
A single balance shaft is used when fitted
to three-cylinder and V-6 engines |
| |
| Ball
Joint |
| |
A flexible
joint consisting of a ball in a socket,
used primarily in front suspensions because
it can accommodate a wide range of angular
motion. The ball joint allows the wheel
to steer and move with the suspension
and still receive power from the engine.
The term ball joint can also be used to
refer to how suspension components are
attached. |
| |
| Barrel |
| |
For automotive
applications, the reference applies to
carburetors. "2bbl." means that the carburetor
has 2 barrels or venturi (or fuel nozzles).
A "4bbl." carburetor has 4 barrels, etc.
The number of venturi determine the amount
of fuel that the carburetor can supply.
A 4bbl. carburetor can usually provide
more fuel than a similar 2bbl. unit. |
| |
| Beam
Axle |
| |
A rigid axle
supporting the non-driven wheels. Also
called a dead axle. |
| |
| Belt
drive |
| |
A system where
the final drive from gearbox to wheels
is by leather or rubber belts that are
contained on pulleys. Today many of the
engine-driven auxiliaries use belt drives.
|
| |
| Beltline |
| |
The line running
around a car`s body formed by the bottom
edges of its glass panels. |
| |
| Belts |
| |
Belts are
used to drive many engine accessories.
Most overhead cam(OHC) engines use cogged
(toothed) belts to drive the camshaft(s).
Belts drive the power steering pump, water
pump, air-conditioning compressors, etc.
|
| |
| Berline |
| |
From World
War I, it described a closed luxury car
with small windows, which allowed the
occupants to see out but to be barely
seen from the outside. |
| |
| Bevel
Gears |
| |
A gearset
employing gears shaped like slices of
a cone, which allows the axes of the gears
to be nonparallel. Bevel gears are used
to transmit motion through an angle. |
| |
| Boost
Pressure |
| |
The increase
above atmospheric pressure produced inside
the intake manifold by any supercharger.
It is commonly measured in psi, inches
of mercury, or bar. |
| |
| Bore |
| |
The diameter
of a gasoline or steam reciprocating engine
cylinder. The displacement can be increased
by increasing the diameter (reboring). |
| |
| Brake
Bias |
| |
The front/rear
distribution of a car`s braking power.
For the shortest stopping distance, brake
bias should match the car`s traction at
each end during hard braking brake modulation:
the process of varying pedal pressure
to hold a car`s brakes on the verge of
lockup. Ideally, the brakes will unlock
with only a slight reduction in the pressure
needed to lock them. Typically, however,
a considerable pressure reduction is required |
| |
| Brake
Horsepower (bhp.) |
| |
The measure
of an engine`s horsepower without the
loss in power caused by the gearbox, generator,
differential, water pump and other auxiliaries.
The actual horsepower delivered to the
driving wheels is less. |
| |
| Brake
Torquing |
| |
A procedure
generally used in performance tests to
improve the off-the-line acceleration
of a car equipped with an automatic transmission.
It is executed by firmly depressing the
brake with the left foot, applying the
throttle with the car in gear to increase
engine rpm, then releasing the brakes.
Brake torquing is particularly effective
with turbo charged cars because it helps
overcome turbo lag. |
| |
| Brakes,
Antilock |
| |
(ABS) An acronym
for Antilock Braking System. ABS eliminates
wheel lockup during braking and loss of
steering control on slippery surfaces.
Speed sensors monitor each wheel and reduce
brake pressure on any wheel rotating significantly
slower than the others. ABS systems are
2, 3, or 4-channel systems. 2-channel
systems combine 2 wheels, such as the
left front and right rear into one channel.
The right front and left rear wheel form
the other channel. Any wheel lockup causes
brake pressure reduction on both wheels
of each channel. 3-channel ABS systems
combine the rear wheels into one channel.
The front wheels have individual channels.
The most sophisticated ABS systems use
4-channels, one for each wheel, for maximum
control and braking power. |
| |
| Brakes,
Calipers |
| |
Brake pads
are mounted to calipers, which float next
to the brake disc. The caliper ensures
that the brake pads exert even pressure
on the disc. |
| |
| Brakes,
Disc |
| |
A brake that
uses a disc shaped rotor and calipers
that hold friction pads. The rotor is
attached to the wheel hub and spins with
it. The calipers are stationary. When
the brake pedal is depressed, the calipers
press on the side of the side of the rotor.
The friction pads slow the rotor as needed.
Most vehicles use disc brakes on the front
wheels. Disc brakes can shed heat and
retain their braking power better than
drum brakes |
| |
| Brakes,
Drum |
| |
A brake that
uses an enclosed rotating drum or can
and stationary pads(shoes). When the brake
pedal is depressed, the brake shoes contact
the sides of the can and slow the wheel.
Drum brakes are usually mounted on rear
wheels. Drum brakes are prone to fade,
or heat buildup, which reduces their effectiveness.
|
| |
| Breathing
(engine) |
| |
A term used
to describe an engine`s ability to fill
its cylinders with air-fuel mixture and
then discharge the burnt exhaust gases.
In general, the more air-fuel mixture
an engine burns the more power it produces.
|
| |
| Bushing |
| |
A simple suspension
bearing that accommodates limited rotary
motion, typically made of two coaxial
steel tubes bonded to a sleeve of rubber
between them. The compliance of the bushing
in different directions has a great effect
on ride harshness and handling. |
| |
| By-pass
Valve |
| |
A general
term for a valve that lets liquid or air
circumvent a filter. For example, an oil
bypass valve allows oil to circulate when
the oil filter is clogged |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| C-pillar |
| |
The roof support
between a car`s rearmost side window and
its rear window. On a vehicle with four
side pillars, the rearmost roof support
may be called a D-pillar. |
| |
| Cabriolet |
| |
Another term
for a convertible. European manufacturers
often call convertible models Cabriolets
or Cabrios. Cabriolet A description of
an auto with collapsible top (convertible)
and seating two or four passengers. Also
called a drophead coupé. |
| |
| Cam
|
| |
An eccentric
(off-center) lobe or projection on a rotating
shaft; used to transmit a motion at a
predetermined time during the rotation
of the shaft. |
| |
| Cam
Profile |
| |
The shape
of each lobe on a camshaft. The profile
determines the amount, or ""duration,""
of time the valve is open; it also largely
determines the valve`s maximum opening,
or ""lift."" camber: the angle between
the plane of a wheel`s circumference and
a vertical line, measured in degrees and
minutes. The tops of a car`s wheels tilt
inward when the camber is negative, outward
when it is positive. |
| |
| Camshaft |
| |
Camshaft A
rotating shaft with a number of cams or
eccentric lobes used to open and close
the engine cylinder valves, usually via
pushrods and rocker arms. The crankshaft
drives the camshaft through gears, belts,
or chains. |
| |
| Captive
Import |
| |
an imported
motor vehicle or part manufactured by
another automaker usually for sale under
the brand name of the importer. |
| |
| Carbon
Fiber |
| |
Thread-like
strands of pure carbon that are extremely
strong in tension (that is, when pulled)
and are reasonably flexible. Carbon fiber
can be bound in a matrix of plastic resin
by heat, vacuum, or pressure to form a
composite that is strong, light: and very
expensive. |
| |
| Carburetor |
| |
A device through
which air and fuel are atomized and drawn
into the engine. It meters the proper
proportions of fuel and air to form a
combustible mixture and varies the ratio
according to the engine operation. Air
blowing over the fuel nozzles (jets) results
in an air-fuel mixture burned in the cylinders.
Carburetors were common on most vehicles
before 1985. Currently, most vehicles
use some form of fuel injection instead |
| |
| Caster |
| |
The angle
between a vertical line and the car`s
steering axis when viewed from the side,
measured in degrees and minutes. Casting
technology that delivers a liquid molten
metal into a purpose-built mould. After
cooling, the solid metal surface has the
shape of the mould cavity |
| |
| Catalytic
Converter |
| |
Often simply
called a "catalyst": a stainless-steel
canister fitted to a car`s exhaust system
that contains a thin layer of catalytic
material spread over a large area of inert
supports. The material used is some combination
of platinum, rhodium, and palladium; it
induces chemical reactions that convert
an engine`s exhaust emissions into less
harmful products. So-called three-way
catalysts are particularly efficient;
their operation, however, demands very
precise combustion control, which can
be produced only by a feedback fuel-air-ratio
control system. |
| |
| Center
Differential |
| |
A differential
used in four-wheel-drive systems to distribute
power to the front and rear differentials.
|
| |
| Chain
Drive |
| |
The driving
of one shaft by another by means of a
toothed wheel on each shaft, with the
wheels connected by an endless chain with
special links engaging the teeth. |
| |
| Chassis |
| |
A general
term that refers to all of the mechanical
parts of a car attached to a structural
frame. In cars with unitized construction,
the chassis comprises everything but the
body of the car. The basic-strength auto
frame including the engine, suspension,
wheels, brakes and drive train. A car
without its body or coachwork. In monocoque
or unit construction it is integral with
the body. |
| |
| Choke |
| |
A temporary
restriction in a carburetor throat that
reduces the flow of air and enriches the
fuel-air mixture to aid in starting the
engine. |
| |
| Clutch
|
| |
A mechanism
that uses plates coated with a high-friction
material to transfer power from the engine
to the drive train. Used when changing
gear ratios during accelerationClutches
are also used to isolate rotating and
non-rotating components. Clutches can
allow slip between components to reduce
shock loads between rotating and stationary
components. Manual transmission vehicles
use a clutch to transfer power from the
gearbox to the wheels. Air conditioning
compressors use clutches as well. |
| |
| Coil
Spring |
| |
A bar of resilient
metal wound into a spiral that may be
compressed or extended without permanent
deformation. Used to isolate a vehicle
from the road. Coil springs are preferred
over leaf springs for their superior ride
and control. Coil springs have many automotive
applications but are particularly important
as suspension springs. |
| |
| Combustion
Chamber |
| |
The space
remaining at the top of the cylinder when
the piston is at the top dead center position.
Where the fuel-air mixture begins to burn.
Since most of the air-fuel mixture`s combustion
takes place in this space, its design
and shape can greatly affect the power,
fuel efficiency, and emissions of the
engine. |
| |
| Compliance
|
| |
A slight resiliency,
or "give," designed into suspension bushings
to help absorb bumps. Good compliance
allows the wheels to move rearward a bit
as they hit bumps but doesn`t allow them
to move laterally during cornering. Component
a raw material, ingredient, part or subassembly
that goes into a higher level assembly,
compound, or other item |
| |
| Component
assembly |
| |
a combination
of two or more parts or sub-components
to form an assembly |
| |
| Composite
|
| |
Any material
that consists of two or more components,
typically one or more of high strength
and one an adhesive binder. The most common
composite is fiberglass, which consists
of thin glass fibers bonded together in
a plastic matrix. The structural properties
of composites can be altered by controlling
the orientation and configuration of the
high-strength components. |
| |
| Compression
|
| |
In internal-combustion
reciprocating engines, the squeezing of
the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder of
a spark-ignition engine or the squeezing
of the air in a diesel engine. Compression
makes combustion more effective and increases
engine efficiency. |
| |
| Compression
ratio |
| |
The ratio
between the combined volume of a cylinder
and a combustion chamber when the piston
is at the bottom of its stroke, and the
volume when the piston is at the top of
its stroke. The higher the compression
ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine
can squeeze from its air-fuel mixture.
Higher compression ratios, however, also
make detonation more likely. |
| |
| Concept
Vehicle |
| |
a current
production vehicle modified for installation
of new design concepts for evaluation
of environmental functional feasibility.
|
| |
| Connecting
Rod |
| |
The arm that
connects the piston to the crankshaft
and converts the reciprocating motion
into rotary motion. Connecting rod The
metal rod that connects a piston to a
throw on a crankshaft. |
| |
| Constant
Velocity Joint (CV Joint, Halfshaft) |
| |
A shaft that
transmits engine power from the transmission
to the wheel. CV joints allow the wheel
to steer and follow suspension motion
while receiving power. CV joints are used
in front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive,
and all-wheel drive vehicles. A particular
kind of universal joint designed so that
there is no cyclic fluctuation between
the speeds of its input and output shafts.
|
| |
| Control
arm |
| |
A suspension
element that has one joint at one end
and two joints at the other end, typically
the chassis side. Also known as a wishbone
or an A-arm. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| De
Dion Axle |
| |
The nineteenth-century
axle principle of Count de Dion. The wheels
tied by a transverse tube curved to clear
the final drive unit rigidly mounted to
the car`s chassis frame. Drive to the
wheels is by universally jointed half
shafts. The tube moves vertically on a
slide to allow the wheels to rise and
fall independently. General use was dropped
in 1914, but still is used on many sports
and racing cars |
| |
| Dead
pedal |
| |
A footrest
found to the left of the leftmost pedal.
It provides a place for the driver to
brace his left leg during hard cornering.
|
| |
| Dealer |
| |
a firm that
buys and sells, adding some value for
the consumer in the process. Dealer often
means a firm which operates closer in
the distribution channel to the consumer
than a distributor or wholesaler, and
may add more value for consumers than
either of the above-mentioned terms |
| |
| Detonation
|
| |
A condition
in which, after the spark plug fires,
some of the unburned air-fuel mixture
in the combustion chamber explodes spontaneously,
set off only by the heat and pressure
of air-fuel mixture that has already been
ignited. Detonation, or "knock," greatly
increases the mechanical and thermal stresses
on the engine. |
| |
| Die
|
| |
solid or hollow
form used for shaping materials by stamping,
pressing, extruding, drawing or threading.
|
| |
| Diesel
Engine |
| |
An internal-combustion
engine in which the fuel is injected into
the cylinder near the end of the compression
stroke and is ignited by the heat of the
compressed air in the cylinder. No spark
plug or carburetor is needed. |
| |
| Differential
|
| |
A differential
allows the right and left wheels to rotate
at different RPM. This is necessary because
as a car goes around a curve, the outside
wheel rotates faster than the inside wheel
to "keep up". The differential allows
the outside wheel to spin faster to compensate
for the greater distance it travels. A
special gearbox designed so that the torque
fed into it is split and delivered to
two outputs that can turn at different
speeds. Differentials within axles are
designed to split torque evenly; however,
when used between the front and rear axles
in four-wheel-drive systems (a center
differential), they can be designed to
apportion torque unevenly. |
| |
| Differential
Gears |
| |
The gears
that convey engine power to the driving
axles and are arranged so as to permit
the rear wheels to turn at different speeds
as required when the vehicle is negotiating
a turn. |
| |
| Diffusion
|
| |
the way in
which innovations spread through market
or non-market channels. |
| |
| Disc
brakes |
| |
A type of
brake in which two friction pads grip
a steel disc that is attached to the wheel,
with one pad on each side. Used on race
cars, sports cars, and better passenger
cars. Properly called caliper disc brakes:
it consists of a disc that rotates at
wheel speed, straddled by a caliper that
can squeeze the surfaces of the disc near
its periphery. Disc brakes provide a more
linear response and operate more efficiently
at high temperatures and wet conditions
than drum brakes. |
| |
| Distributor
|
| |
A device that
transfers voltage to the spark plug. A
rotor in the distributor spins and touches
contacts that are connected to spark plug
wires. The wires then conduct the voltage
to the spark plug. The moving part of
the internal-combustion engine ignition
system that directs the high-voltage current
from the coil to the spark plugs in the
proper firing order. |
| |
| Dive
|
| |
The dipping
of a car`s nose that occurs when the brakes
are applied. Dive is caused by a load
transfer from the rear to the front suspension;
this transfer occurs because the car`s
center of gravity, through which all inertial
forces pass, is higher than its contact
patches, the points where the braking
forces are exerted on the ground |
| |
| Do-it-Yourself
Market |
| |
(DIY)the vehicle
maintenance and repairs conducted by the
vehicle owner or friend/relative who purchase
auto parts from a retail outlet. |
| |
| DOHC
|
| |
Acronym for
dual/double overhead cam (see Overhead
Cam), a DOHC engine has two camshafts
in each cylinder head; one camshaft operates
the intake valves, the other actuates
the exhaust valves |
| |
| Domestic
|
| |
a vehicle
produced in Canada, United States or Mexico. |
| |
| Door
rates |
| |
the hourly
rates charged by dealers on standardized
units of service work. Hourly rates may
or may not correspond to an actual hour
of work. |
| |
| Dos-A-Dos |
| |
A four-seater
auto in which four passengers face each
other or sit back-to-back. Seldom seen
after the early 1900s. |
| |
| Downforce
|
| |
A vertical
force directed downward, produced by airflow
around an object: such as a car body.
|
| |
| Drag
Coefficient |
| |
A dimensionless
measure of the aerodynamic sleekness of
an object. A sleek car has a drag coefficient,
or "Cd," of about 0.30; a square, flat
plate`s is 1.98. Also signified by Cx.
|
| |
| Dream
Car |
| |
A one-of-a-kind
futuristic, experimental automobile usually
appearing at auto shows to stimulate interest
in the manufacturer`s products. Much design
benefit spurs from dream cars and many
reach the production stage. |
| |
| Drivability
|
| |
The general
qualitative evaluation of a powertrain`s
operating qualities, including idle smoothness,
cold and hot starting, throttle response,
power delivery, and tolerance for altitude
changes. |
| |
| Drive
Train |
| |
That combination
of a car`s components; i.e. the engine,
the transmission, the differential(s),
the hubs, any interconnecting shafts,
gears and clutches that transmits the
engine power to the wheels |
| |
| Driveline
|
| |
Everything
in the drivetrain, less the engine and
the transmission. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Electric
Vehicle |
| |
cars, buses,
vans or trucks which use dedicated or
hybrid electric systems as their power
source. |
| |
| Electrical
System |
| |
In electric
ignition internal-combustion engines,
those components required to convert the
electricity produced by the generator
into a high-voltage spark for the plugs.
Includes generator or alternator, points,
condenser, coil, distributor and spark
plugs plus wiring. |
| |
| Engine
Overhaul |
| |
A general
term for major engine work that usually
requires removing the engine from the
vehicle, and rebuilding or replacing internal
components (e.g. pistons, connecting rods,
valves). |
| |
| Engine,
Boxer or Flat |
| |
A designation
for an engine where the cylinders are
arranged opposite(180 degrees apart) from
each other. Boxer engines are relatively
flat compared to inline or V engines.
Common examples of boxer engines are the
Porsche 911 flat-6 and the Subaru flat-4.
|
| |
| Engine,
Diesel |
| |
An internal
combustion engine that compresses fuel
until it ignites. A gasoline engine, in
contrast, uses a spark plug to start combustion.
Diesel engines use kerosene as fuel. Diesel
engines usually provide better fuel economy
than a comparable displacement gasoline
engine; at the cost of lower power. |
| |
| Engine,
Inline |
| |
An engine
configuration where all cylinders are
in one plane. Most 4-cylinder and some
6-cylinder engines are inline. An inline
engine is cheaper to manufacture than
a V type of engine because the engine
block can be a simpler casting |
| |
| Engine,
V (e.g. V-8) |
| |
A V engine
has two banks of cylinders arranged like
a V. V engines have an included angle
of around 30-90 degrees that separates
the individual banks. V engines are more
compact than comparable inline engines.
A V-8 is significantly shorter, and wider,
than an inline-8. |
| |
| Engine-control
system |
| |
A computerized
brain that regulates an engine`s operation
by monitoring certain engine characteristics
(rpm, coolant temperature, intake airflow,
etc.) through a network of sensors and
then controlling key variables (fuel metering,
spark timing, EGR, etc.) according to
pre-programmed schedules. |
| |
| EPA
fuel economy |
| |
Laboratory
fuel-economy tests administered by the
Environmental Protection Agency using
simulated weight and drag to re-create
real driving conditions. The city fuel-economy
test, also used to test emissions compliance,
is based on a drive through typical Los
Angeles urban traffic of about twenty
years ago. Of course, such conditions
are purely nostalgic these days. The highway
test uses a higher, steadier speed, averaging
49.4 mph. |
| |
| Epicyclic
Gearbox |
| |
A form of
gear used by Benz in which small pinions
revolve around a central or sun gear and
mesh with an outer ring gear called the
annulus. Type used in the Ford Model T.
Also called planetary gears, sun-and-planet
gears |
| |
| Epicyclic
Gearbox |
| |
A form of
gear used by Benz in which small pinions
revolve around a central or sun gear and
mesh with an outer ring gear called the
annulus. Type used in the Ford Model T.
Also called planetary gears, sun-and-planet
gears. |
| |
| Exhaust |
| |
The system
of exhausting the burned gases from an
internal-combustion engine consisting
of piping or tubing, silencers, and, at
times, resonators. |
| |
| Exhaust
Manifold |
| |
The network
of passages that gathers the exhaust gases
from the various exhaust ports and routes
them toward the catalysts and mufflers
of the exhaust system. A manifold with
free-flowing passages of a carefully designed
configuration, called a "header," can
improve breathing. |
| |
| Exhaust-gas
Recirculation (EGR) |
| |
A method of
reducing NOx (oxides of nitrogen) exhaust
emissions by recirculating some of the
engine`s exhaust gas into the intake manifold.
The exhaust gas serves as inert filler
that absorbs heat during the combustion
process and reduces the peak temperature
reached during combustion. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Fastback
|
| |
A car that
has an unbroken curved line from the top
of the roof to the rear bumper as opposed
to a drop in the line for a near-vertical
rear window. In a fastback design the
rear window slope follows the unbroken
roof line and is often at less than a
45 degree angle. |
| |
| Feedback
Fuel-Air-Ratio Control |
| |
A feature
of a computer-controlled fuel system.
By using a sensor to measure the oxygen
content of the engine`s exhaust, the system
keeps the fuel-air ratio very close to
the proportion for chemically perfect
combustion. Such tight control of the
fuel-air ratio is mandatory for the proper
operation of three-way catalysts. |
| |
| Fiberglass |
| |
A composite
material that relies on small glass fibers
for its strength. Fiberglass A very tough
and durable plastic material with fibers
running through the plastic. Used for
race car bodies, many sports car bodies,
and also enjoys considerable acceptance
for passenger car bodies. |
| |
| Final-Drive
Ratio |
| |
The reduction
ratio, found in the gearset of a drivetrain,
that is furthest removed from the engine.
Typically, the differential ratio. |
| |
| Fixed
or One Price Selling |
| |
Published
fixed price displayed on a new vehicle
eliminating need for negotiation. Fixture
device for holding goods in process while
working tools are in operation that does
not contain any special arrangements for
guiding the working tools. |
| |
| Fleet
sales |
| |
The purchase
of vehicles by a business that meet a
minimum requirement of units sold. |
| |
| Floorpan
|
| |
The largest
and most important stamped metal part
in a car`s body. Usually assembled from
several smaller stampings, the floorpan
forms the floor and fixes the dimensions
for most of the car`s external and structural
panels. It is also the foundation for
many of the car`s mechanical parts |
| |
| Floorpan |
| |
The largest
and most important stamped metal part
in a car`s body. Usually assembled from
several smaller stampings, the floorpan
forms the floor and fixes the dimensions
for most of the car`s external and structural
panels. It is also the foundation for
many of the car`s mechanical parts. |
| |
| Fluid
Coupling |
| |
Any device
that transfers power through a fluid between
its inputs and outputs. A fluid coupling
basically consists of two fans in a sealed,
oil-filled housing. The input fan churns
the oil, and the churning oil in turn
twirls the output fan. Such a coupling
allows some speed difference between its
input and output shafts. |
| |
| Flywheel
|
| |
A large, heavy
iron or steel disc attached to the rear
of an engine crankshaft in order to provide
sufficient centrifugal force thereby smoothing
its power flow. |
| |
| Forecast
|
| |
Prediction
of future production or sales in the automotive
industry. |
| |
| Forging
|
| |
A process
that transforms solid metal into shapes
of varying cross-sectional material thickness,
often involving heating. |
| |
| Four
Valves Per Cylinder |
| |
A valvetrain
with a total of four valves in the combustion
chamber, typically two intakes and two
exhausts. Compared to the more common
two-valve-per-cylinder designs, a four-valve
layout offers improved breathing and allows
the spark plug to be located closer to
center of the combustion chamber |
| |
| Four
Wheel Drive |
| |
A part time
system that transfers engine power to
all four wheels. 4WD systems usually lack
a center differential that allows use
in dry conditions. 4WD provides superior
traction compared with front or rear-wheel
drive. |
| |
| Fuel
Injection |
| |
On internal-combustion
engines, a system that injects a precisely
measured amount of fuel into the cylinder
at exactly the right moment. Dispenses
with the carburetor and increases engine
efficiency. Fuel injection provides better
metering of fuel and air than carburetors.
This results in more power, improved fuel
economy, and lower emissions. The simplest
systems use single or dual injectors in
a central chamber to supply all cylinders.
More sophisticated systems use an injector
at each cylinder to precisely meter fuel.Any
system that meters fuel to an engine by
measuring its needs and then regulating
the fuel flow, by electronic or mechanical
means, through a pump and injectors. Throttle-body
injection locates the injector(s) centrally
in the throttle-body housing, while port
injection allocates at least one injector
for each cylinder near its intake port.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| G |
| |
The unit of
measure for lateral acceleration, or "road-holding."
One g is equivalent to 32.2 feet per second
per second, the rate at which any object
accelerates when dropped at sea level.
If a car were cornering at 1.0 g: a figure
that very few production cars are able
to approach: the driver`s body would be
pushing equally hard against the side
of the seat as against the bottom of it |
| |
| G.T./
Grand Touring |
| |
From the Italian
Gran Turismo. A car combining sedan and
sports car features in which engineering
is the dominant feature. Combines excellent
road handling qualities with relative
comfort. Made in two- and four-seaters
with the rear seats always cramped. |
| |
| Gas
Turbine |
| |
An internal-combustion
rotating engine with one main moving part
the rotor with pinwheel-like blades attached.
Air is compressed by the first rows of
blades and delivered to the combustion
chambers, from which the exhaust is directed
to pass the remaining blades and to generate
the power. Power is extremely smooth due
to the absence of explosions and reciprocating
parts. |
| |
| Gears
|
| |
Wheels with
meshing teeth to transmit power between
rotating shafts. When the gear wheels
are of different sizes, a change in speed
ratio occurs. Gears are made of hard steel.
|
| |
| Gearset |
| |
A group of
two or more gears used to transmit power.
|
| |
| Generator |
| |
A device that
converts rotational energy to DC current.
Generators were used in older cars to
provide electrical energy for the vehicle.
|
| |
| Generator
|
| |
A device that
converts rotational energy to DC current.
Generators were used in older cars to
provide electrical energy for the vehicle.
|
| |
| Grey
market |
| |
The grey market
describes the purchase by intermediaries
of product which is not supplied to them
by the "authorized" distribution channel
of the supplier. Thus, a warehouse club
in Canada that sells a stereo bought in
the U.S. or elsewhere from other than
the manufacturer is supplying grey market
goods. While grey market products are
frequently the same as would be available
from conventional channels, the grey market
assumes responsibility for service or
repair where the manufacturer declines
this support. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Half
Shaft |
| |
An articulating,
rotating shaft used in independent-suspension
systems that transmits power from the
final drive unit (differential) to a power
wheel. Used in independent rear suspension
and front-wheel drive. Two are required;
one for each side. |
| |
| Hand
Crank |
| |
A crank handle
for manually starting internal combustion
engines. Used till about 1930. Now obsolete.
|
| |
| Handling |
| |
A general
term covering all the aspects of a car`s
behavior that are related to its directional
control. |
| |
| Heavy-duty
Vehicle |
| |
Vehicle (truck)
weighing from 26,001 to 33,001 lbs. Also
included off-highway trucks. |
| |
| Heel-and-Toe
|
| |
A performance-oriented
technique of down-shifting while braking
that requires the driver to use all three
pedals of a manual-transmission car simultaneously.
To perform a heel-and-toe downshift, the
driver brakes with the toe of his right
foot and: while continuing to brake: uses
the heel or the side of the same foot
to blip the throttle and raise engine
rpm as he downshifts. The left foot operates
the clutch pedal in the normal fashion.
The sequence is as follows: brake with
the right toe; depress the clutch with
the left foot; shift to neutral; while
continuing to brake, blip the throttle
with the side or the heel of the right
foot to raise rpm; shift to a lower gear;
let the clutch out; release the brakes.
The technique is difficult to master,
but after practice it can be performed
in less than a second. This process is
best for smooth power flow and long transmission
life. |
| |
| Heim
Joint |
| |
An extremely
rigid articulating joint, commonly known
as a ""spherical rod-end,"" used in any
precision linkage. Heim joints are often
used in the suspension links of race cars
because they locate wheels very precisely |
| |
| Helical
Gear |
| |
A gear in
which the teeth are cut at an angle to
the shaft. The advantage is that there
are usually two teeth meshing at all times,
making for smoother and quieter operation.
Helical Gear A type of gear in which the
teeth are cut at a slanting angle to the
gear`s circumference. A helical design
produces an even, constant tooth loading
in a gearset, thereby reducing noise.
|
| |
| Hemi |
| |
A term used
to describe any engine that has hemispherical
combustion chambers in its cylinder head.
Although a four-valve design is more efficient,
a hemi head provides room for a pair of
large valves and offers good breathing
characteristics. Used in many sports and
racing cars |
| |
| Hemi-Head
|
| |
A hemispherically
shaped combustion chamber at the top of
the engine cylinder. The hemispheric shape
provides improved efficiency because the
forces of the explosion are directed to
the piston by the curved surface of the
combustion chamber. |
| |
| Horsepower
(BHP) |
| |
The unit for
measuring the power output of an engine.
Net horsepower or bhp (brake horsepower)
and Kw (kilowatts) are the standard units.
Higher horsepower increases vehicle top
speed. Equal displacement (size) engines
that rev higher often produce more power
than lower revving engines, because more
air and fuel is burned in a given time.
A typical 3.0L 24V V-6 produces 190 bhp
@ 6400 RPM. A lower revving 3.0L 12V V-6
produces 160 bhp @ 5000 RPM. The 24-valve
V-6 makes 190 bhp because it can rev higher
(and breathe better) than the similar
12-valve V-6. One horsepower is defined
as lifting 33,000 pounds one foot per
minute. One horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds
per second, the power needed to lift 550
pounds one foot off the ground in one
second: or one pound 550 feet up in the
same time |
| |
| Hydraulic
|
| |
A mechanical
operation based on incompressibility of
liquids, generally oil and sometimes water,
and their ability to offer resistance
when being forced into a small cylinder
or through an orifice, thereby transmitting
an increase in applied force. Hydraulic
brakes and clutches use this principle. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Ignition
System |
| |
Electrical
system devised to produce timed sparks
from engine spark plugs. Consisting of
a battery, induction coil, capacitor,
distributor, spark plugs and relevant
switches and wiring. |
| |
| Import
Name Plate |
| |
Vehicles sold
by manufacturers primarily located outside
North America whether assembled Overseas
or in North America. |
| |
| Importer
|
| |
An organization
that typically operates at arms length
or under contractual agreement with manufacturers
to bring products made in one country
into another |
| |
| Independent
Repair Shops |
| |
mall service
outlet offering specialized repair services.
They usually do not sell gasoline. |
| |
| Independent
Suspension |
| |
Suspension
in which each wheel is sprung individually
so that any disturbance on the wheel has
no effect on the opposite wheel. |
| |
| Inline
Engine |
| |
An engine
having the cylinders in a straight line,
one after the other. Also called a "straight"
engine. |
| |
| Intake
Charge |
| |
The mixture
of fuel and air that flows into the engine.
|
| |
| Intake
Manifold |
| |
The network
of passages that direct air or air-fuel
mixture from the throttle body to the
intake ports in the cylinder head. The
flow typically proceeds from the throttle
body into a chamber called the plenum,
which in turn feeds individual tubes,
called runners, leading to each intake
port. Engine breathing is enhanced if
the intake manifold is configured to optimize
the pressure pulses in the intake system |
| |
| Intercooler |
| |
Essentially
a radiator or heat exchanger used to cool
the heated compressed intake air for the
engine. The cooled air is denser and can
provide more power and also reduces pinging/detonation.
Intercoolers are used for both turbocharged
and supercharged engines. Most intercoolers
are air-to-air type, which means that
ambient air is used to cool the compressed
intake air. Less common air-to-water intercoolers
use engine coolant to shed heat from the
intake air. An intercooler resembles a
radiator; it houses large passages for
the intake flow, and uses either outside
air or water directed over it to lower
the temperature of the intake flow inside.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Jounce |
| |
The motion
of a wheel that compresses its suspension.
|
| |
| Jounce
Bumper |
| |
An elastic
cushion used to stiffen the suspension
gradually as it approaches the end of
its jounce travel |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Kamm
Back |
| |
Named for
the German aerodynamicist W. Kamm, who
discovered that drag begins to increase
after the rear of a car`s cross-sectional
area is reduced to 50 percent of the car`s
maximum cross section. |
| |
| Kickdown |
| |
A downshift
in an automatic transmission caused by
depressing the throttle. |
| |
| Knock
Sensor |
| |
A sensor mounted
on the engine that is designed to detect
the high-frequency vibrations caused by
detonation. By employing a knock sensor,
a computerized engine-control system allows
an engine to operate very near its detonation
limit: thereby improving power and efficiency |
| |
| Knock-Off |
| |
A single wing
nut for fastening a wheel to the hub.
Easily removed and replaced, it is struck
(knocked off) with a mallet on the wings.
|
| |
| Kyoto
Protocol |
| |
International
agreement among industrialized countries
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions negotiated
in Kyoto, Japan in December 1997. Canada
committed to reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions by 6 percent of 1990 levels
between 2008 and 2012. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Lacquer |
| |
A fast-drying
pyroxylin paint often used to finish automobile
bodies. |
| |
| Laminated
Windshield |
| |
A windshield
consisting of a thin layer of rubbery
plastic sandwiched between two sheets
of glass. When struck by the head in an
accident, it bows out without puncturing,
and the plastic holds the glass to prevent
it from splintering. |
| |
| Lateral
Link |
| |
A suspension
link that is aligned to resist sideways
motions in a wheel. |
| |
| Leading
Link |
| |
A suspension
link that is aligned to resist longitudinal
motions in a wheel; it is mounted to the
chassis behind the wheel. |
| |
| Leaf
Spring |
| |
A number of
slightly curved, flexible steel plates
of varying lengths, mounted one atop the
other. The plates are attached at the
ends to the underbody. The curved shape
of the plates allows them to flex and
absorb bumps. Made of spring steel or
various composite materials that deflects
by bending when forces act upon it . Leaf
springs are used primarily in suspensions.
The ends are attached to the chassis,
and the middle is fixed to the axle. Also
called semi-elliptic springs. |
| |
| Lease |
| |
Form of contract
transferring the use of a vehicle in consideration
of payment |
| |
| Lift
|
| |
A vertical
force directed upward, produced by the
airflow around a moving object: such as
a car body. |
| |
| Lift-Throttle
Oversteer |
| |
A handling
characteristic that causes the rear tires
to lose some of their cornering grip when
the throttle is released during hard cornering. |
| |
| Light
Truck |
| |
Vehicle weighing
less than 14,000 lbs. |
| |
| Lights,
Halogen |
| |
Lights that
provide brighter, longer lasting illumination
than standard incandescent lights. Halogen
bulbs are filled with a gas such as iodine.
This gas reduces the gradual evaporation
of the tungsten filament and increases
its life. |
| |
| Lights,
Projector Beam |
| |
A special
type of headlight that uses a spherical
reflector to tightly control the light
beam. Projector beams are relatively expensive
compared to standard headlights. |
| |
| Limited
Slip Differential (LSD) |
| |
A differential
that reduces speed differences between
wheels. An LSD improves traction by preventing
a slipping wheel from receiving all the
engine power. The differential uses cone
or disc clutches to lock the two separate
axle shafts. This forces both driving
wheels to transmit the same drive torque
regardless of the traction available.
It still allows differential action under
normal driving conditions but improves
traction in mud and snow. Limited slip
ensures that some torque is always distributed
to both wheels, even when one is on very
slippery pavement. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| MacPherson
strut |
| |
A combined
damper(shock absorber) and spring unit.MacPherson
struts also allow relatively long springs
that can increase suspension travel and
increase bump absorption capability. |
| |
| Main
Bearings |
| |
The bearings
in an engine block that support the crankshaft.
|
| |
| Make
|
| |
Brand name
of a car or truck (ie. Chevrolet, Ford,
Dodge, Honda). |
| |
| Manual
Transmission |
| |
A mechanism
in the drive train with gears to vary
the power and torque delivered to the
driven wheels. It consists of a lever
that the driver operates in conjunction
with the clutch to change from one gear
to another. |
| |
| Manufacturer`s
Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) |
| |
Margin or
gross margin the return an intermediary
achieves on the selling price of the article.
That is, if the intermediary buys a product
for $1 and sells it for $1.50, the margin
is calculated. For example, .50 divided
by $1.50, or 33%. |
| |
| Market
Share |
| |
The percentage
of total sales represented by an individual
manufacturer/importer, make or nameplate.
|
| |
| Mechanic
Installed Market (MIL) |
| |
Vehicle maintenance
and repair conducted by a mechanic/professional
at a service outlet. |
| |
| Medium-duty
Truck |
| |
Vehicle weighing
from 14,001 to 26,000 lbs. |
| |
| Metal
Forming |
| |
Solid metal
and molten metal process such as casting,
forging, stamping and machining. |
| |
| Methylcyclopentadienyl
Manganese Tricarbonyl (MML) |
| |
MMT is an
organic manganese compound. It is used
as a fuel additive designed to enhance
octane levels in gasoline. |
| |
| Mid-engine
|
| |
A chassis
layout that positions the engine behind
the passenger compartment but ahead of
the rear axle. |
| |
| Multi-link
Suspension |
| |
A rear suspension
consisting of at least four links, or
"arms," and no struts. Because multilink
suspensions assign specific wheel-locating
duties to each element, they provide great
flexibility for optimizing both ride and
handling. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Neutral
Steer |
| |
A cornering
condition in which the front and rear
slip angles are roughly the same. Although
seemingly an ideal state of balance, perfect
neutral steer is not as stable as slight
understeer. |
| |
| New
Car Dealer |
| |
Major car
dealership with a parts and service operation.
|
| |
| Normally
Aspirated |
| |
An engine
that intakes air or "breathes" without
the assistance of a supercharger or turbocharger.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Octane |
| |
A numeric
rating of gasoline’s resistance to detonation(premature
ignition). The higher the octane number,
the less chance of detonation. High octane
(above 91) is usually worthwhile only
if the manufacturer specifically recommends
it. Octane is actually a hydrocarbon(C8H18).
|
| |
| Off-Highway
Vehicle |
| |
Vehicle intended
for operation on unmade surfaces or rough
terrain (i.e. for construction or agriculture).
|
| |
| Oil |
| |
Engine oil
comes in various ratings SAE 5W-30, 5%W-30,
5%W-40, etc. For example, a 5%W-30 rated
oil will flow like a light SAE 5%-weight
oil at low temperatures. The W signifies
that it is a winter rated oil. The 30
designation means that at engine operating
temperatures, the oil will behave like
a heavier SAE 30-weight oil. Low viscosity
at colder temperature allows the oil to
circulate more quickly and protect vital
engine parts. Higher oil viscosity at
elevated temperatures prevents direct
metal-to-metal contact. |
| |
| Oil
Pump |
| |
An engine-driven
pump that delivers oil, under pressure,
to the engine`s moving parts. |
| |
| Oil
Ring |
| |
The lowermost
piston ring that scrapes off excess oil
from the cylinder walls and returns it
to the oil pan via vents in the ring and
piston. |
| |
| Oil,
Synthetic |
| |
Oil that is
not derived from raw petroleum. Synthetic
oil has superior engine protection properties
compared to conventional mineral oil.
Synthetic oil costs 3-5 times more than
mineral oil. |
| |
| On
Board Diagnostics (OBD) |
| |
a unit that
monitors the Electric Control Unit and
system responses for errors during normal
vehicle operations. When the vehicle is
serviced, this information on the errors
can be down loaded and displayed to the
service personnel which will facilitate
the trouble shooting process. |
| |
| On-Center
Feel |
| |
The responsiveness
and feel of the steering when the wheel
is approximately centered. In a car with
good on-center feel, the steering wheel
tends to return to center when slightly
deflected, assisting straight-line stability. |
| |
| Opposite
Lock |
| |
A technique
in which the steering wheel is turned
in the direction away from where the car
is turning. Opposite lock is used to control
a car when it is oversteering and its
tail is swinging wide. |
| |
| Overcapacity
|
| |
The situation
where maximum global prodution of automobiles
exceeds the total global demand for automobiles.
|
| |
| Overdrive
|
| |
A small auxiliary
gearbox that provides an additional gear
ratio. It causes the drive shaft to turn
faster than the engine crankshaft or "overdrive"
it. Overdrive gears are used in most modern
transmissions because they reduce engine
rpm and improve fuel economy at highway
speeds. It is engaged manually when under
way. It has a transmission ratio below
11. For instance, a manual transmission
fifth gear ratio could be 0.701. |
| |
| Overhead
Cam |
| |
The type of
valvetrain arrangement in which the engine`s
camshaft(s) is in its cylinder head(s).
When the camshaft(s) is placed close to
the valves, the valvetrain components
can be stiffer and lighter, allowing the
valves to open and close more rapidly
and the engine to run at higher rpm. In
a single-overhead-cam (SOHC) layout, one
camshaft actuates all of the valves in
a cylinder head. In a double-overhead-camshaft
(DOHC) layout, one camshaft actuates the
intake valves, and one camshaft operates
the exhaust valves. |
| |
| Overhead
Valve (OHV) |
| |
An acronym
for overhead valve. This simply means
that the intake and exhaust valves are
above the cylinder head. SOHC engines
have a single cam over the cylinder head.
DOHC engines have two cams above the cylinder
head. All OHC, SOHC, and DOHC engines
are also OHV. |
| |
| Oversteer |
| |
A situation
that occurs when the rear wheels contribute
to steering the vehicle more in a given
direction. This often occurs under hard
braking while turning. The rear of the
vehicle loses adhesion and starts to rotate
in the direction of steering. Oversteer
can be used to better place the vehicle
coming out of a corner. Usually, oversteer
is undesirable because it is difficult
to control and can result in a disastrous
spin. Most cars are designed not to oversteer
under normal conditions. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Panhard
Rod |
| |
A long lateral
link that provides lateral location of
a rigid axle. It usually sits roughly
parallel to the axle, with one end attached
to the body and the other attached to
the axle. |
| |
| Partnership
for a New Generation of Vehicles |
| |
Established
in 1993, this partnership, between the
United States Federal Government and the
Automotive industry, was founded to establish
global technical leadership in the development
and production of affordable, fuel-efficient,
low emission vehicles that meet today`s
performance standards. |
| |
| Passenger
Vehicle |
| |
Four wheeled
motor vehicle that also includes mini-vans
and sport utility vehicles. |
| |
| Pent-roof |
| |
A combustion
chamber whose upper surface resembles
a shallow peaked roof. Usually used with
four valves per cylinder. |
| |
| Phaeton |
| |
The phaeton
term was often applied to convertibles
built in the1930`s and earlier. A phaeton
is a sleekly styled car (usually 2-door)
with a convertible top. The conventional
body has 4 doors with convertible top
and side curtains rather than roll-up
windows. The four-seater was called a
double phaeton, and the six- or seven-
seater a triple phaeton |
| |
| Pinion
|
| |
A small diameter
gear with a small number of teeth designed
to mesh with a much larger gear wheel
or a toothed rod (rack). Used in rack-and-pinion
steering and for speed reduction with
an increase in power. |
| |
| Piston
|
| |
A partly hollow,
cylindrical metal engine part that is
closed at one end and fits into the engine
cylinder. Connected to the crankshaft
via the connecting rod and usually fitted
with rings to seal it in the cylinder.
|
| |
| Pitch
|
| |
The rotation
of a car about a horizontal axis, which
causes its nose or tail to bob up and
down. Dive and squat are pitching motions.
|
| |
| Planetary
Gears |
| |
A gearset
in which all of the gears are in one plane,
grouped around each other like the planets
around the sun. The central gear is called
the "sun gear." In mesh with it is a circular
grouping of gears, called "planet gears,"
mounted on a rotating carrier. The planet
gears also engage teeth on the inner periphery
of the "ring gear." By holding any one
of the three gear elements motionless,
different ratios can be produced between
the other two. Planetary gearsets are
common in automatic transmissions. |
| |
| Plastic
Moulding |
| |
a process
that converts organic-based materials,
by means of a general-purpose press and
purpose-built tooling under controlled
heat and pressure, and injects the hot
material into a die cavity shaped in the
final form of the intended part. |
| |
| Platform
|
| |
primary load-bearing
structural assembly of a motor vehicle
determining the basic size of the motor
vehicle, and is the structural base that
supports the driveline and links the suspension
components of the motor vehicle. |
| |
| Plenum
chamber |
| |
A chamber,
located between the throttle body and
the runners of an intake manifold, used
to distribute the intake charge evenly
and to enhance engine breathing. |
| |
| Pneumatic
Tire |
| |
A circular
tube of rubber or synthetic rubber and
fabric, and sometimes also steel, attached
to the rim of the car`s wheel, having
resilience due to its containing air under
pressure. |
| |
| Pneumatic
Tire Flexible |
| |
Hollow rubber
forming the outer part of the vehicle
wheel and inflated by air pressure. |
| |
| Polar
moment of inertia |
| |
The resistance
of an object to rotational acceleration.
When the mass of an object is distributed
far from its axis of rotation, the object
is said to have a high polar moment of
inertia. When the mass distribution is
close to the axis of rotation, it has
a low polar moment of inertia. A mid-engined
car has most of its mass within its wheelbase,
contributing to a low polar moment of
inertia, which, in turn, improves cornering
turn-in. |
| |
| Port
fuel injection |
| |
A type of
fuel injection with at least one injector
mounted in the intake port(s) of each
cylinder. Usually the injector is mounted
on the air intake manifold close to the
port. Port fuel injection improves fuel
distribution and allows greater flexibility
in intake-manifold design, which can contribute
to improved engine breathing. |
| |
| Pound-feet |
| |
The unit of
measurement for torque. One pound-foot
is equal to the twisting force produced
when a one-pound force is applied to the
end of a one-foot-long lever. |
| |
| Power
|
| |
The rate at
which work is performed. Power is proportional
to torque and rpm and is measured in horsepower.
|
| |
| Power
Band |
| |
The subjectively
defined rpm range over which an engine
delivers a substantial fraction of its
peak power. The power band usually extends
from slightly below the engine`s torque
peak to slightly above its power peak.
|
| |
| Powertrain
|
| |
An engine
and transmission combination. |
| |
| Pre-selector
Gearbox |
| |
An arrangement
that enables the driver to select a gear
speed before he needs it and then depress
the clutch pedal when he desires to use
the selected gear. |
| |
| Product
Design |
| |
The process
of planning the product`s specifications.
|
| |
| Product
Planning |
| |
a function
whereby an enterprise is responsible for
the efficient, planning, scheduling and
coordination of production activities.
|
| |
| Product
Testing |
| |
Rigorous methods
whereby a product`s quality and durability
are measured. |
| |
| Production
Engineering |
| |
Planning and
control of the mechanical means of changing
the shape, condition of materials toward
greater effectiveness and value. |
| |
| Productivity
|
| |
relative measure
of output per labour and/or machine output. |
| |
| Progressive-rate
spring |
| |
A spring with
an increasing spring constant. For example,
if the first inch of spring motion requires
5%0 pounds of force, the second inch would
require more than an additional 5%0 pounds,
and the third inch would require still
more. Progressive-rate springs become
stiffer as they are compressed, unlike
single-rate springs, which have a fixed
spring rate. |
| |
| Prototype |
| |
The test model
of a new car design that is intended to
be produced in quantity. |
| |
| Psi |
| |
Pounds per
square inch, the common unit of measurement
for pressure. Normal atmospheric pressure
at sea level is 14.7 psi. |
| |
| Purchasing
|
| |
total materials
purchased for manufacturing/assembly into
auto parts (ie. steel, plastics, rubber,
textiles, etc.). |
| |
| Push |
| |
A slang term
for understeer. |
| |
| Pushrod
|
| |
A metal rod
that transmits the motion of the camshaft
to the valve actuators. Pushrods are used
by non-overhead cam engines to open and
close valves. Pushrod A metal rod connecting
the valve lifter or camshaft with the
valve rocker arm on overhead-valve engines.
Pushrod A general term for any rod that
transfers force in compression. In a valvetrain,
pushrods are used to transfer reciprocating
motion from the cam followers to a more
distant part of a valvetrain, typically
the rocker arms. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Quadricycle |
| |
An early type
of light, four-wheeled automobile using
bicycle wheels and a frame of steel tubes.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Rack-and-pinion
Steering |
| |
A steering
system having a pinion gear at the lower
end of the steering column that engages
a rack or a toothed rod that connects
to the wheel steering arms. The ends of
the rack are linked to the steered wheels
with tie rods. When the gear is rotated
by the steering shaft, it moves the rack
from side to side: turning the wheels |
| |
| Radial
Ply |
| |
A tire in
which the fabric cords run radially in
a line from the wheel hub or straight
out from the bead or around the tubular
shape of the tire. Annular belts of fabric
or steel mesh add rigidity. Advantages
of this design are more flexible side
walls with a relatively stiff tread area
and a larger and more consistent footprint
on the road under all driving conditions.
|
| |
| Rear
Wheel Drive |
| |
The rear wheels
receive all the engine power. RWD is preferred
over front-wheel drive (FWD) for its superior
handling and acceleration capabilities.
RWD provides less traction than FWD in
poor road conditions because less weight
is available over the drive wheels. |
| |
| Rebound |
| |
The motion
of a wheel that extends the suspension.
The opposite of jounce. |
| |
| Reciprocating
Motion |
| |
Reciprocating
Motion of an object between two limiting
positions. Applied to piston engines because
of the limited up and down motion of the
pistons. |
| |
| Recirculating-ball
|
| |
A steering
mechanism in which the steering shaft
turns a worm gear that, in turn, causes
a toothed metal block to move back and
forth. Ball bearings in a recirculating
track reduce friction between the worm
gear and the block. As the block moves,
its teeth rotate a gear connected to a
steering arm, which then moves the steering
linkage. |
| |
| Registration
|
| |
Motor vehicle
ownership that is filed with the province/state.
|
| |
| Research
& Development |
| |
R&D expenditures
(product and process development). |
| |
| Ride
Height |
| |
A measurement
between the ground and some fixed reference
point on a car`s body (the reference point
varies according to the whims of the particular
automaker). This dimension can be used
to measure the amount of suspension deflection
or the height of the body from the ground.
|
| |
| Ride
Steer |
| |
A generally
undesirable condition in which a wheel
steers slightly as its suspension compresses
or extends. Also called "bump steer."
|
| |
| Rigid
Axle |
| |
A simple non-independent
suspension, consisting of a rigid transverse
member with wheel hubs solidly bolted
to it. The axle can be attached to the
body by leaf springs, or by a combination
of suspension arms and links. |
| |
| Ring
Gear |
| |
One of the
gears in the rear axle that transmits
power to the differential from the drive
shaft. |
| |
| Ring-and-Pinion
Gear |
| |
Any gearset
consisting of a small gear (the pinion
gear) which turns a large-diameter annular
gear (the ring gear). |
| |
| Road-load
horsepower |
| |
The amount
of power at the driving wheels needed
to move a car down the road at a steady
speed. This power varies according to
the car`s speed, aerodynamic drag, and
mechanical friction, as well as the tires`
rolling resistance. Road-load horsepower
is distinct from engine power because
the output of the engine is sapped by
various mechanical losses between the
engine`s output at its flywheel and the
driving wheels. |
| |
| Roadster
|
| |
A description
of a two-seater open car of sporty appearance
with side curtains, instead of roll-up
windows. |
| |
| Rocker
Arm |
| |
A pivoted
lever that transmits the action of the
pushrod to the valve stem. (Pushrod upward
action is converted to downward push on
the valve stem. ) |
| |
| Roll
|
| |
The rotation
of a car`s body about a longitudinal axis.
Also less accurately called "sway" or
"lean," it occurs in corners because the
car`s center of gravity is almost always
higher than the axis about which it rotates.
|
| |
| RPM
|
| |
Revolutions
per minute. RPM indicates how many times
the engine crankshaft rotates per minute.
|
| |
| Rubber-isolated
crossmember |
| |
A laterally
aligned structural member that is attached
to the body or the frame via vibration-absorbing
rubber isolators. By bolting suspension
or driveline components to such crossmembers,
automotive engineers can reduce the transmission
of noise and/or ride harshness to the
body. |
| |
| Runabout |
| |
An open sporting-type
vehicle, lightweight, with two seats and
with simple bodywork. |
| |
| Running
Board |
| |
A long flat
board under the car doors that acts as
a footstep for the passengers. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| S.A.E. |
| |
Society of
Automotive Engineers. The professional
association of transportation-industry
engineers. A group known for publishing
research papers and defining various standards
of measurement. The SAE sets most auto-industry
standard for the testing, measuring, and
designing of automobiles and their components.
|
| |
| Safety
Restraint Systems |
| |
Devices that
reduce injury in the event of a accident.
Typical examples include safety belts
and airbags. |
| |
| Scrappage |
| |
a vehicle
registered in the previous year but not
re-registered in the current year. |
| |
| Scrub
radius |
| |
The distance
from the point where the steering axis
intersects the ground to the longitudinal
line that runs through the center of the
tire`s contact patch. Also called "steering
offset." |
| |
| Sealed
Beam |
| |
A one-piece,
hermetically sealed headlight in which
the filament is an integral part of the
unit, and the lens itself is the bulb.
|
| |
| Sedan
|
| |
A closed,
fixed-roof car for four or more passengers
with either two or four doors. (Called
saloon in U.K.) |
| |
| Selective
Transmission |
| |
The conventional
manual transmission of today in which
any gear may be selected at will as opposed
to the very early progressive transmission
in which the gears had to be selected
in order. |
| |
| Semi-elliptic
leaf spring |
| |
A slightly
curved leaf spring that is attached to
a car`s body at its ends and to a suspension
component near its middle. One of the
two body attachments is a shackle, which
allows for changes in the spring`s length
as it flexes up and down. |
| |
| Semi-trailing-arm
suspension |
| |
An independent
rear-suspension system in which each wheel
hub is located only by a large, roughly
triangular arm that pivots at two points.
Viewed from the top, the line formed by
the two pivots is somewhere between parallel
and perpendicular to the car`s longitudinal
axis. |
| |
| Series
(tire) |
| |
The numerical
representation of a tire`s aspect ratio.
A 50-series tire has an aspect ratio of
0.50. |
| |
| Shift
Gate |
| |
The mechanism
in a transmission linkage that controls
the motion of the gearshift lever. The
shift gate is usually an internal mechanism;
however, in some transmissions: including
Ferrari five-speeds and Mercedes-Benz
automatics : the shift gate is an exposed
guide around the shift lever. |
| |
| Shock
absorber |
| |
A device that
converts motion into heat, usually by
forcing oil through small internal passages
in a tubular housing. Used primarily to
dampen suspension oscillations, shock
absorbers respond to motion; their effects,
therefore, are most obvious in transient
maneuvers. The majority of shock absorbers
are hydraulic. |
| |
| Single-rate
spring |
| |
A spring with
a constant spring rate. For example, if
a 5%0-pound force deflects the spring
by one inch, an additional 5%0 pounds
will deflect it one more inch, and so
on until the spring either bottoms or
fails. |
| |
| Sleeve
Valve |
| |
Consists of
metal sleeves located between the piston
and cylinder wall. When moved up and down,
holes in the sleeves coincide with inlet
and exhaust parts to provide passage for
the gases at the right time. |
| |
| Slip
angle |
| |
The angular
difference between the direction in which
a tire is rolling and the plane of its
wheel. Slip angle is caused by deflections
in the tire`s sidewall and tread during
cornering. A linear relationship between
slip angles and cornering forces indicates
an easily controllable tire. |
| |
| Slushbox |
| |
A slang for
an automatic transmission. |
| |
| SOHC
|
| |
Acronym for
single overhead cam (see Overhead Cam).
An SOHC engine uses one camshaft in each
cylinder head to operate both the exhaust
valves and the intake valves. |
| |
| Space
frame |
| |
A particular
kind of tube frame that consists exclusively
of relatively short, small-diameter tubes.
The tubes are welded together in a configuration
that loads them primarily in tension and
compression. |
| |
| Spark
Plug |
| |
The spark
plug converts high voltage energy into
an arc that passes between its electrodes.
The arc causes the gasoline-air mixture
in the cylinder to ignite and expand,
providing power by pushing down the piston. |
| |
| Sports
Car |
| |
An agile vehicle
that is easily maneuverable, accelerates
briskly, brakes positively, handles well
and steers precisely. It is tightly sprung
and does not wallow and heave as does
a conventional passenger car and is therefore
not as comfortable. |
| |
| Sports
Car |
| |
An agile vehicle
that is easily maneuverable, accelerates
briskly, brakes positively, handles well
and steers precisely. It is tightly sprung
and does not wallow and heave as does
a conventional passenger car and is therefore
not as comfortable. |
| |
| Spyder
or Spider |
| |
In the early
1900s, a light two-seater car. In the
1950s the word was revived by some Italian
manufacturers for an open two seater sports
car. |
| |
| Squat
|
| |
The opposite
of dive, squat is the dipping of a car`s
rear end that occurs during hard acceleration.
Squat is caused by a load transfer from
the front to the rear suspension. |
| |
| Stamping
|
| |
A process
technology which manufactures automotive
parts by shaping rolled sheet metal or
by bending or stretching it in a sequence
of purpose-built tools fitted to a general
purpose press. |
| |
| Standard
Industrial Classification (1980) |
| |
Catalogue
No. 12-E Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) industry class that represents a
level of organization of production by
type of specialization. Currently the
1980 Standard Industrial Classification
is in effect identifying each industry
at the 4 digit level. |
| |
| Starter |
| |
A motor powered
by the battery that rotates the crankshaft
before the engine is started. |
| |
| Steering
Axis |
| |
The line that
intersects the upper and lower steering
pivots on a steered wheel. On a car with
a strut suspension, the steering axis
is defined by the line through the strut
mount on top and the ball joint on the
bottom. |
| |
| Steering
feel |
| |
The general
relationship between forces at the steering
wheel and handling. Ideally, the steering
effort should increase smoothly as the
wheel is rotated away from center. In
addition, the steering effort should build
as the cornering forces at the steered
wheels increase. Finally, the friction
built into the steering mechanism should
be small in comparison with the handling-related
steering forces. |
| |
| Steering
gain |
| |
The relationship
between yaw and the steering wheel`s position
and effort. All three should be proportional
and should build up smoothly. |
| |
| Steering
Geometry |
| |
The group
of design variables outside the steering
mechanism that affect steering behavior,
including camber, caster, linkage arrangement,
ride steer, scrub radius, toe-in, and
trail. |
| |
| Steering
Response |
| |
A subjective
term that combines steering feel and steering
gain. |
| |
| Steering,
Power |
| |
Assist provided
by the engine to reduce steering effort.
Power steering is essential to make large,
heavy vehicles manageable. Small vehicles
often do not require power steering. |
| |
| Steering,
Rack and Pinion |
| |
A common steering
type. The steering wheel is connected
to a pinion gear that meshes with a rack,
or linear gear. As the pinion rotates,
the rack moves side to side, this moves
the steering linkage, causing the wheels
to pivot left or right. |
| |
| Straight-line
Tracking |
| |
The ability
of a car to resist road irregularities
and run in a straight line without steering
corrections. |
| |
| Stroke
|
| |
The back-and-forth
motion of the piston. The length of the
motion of the piston from top dead center
to bottom dead center. |
| |
| Strut |
| |
A suspension
element in which a reinforced shock absorber
is used as one of the wheel`s locating
members, typically by solidly bolting
the wheel hub to the bottom end of the
strut. |
| |
| Sump
|
| |
The space
in the engine block under the crankshaft
into which the oil drains from its various
applications. |
| |
| Supercharger
(Blower) |
| |
An air compressor
used to force more air into an engine
than it can inhale on its own. The term
is frequently applied only to mechanically
driven compressors, but it actually encompasses
all varieties of compressors-including
turbochargers. |
| |
| Supplier
Cost Reduction Effort (SCORE) |
| |
a United States
program that urges suppliers to develop
processes to cut costs. Suppliers are
allowed to keep half the savings and pass
on the other half to the automakers. |
| |
| Suspension
|
| |
The assembly
of springs, shock absorbers, torsion bars,
joints, arms, etc., that cushions the
shock of bumps on the road and serves
to keep the wheels in constant contact
with the road, thereby improving control
and traction. |
| |
| Suspension |
| |
The assembly
of springs, shock absorbers, torsion bars,
joints, arms, etc., that cushions the
shock of bumps on the road and serves
to keep the wheels in constant contact
with the road, thereby improving control
and traction. |
| |
| SUV
|
| |
Sport Utility
Vehicle. |
| |
| Swing
Axle |
| |
Type of independent
rear suspension using half shafts that
have universal joints only at their inboard
ends on both sides of the differential.
This causes a camber angle change of the
wheel with up-and-down wheel movements.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| tach |
| |
an acronym
for tachometer |
| |
| tach-dwell-meter |
| |
An instrument
used to measure engine speed and distributor
dwell |
| |
| tachometer
|
| |
An instrument
used to measure engine speed |
| |
| tack
cloth |
| |
A varnish-coated
cheese cloth having a tacky surface used
to clean metal prior to painting. |
| |
| tag
axle |
| |
The rearmost
axle of a tandem-axle tractor used to
increase the load-carrying capacity if
the vehicle. |
| |
| tail
lights |
| |
Lights used
on the rear of a vehicle. |
| |
| tailgate
|
| |
1. The rear
opening of a truck, station wagon or van.
2. To follow another vehicle closely. |
| |
| tailpipe
|
| |
The pipe from
the muffler or catalytic converter to
the rear of the vehicle 2. The outlet
pipe from the evaporator to the compressor. |
| |
| tall
block |
| |
An engine
assembly consisting of a short block and
a cylinder head. |
| |
| tandem
master cylinder |
| |
A master cylinder
that consists of a single bore with two
pistons and separate fluid compression
chambers used with "split" braking systems
to ensure that there will be some braking
power in one breaking circuit, even if
there is a fluid loss in the other. |
| |
| test
wheel |
| |
A controlled
procedure by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) to perform
laboratory tests for temperature-resistance
testing of automotive tires as determined
by how long the tire lasts on the test
wheel. The ratings are A, B, or C, with
an A rating having the best temperature
resistance. |
| |
| tetraethyl
lead (TEL) |
| |
A chemical,
Pb, once added to gasoline to increase
its octane and aid in lubrication of the
valves. Lead damages catalytic converters
and oxygen sensors and therefore cannot
be used in vehicles designed to operate
on unleaded fuel. Leaded gasoline is no
longer sold in the United States. |
| |
| thermostat
|
| |
A driver-operated
device used to cycle the clutch to control
the rate of refrigerant flow as a means
of temperature control 2. A temperature-sensitive
component located in a housing at the
coolant outlet of the engine that restricts
coolant flow to the radiator to maintain
the desired engine-operating temperatures.
Often referred to as Ranco control. |
| |
| tire |
| |
1. An air-filled
or solid covering for a wheel, normally
of rubber 2. A device made of rubber,
fabric and other materials that, when
filled with fluid or gas under pressure
and mounted on a wheel, cushions and sustains
the imposed load. Tires contribute to
the ride and steering quality of a vehicle
and play a significant role in vehicle
safety. Tires must be designed to carry
the weight of the vehicle, transfer braking
and driving torque to the road, and withstand
side thrust over varying speeds and conditions. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Ultra
Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) |
| |
ULEV vehicles
are usually electric or hybrid gasoline/electric
vehicles. ULEV standards are the strictest
emission standards in the USA. |
| |
| Understeer |
| |
Understeer
occurs when the front wheels provide less
steering than desired in a given direction.
Usually the front wheels have lost adhesion
and cannot steer effectively. This results
in the vehicle pushing ahead and responding
sluggishly to the steering wheel. Reducing
speed can allow the front wheels to regain
traction. Most vehicles are designed to
exhibit understeer in normal conditions,
because it is easier to control than oversteer.
An understeering car is sometimes said
to push, because it resists turning and
tends to go straight. |
| |
| United
States Council for Automotive Research
|
| |
an organization
founded by Chrysler, Ford, and General
Motors to strengthen the technology base
of the domestic automotive industry through
research and co-operation. |
| |
| Unitized
Construction |
| |
A type of
body construction that doesn`t require
a separate frame to provide structural
strength or support for the car`s mechanical
components. A unitized body can employ
monocoque construction, or it can utilize
strong structural elements as an integral
part of its construction. |
| |
| Universal
joint |
| |
A joint that
transmits rotary motion between two shafts
that aren`t in a straight line. Depending
on its design, a universal joint can accommodate
a large angular variation between its
inputs and outputs. The simplest kind
of universal joint, called a "Hooke joint,"
causes the output shaft to speed up and
slow down twice for every revolution of
the input shaft. This speed fluctuation
increases with the angular difference
between the shafts. |
| |
| Used
Vehicle |
| |
Vehicle that
has been previously owned or driven. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Value
analysis (VA) |
| |
Valve Device
that opens and closes the combustion chamber
of an internal-combustion engine to admit
the fuel-air mixture or exhaust the gases |
| |
| Valve
Lifter |
| |
Also called
a "valve follower": the cylindrically
shaped component that presses against
the lobe of a camshaft and moves up and
down as the cam lobe rotates. Most valve
lifters have an oil-lubricated hardened
face that slides on the cam lobe. So-called
"roller lifters", however, have a small
roller in contact with the cam lobe: thereby
reducing the friction between the cam
lobe and the lifter. |
| |
| Valves
(e.g. 24 valves) |
| |
Signifies
the total intake and exhaust valves in
an engine. For example, a 24-valve V-6
would have 4 valves per cylinder 24/6=4.
A 16-valve V-8 would have 2 valves per
cylinder 16/8=2. More valves allow the
engine to breathe better at high RPM and
produce more power. |
| |
| Valvetrain |
| |
The collection
of parts that make the valves operate.
The valvetrain includes the camshaft(s)
and all related drive components, the
various parts that convert the camshaft`s
rotary motion into reciprocating motion
at the valves, and the valves and their
associated parts. |
| |
| VEE
Engine |
| |
An engine
with cylinders arranged in two rows at
an angle to the common crankshaft. Has
a "V" shape when viewed from the front.
|
| |
| VIS-A-VIS |
| |
A four-seater
in which two passengers faced the driver.
Used around the turn of the century. |
| |
| Viscous
Coupling |
| |
A particular
kind of fluid coupling in which the input
and output shafts mate with thin, alternately
spaced discs in a cylindrical chamber.
The chamber is filled with a viscous fluid
that tends to cling to the discs, thereby
resisting speed differences between the
two shafts. Viscous couplings are used
to limit the speed difference between
the two outputs of a differential, or
between the two axles of a car. |
| |
| Voiture
Legere |
| |
A light car,
especially a racing car falling between
the heavy cars and the voiturette. Term
seldom used to describe production cars.
Not used after 1914. |
| |
| Voiturette
|
| |
Early two-seater
touring car. Name first used by Leon Bollee
and then applied to any small car. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Waste
gate |
| |
A valve used
to limit the boost developed in a turbocharger.
A waste gate operates by allowing some
of the engine`s exhaust flow to bypass
the turbocharger`s turbine section under
certain conditions. |
| |
| Water
Pump |
| |
A pump that
circulates coolant within the engine block
and cylinder head. The water pump is driven
by the engine crankshaft. |
| |
| Wheel
hop |
| |
An undesirable
suspension characteristic in which a wheel
(or several) moves up and down so violently
that it actually leaves the ground. Wheel
hop can be caused by many problems, including
excessive unsprung weight, insufficient
shock damping, or poor torsional axle
control |
| |
| Wheel
Size (e.g. 15 X 7) |
| |
Wheel size
is defined by the diameter and width of
the wheel. A 15 X 7 wheel has a 15-inch
diameter and a 7-inch width. |
| |
| Wheelbase
|
| |
The distance
between the centers of the front and rear
wheel axles as viewed from the side of
the car. |
| |
| Windsor
Experiment |
| |
Chrysler Canada,
in partnership with government and educational
institutions, has launched a number of
initiatives collectively referred to as
the Windsor Experiment. The Windsor Experiment
conducts studies to benchmark "best practice"
training and education in Europe, and
applied the results in various skills
development programs. |
| |
| Wishbone
Suspension (Double Wishbone Suspension)
|
| |
An independent
suspension that uses curved members (wishbones)
to control suspension travel. A wishbone
suspension offers good axle control, and
limits undesirable suspension. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| X-axis |
| |
1.The longitudinal
axis around which a vehicle structure
rolls from side to side. 2. Represents
the total time across the face of the
oscilloscope. |
| |
| X-chassis
|
| |
A conventional
chassis design, used until the late 1960`s
which narrows in the center, giving the
vehicle a rigid structure that is designed
to withstand a high degree of twist having
a heavy front cross member to support
the upper and lower suspension control
arms and coil springs. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Yaw
|
| |
The rotation
about a vertical axis that passes through
the car`s center of gravity. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Zero-offset
steering |
| |
A steering
system whose geometry has a scrub radius
of zero. This configuration minimizes
the steering effects produced during acceleration
(with front drive) or braking on varying
traction surfaces. |
|
|
A-Z Glossary
