Chapter 10 Manual Transaxle Construction and Operation 219
Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Reverse idler
engaged
Idler turns
output backward
Output opposite
forward rotation
3rd–4th synchronizer
Transaxle case
Reverse idle gear
Clutch housing
Input shaft
Output shaft
Ring gear
Differential
case assembly
Speedometer
drive gear
1st–2nd synchronizer
5th synchronizer
Figure 10-29. This 5-speed transaxle is used with transverse
engines. (General Motors)
Figure 10-28. In Reverse, the reverse idler gear is engaged. It
causes the output shaft and differential assembly to turn in the
reverse direction. (Ford)
Manual Transaxle Designs
Although manual transaxles are similar in their basic
design, many minor differences exist between models.
Some of these differences may be seen by examination of
Figures 10-29 through 10-31.
A typical General Motors manual transaxle for use with
transverse engines is shown in Figure 10-29. This particular
transaxle has five forward speeds, all synchronized.
Figure 10-30 shows a 4-speed manual transaxle used
on many DaimlerChrysler front-wheel drive vehicles with
transverse engines. It is fully synchronized in all forward
gears. Note the selector shaft extending through the top of
the case. It operates the shift rails. Also note the unusual
location of the clutch release bearing. The clutch pushrod
extends through the center of the input shaft to actuate the
clutch.
The Ford transaxle shown in Figure 10-31 has an
overdrive fifth gear. The input shaft contains a cluster gear,
which is integral with the shaft. Synchronizers are not used
on the input shaft of this design, whereas they were on the
previous two-transaxle designs.
Rear-Wheel Drive Transaxle
The most well-known rear-wheel drive transaxles were
the original Volkswagon Beetle and the Chevrolet Corvair.
At one time, these vehicles were common, but both are now
out of production. Transaxles are still occasionally used on
modern rear-wheel drive vehicles—some Porsche models,
for example. The internal design and construction of rear-
wheel drive transaxles is similar to that of those used on
front-wheel drive vehicles. The major classes of rear-wheel
drive transaxles are those installed with a rear engine and
those used on a front-engine vehicle.
A typical rear-wheel drive manual transaxle used with
a rear-mounted engine is shown in Figure 10-32. With this
construction, the engine is placed at the extreme rear of the
vehicle and power flows forward to reach the transaxle.
After passing through the transaxle, the power flow exits to
the rear drive wheels.
A typical transaxle used with a front-engine, rear-
wheel drive vehicle is shown in Figure 10-33. The clutch,
as well as the transaxle transmission and differential assem-
bly, is mounted in a single housing. The transaxle receives
its power from a drive shaft that is connected to the front-
mounted engine.
Summary
Transaxle construction and operation is similar to that
of manual transmissions and differential assemblies used in
rear-wheel drive train vehicles. The transaxle has the trans-
mission and differential contained in one case. Transaxle
design and power flow varies according to how the engine
is placed in the vehicle. Transverse engines use a transaxle
that allows power to flow in a straight line, without chang-
ing angles. The transaxle used in a vehicle with a longi-
tudinal engine more closely resembles a rear-wheel drive
manual transmission. There is usually a drive chain or