How Does a Manual Transmission Work?

Your car's transmission, or gearbox, is one of its most vital parts, and even though many of us can use one but very few actually know how a manual transmission works. At Bohernabreena Gearbox Centre, we believe that if you know how your transmission works then you will be more likely to use the gearbox effectively and maintain it in a safe, working order.

What are the Components of a Manual Transmission?

1. Clutch
The clutch is the system of components that are used to transmit engine torque to the transmission. In simpler terms the controls the force of the engine and therefore the speed. The clutch pedal disengages the clutch when pressed, which allows you to increase or decrease the torque by changing gears.

2. Flywheel
In a manual transmission, the flywheel is the part of the engine that delivers the torque to the clutch disc. This smooth, circular mass interacts with the clutch disc, passing the torque into the clutch and then onto the transmission.

3. Gears
The various sized gears allow for different wheel speeds. Larger gears provide more torque, propelling the car forward but have lower maximum speeds. Smaller gears have less torque but you can travel at a much higher speed.

4. Gear Shift

The gear shift is how the driver changes the gears. The shift engages the gear selector fork which engages the chosen gear, locking them in place so they can send torque from the engine to the transmission.

How Does it all Work?

When the car is stopped, the clutch pedal is depressed. By pressing in on the clutch the engine and the transmission are no longer directly linked. The transmission enters first gear when you move the gear shift into place. Pressing down on the accelerator as you slowly come off the clutch will start the car moving in first gear and the engine and transmission are fully linked again. To move into second gear the process repeats and so on.

All of this happens in an instant. Once you take your foot off the clutch pedal, energy is once again able to travel from the engine, through the clutch system and into the transmission, propelling your vehicle forward at greater speeds.