Principles of Operation

Principles of Operation

Driveline System - General Information
The driveline system enables the power generated by the engine and transferred through the transmission in front wheel drive (FWD), the transmission and the power transfer unit (PTU) in all wheel drive (AWD) to place the vehicle in motion. Rotational torque received from the transmission or PTU is delivered to the front wheels by halfshafts or the rear axle by way of the driveshaft(s). The U-joints or constant velocity (CV) joints at the ends of the shafts allow the shafts to rotate smoothly in an allowable angle plane. The rotational torque is introduced into the axle drive pinion which drives the differential ring gear. The ring gear is bolted to the axle differential which divides the torque between the left and right axle shafts, while permitting the shafts to turn at different speeds when required, such as when cornering.