IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning in December 2011, this seminar has changed from a one-day to a two-day seminar.

An efficient, robust, and quiet running drivetrain is as essential to customer satisfaction as styling and interior creature comforts. In this seminar, you will be exposed to various methods that can be used to accomplish this goal. Designed to help you visualize both individual components and the entire drivetrain system - without reference to complicated equations - this seminar focuses on the terms, functions, nomenclature, operating characteristics and effect on vehicle performance for each of the drivetrain components. Attendees will receive an introduction to the various components of the drivetrain, including the clutch or torque converter, manual or automatic transmission, driveshaft, axle, wheel ends, and brakes.

This course also provides insight into: the structure and function of each component; vehicle integration; and related noise, vibration and harshness issues. You will be equipped to evaluate the space requirements, mounting needs, clearances required, and effect on vehicle response for each component.

Attendees will receive a copy of James Halderman's book, The Automotive Technology, 4th Ed.

• Discuss both practical and technical aspects of smoothing clutch operation by incorporating cushion and torsional dampers.
• Compare different types of transmission synchronizers, automatic transmission torque converters, hydraulic clutch operation and epicyclic gear trains.
• Describe the interaction of gear ratios and vehicle performance as related to engine horsepower and torque curves.
• Explain phasing and mounting of propeller shafts as related to torsional excitation and secondary couple loads
• Review different types of differentials.
• Compare common misconceptions of limited slip devices to their actual performance.
• Recognize four-wheel drive systems and the need for an inter-axle differential.
• Appraise electronic control of torque through braking and clutching devices.
• Evaluate the total drivetrain package as a system.

DAY ONE

• Clutch (dry/wet)
  • Pressure Plate (Cover)
    • Direct pressure
    • Indirect pressure
    • Belleville
    • Over center springs
  • Disc
    • Hub
    • Facing support member
    • Torsional damper -- damper springs; co-axial damper springs; damper friction devices
    • Facings - Organic; Ceramic/metallic; cushion types
  • Linkage
    • Hydraulic
    • Cable
    • Mechanical

• Transmission
  • Automatic
    • Hydraulically controlled
    • Electronically controlled
    • Planetary or epicyclical gearing
    • Hydraulic multi-disc clutches
  • Torque Converters
    • Impeller
    • Turbine
    • Stator
    • Lock-up clutch
  • Manual
    • Synchronized
    • Non-Synchronized
    • Electronically shifted
    • Gear rattle

• Propshaft
  • Cardan Joints
    • Torsional excitation -- cancellation (two or more joints)
    • Secondary couple
  • Constant Velocity Joints
    • Rzeppa type
    • Others

• Axle
  • Rigid -- Semi-float; Full-float; Carrier type; Banjo type
  • Steering
  • Independent
  • Gearing -- Spiral bevel; Hypoid
  • Differentials
    • Two pinion
    • Four pinion
    • Limited slips
    • Full locking
    • Plate types -- spring loading of plates; springs between side gears and plates; springs between gears; gear loading of plates
    • Cam loading of plates
    • Viscous types
    • Speed loaded types -- hydraulic pump; viscous pump

• Axle (continued from Day One)

• Transfer Case
  • Full Time
    • The requirement for a differential -- bevel differential; planetary differential
  • Part Time
    • Two-wheel drive
    • Locked four-wheel drive

• Wheel Ends
  • Independent
  • Live vs. Dead Spindle
  • Bearing architectures

Joe Palazzolo is employed as Chief Engineer ¿ Geared Products at GKN Driveline Torque Technology Group where he manages the mechanical design and development of new automotive gearboxes, torque transfer devices, concepts, and integration into production applications. His prior professional experience includes all-wheel systems design and development, power transfer unit and transfer case design, and torque management device development at Visteon Corporation, Warn Industries, and Ford Motor Company.

Mr. Palazzolo is an ASE certified Master Technician, chaired the SAE All-Wheel Drive Standards Committee, and has been an active SAE member since 1990. He is a past recipient of the SAE Forest R. McFarland Award for distinction in professional development and education (2007) and also achieved the SAE Master Instructor designation (2010).

Mr. Palazzolo is the award winning author of High-Performance Differentials, Axles & Drivelines. He has designed, built, campaigned and supported various race cars and teams for both professional and amateur racing organizations. His scope of work has been entire vehicle inclusive but also focused on competitive, high-performance drivetrain systems. He holds a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University and a Masters degree in Automotive Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He has received numerous patents for his work and creativity in advancing mobility systems.

"An informative seminar for general introduction to the drivetrain components and terminology for any one entering the drivetrain industry."
James Lee
Friction Material Manager
Sulzer Euroflamm US, Inc.

"This course tied together the subjects that I have been trained in very well."
Brent Pawlak
Sales Engineer
Timken

Also available as an SAe-Learning program delivered online! A Familiarization of Drivetrain Components e-Seminar