A Familiarization of Drivetrain Components e-Seminar

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An efficient, durable, and quiet running drivetrain is as essential to customer satisfaction as styling and interior creature comforts. In this e-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 e-seminar focuses on the terms, functions, nomenclature, operating characteristics and effect on vehicle performance for each of the drivetrain components. Instructor Joseph Palazzolo provides 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.

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

Based on the popular classroom seminar, the five and a quarter hour course is divided into seven modules accompanied by a handbook.

Major topics include:

• Clutches [Total Run Time: 1 hour]
  • Explain the function of a manual transmission clutch system
  • Identify all the components of the clutch system and their function
  • Calculate clutch torque capacity and explain the significance of each parameter
  • Explain the difference between pull and push type clutch actuation systems
  • Identify the different clutch pedal travel positions
  • Troubleshoot common clutch problems and potential solutions
• Transmission [Total Run Time: 58 minutes]
  • Explain the functionality of torque multiplication and its relationship to speed
  • Identify the components that compromise manual and automatic transmissions
  • Explain the need and function for energy absorbing devices like synchronizers and clutches
  • Graphically illustrate the underlying fundamentals of gearing and multi-speed transmission powerflow
  • Describe the basic function of fluid couplings
• Propshaft[Total Run Time: 50 minutes]
  • Define the primary function of prophafts
  • Explain lead-lag phenomenon of single cardan joints and phasing to correct
  • Explain the difference between static and dynamic balance
  • Interpret the concept to constant velocity joints
• Axle[Total Run Time: 59 minutes]
  • Distinguish the different drive gear types
  • Define the need for differentials and their function in the a vehicle
  • Explain the inherent pros and cons of open differentials versus limited slip
  • Identify the axle wheel end types along with common complaints and concerns
• Transfer Case[Total Run Time: 17 minutes]
  • List the different types of All-Wheel Drive Systems
  • Compare and contrast the different modes of operation and their use
  • Identify typical transfer case design parameters
• Wheel Ends[Total Run Time: 5 minutes]
  • Explain the difference between live and dead spindle
  • Name the requirements for wheel end bearing packages
• Brakes[Total Run Time: 55 minutes]
  • Explain the basic brake system function
  • Identify the different types of line routing methods and why
  • Define the basic function of the master cylinder, brake booster, calipers, and wheel cylinders
  • Compare and contrast disc versus drum brake systems
  • Articulate the basic function and concept of anti-lock brake systems

About the Instructor: Joseph Palazzolo
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.

Is this e-Seminar for You?
This e-Seminar was intended for engineers now working with passenger car, sport utility, truck, bus, industrial, and off-highway vehicles who have had minimal prior experience with the total drivetrain. An engineering undergraduate degree in any discipline would be beneficial.

About e-Seminars
SAE "e-Seminars" are electronically delivered seminars featuring full-motion video illustrated with synchronized presentation slides. e-Seminars are based on some of SAE's most highly attended and rated classroom seminars.

Convenient & Portable Learning
Convenient and portable, SAE e-Seminars offer a new way to receive the same instruction as live classroom learning without the expense of travel and time away from the workplace. Using a laptop or PC with an Internet connection, you can view individual modules at your own pace, at times convenient to you. You can even e-mail your questions to SAE for instructor reply.

• 365 days of access (from date of purchase) to the 5 hour course
• Links to streaming video modules
• Course Handbook (downloadable, .pdf's, subject to DRM)
• Online Pre-test (self-test, immediate results)
• Online Post-test (submit to SAE)
• 0.6 CEUs*/Certificate of Achievement (with satisfactory post-test score)

Equipment Requirements

• Windows 2000, XP, 7 (Not currently supported by Windows Vista)
• Pentium III PC
• Minimum 128 MB RAM; recommended 256 MB RAM
• Internet Explorer 6.0 & above browser (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Unix/Linus based browsers are not currently supported)
• Adobe Flash Player 8.0 & above
• Broadband-128Kbps and above
• 1024 X 768 Screen Resolution
• Sound Card/Speakers

Available in Single-User packages. Quantity discounts for three or more students and Site License options also are available - complete a Corporate Learning Solutions Request Form for a quote.

For more detail, email CustomerService@sae.org; or call
1-877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside US and Canada).