This e-seminar provides an introduction to the fundamental
concepts and evolution of passenger car and light truck 4x4/all-
wheel drive (AWD) systems including the nomenclature used to describe these systems. Basic power
transfer unit and transfer case design parameters, component
application to system function, the future of AWD systems, and emerging technologies that may enable future
systems are covered.
Based on the popular classroom seminar, the four and a half
hour course is divided into eight modules accompanied by a
handbook. It is an excellent follow-up to SAE's A Familiarization of Drivetrain Components e-Seminar
(which is designed for those who have limited experience with the
total drivetrain).
By participating in this course, you will be able to:
This course was designed for engineers (working with passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs) who need to master AWD components and their functions and effects. Engineers new to the 4WD/AWD field, as well as managers, marketing personnel, purchasing professionals and others interested in all-wheel drive fundamentals, will benefit from this course.
This course satisfies a requirement in the Transmission/Drivetrain Certificate Program.
Have colleagues who need this course? See Special Offers to the right.
Click on the Requirements tab to make sure you are properly equipped to interact with this course.
Email CustomerService@sae.org, or call 1-877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside US and Canada).
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.
0.5 CEUs
"The course content exceeded my expectations and left me much more confident in my understanding of driveline systems."
Mark Schulte
Senior Sales Engineer
Stoneridge, Inc.
"A good introduction to all-wheel-drive systems with good balance between theory and real-world experience."
Chris Teslak
Technical Specialist
Ford Motor Company
"This program was very beneficial to my general understanding of the components and dynamics of various all wheel drive systems."
Andrew Schulte
Engineer
Honda R&D Americas