Getting To Know Your Driveline

How A Semi-Truck Driveline Works

Your truck's driveline is an often overlooked but extremely important part of the overall design and functionality. The system includes all the gears and axles needed to make sure you can move your truck comfortably and efficiently. In short terms, it shifts all the power from the engine and transmission and transfers it to the wheels.

If you've come across drivelines and are wondering how they work in the context of your semi-truck, then you're in luck. To help you learn a more about the driveline system in your commercial truck, our experts have put together the following article. Read on to learn more about your driveline!

What Is A Semi-Truck Driveline?

The driveline is made up of several important pieces designed to help you move your semi-truck without any difficulty. Including a clutch, axle, yoke, driveshaft, universal joints, and differentials, the driveline is a complex system of components designed to transfer mechanical energy to and from the transmission. A few of the parts that make up your driveline system include:

1. Clutch: Clutches are designed make sure your truck doesn't lurch forward when taking off. The clutch's primary mission is to move energy from the engine's crankshaft to the transmission smoothly without any slippage.

2. Axle: A drive axle is a split and made with universal joints and a differential that sits in between the two half axles.

3. Yoke: The slip yoke is an integral component in the drive shaft in your commercial truck. It is what lets the shaft flex when the vehicle is travelling over rough or uneven terrain.

4. Driveshaft: A driveshaft is a long, steel cylinder that is connected to the transmission at one end and the wheels at the other. The task of the driveshaft is to transfer mechanical power from the transmission to the other sections.

5. U-Joints: A universal joint connects the driveshaft to the differential. The u-joint has a cross shape with a bearing at either end. This allows for lateral and side-to-side movement of the driveshaft.

6. Differentials: The differential is the set of gears designed to transfer power from the transmission to the rear wheels. It also ensures that the wheels on either side turn at different speeds to maintain smooth driving.

What Is The Function Of A Driveline System?

The driveline system of a vehicle has two distinct functions. First, it is designed to offer a smooth coupling between the engine and the driving wheels. Second, it makes the selection of gear ratios available.

What's The Difference Between Powertrain, Drivetrain, and Driveline?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is indeed a difference between a drivetrain, driveline, and powertrain.

1. Powertrain: The term "powertrain" encompasses everything that powers the vehicle. This includes the engine, the transmission, and the driveline systems.

2. Drivetrain: The term "drivetrain" refers to what's in the powertrain save for the engine. This is the transmission and the driveline.

3. Driveline: The driveline refers to everything in the drivetrain that is not the transmission. It includes the driveline components listed above.

What Are The Four Types Of Drivetrain?

The drivetrain in your semi-truck is the system of parts designed to provide power to the driving wheels. This excludes the engine or motor that generates the power. In modern commercial trucks, there are four available types of drivetrains. These are All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Each of these systems are composed of the components necessary to transmit the engine's energy to the wheels, which, in turn, moves the truck.

1. AWD: The AWD system is made with a series of fluid-filled differentials and advanced electronics that let the engine to send power to all four wheels.

2. 4WD: 4WD is similar to AWD. With an FWD system, the engine's power is sent to all four wheels.

3. FWD: FWD systems make sure all of the engine's power is being sent to the two front wheels. This means that the drivetrain is more or less pulling the truck down the road. This gives the truck more traction which offers stability, predictability and dependability on icy roads.

4. RWD: In RWD systems, the engine's power is sent directly to the back two wheels. In contrast to trucks with FWD, a vehicle that uses RWD is pushed down the road. With RWD systems, traction is low, which means that they will not work well in areas with icy winters.

What Does 6x2, 6x4, And 6x6 Mean In A Semi-truck?

These numbers refer to the drivetrains and the kind of performance your semi-truck can provide. The standard configuration of semi-trucks was 6x4 and 6x6 for a very long time. Typically, it's been shown that a large number of truckers prefer these configurations. However, some drivers and fleets have been seen moving to a 6x2 configuration.

1. 6x6: A 6×6 configuration features three axles that function as drive axles. This is the ideal way to make sure a truck can go off-road with an average to moderate haul. It focuses on the traction and mobility of a vehicle.

2. 6x4: A 6×4 configuration has two rear axles as drive axles. This kind of configuration is generally preferred if your truck operates off-highway or during extreme weather conditions.

3. 6x2: A 6x2 has two rear axles, with only one of them receiving the power. This configuration is best when it comes to fuel efficiency. It's perfect for line-haul usage in icy or slippery road conditions.

What Happens When A Driveline Goes Out?

Your driveline is an incredibly important system to make sure is in proper working order. If your driveline goes out, it is possible you will experience the following:

1. Immediate loss of steering.

2. Inability to go forward or backward.

3. Inability to accelerate.

4. Difficulty turning in either direction.

5. Excessive vibrations.

6. Knocking or clanking noses.

Read More About Drivelines

If you have been researching drivelines and would like to know more about some of the individual components that make up the system, we have several articles designed to help you do exactly that. Click on any of the links below to read more about each part!

· Getting To Know Your Driveline: Clutches

· Getting To Know Your Driveline: Axles

· Getting To Know Your Driveline: Yokes

· Getting To Know Your Driveline: Driveshaft

· Getting To Know Your Driveline: U-Joints

· Getting To Know Your Driveline: Differentials

Shop Now For Semi-Truck Driveline Parts

For those looking into replacement parts for their semi-truck, you've definitely found yourself at the right location. No matter what driveline part you've been needing for your semi-truck, we have a full selection for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for clutches, axles, yokes, driveshafts, universal joints, or differentials, we'll have it from some of the most notable brands in the industry. Login or create an account to start saving on your next driveline component today!