Glossary of Terms
axle
A beam supporting a vehicle on which one or more wheels turn. Axles also house and support the differential, shafts, and wheels that propel the vehicle. Axles can be “driving,” conveying power to turn the wheels, or “dead,” merely supporting the vehicle’s weight and allowing the wheels to turn. Axles are designed to suit a variety of suspension systems. Beam axles are traditional, but many vehicles now utilize axle assemblies for independent suspension systems.
bearing
A circular-shaped metallic insert used in engine blocks to provide low friction support for rotating engine components such as crankshafts, connecting rods, and camshafts.
brake
A mechanism that diminishes or prevents the motion of another device.
chassis
The mechanical parts of a vehicle attached to a structural frame, including axles, brakes, driveshafts, and suspension components.
cradle
A structural component that supports the driveline and suspension.
differential
A device - usually made of gears - that divides the torque between a vehicle’s driving wheels and permits the wheels to turn at different speeds. This is especially important when negotiating a corner, as the inside wheels turn more slowly than the outside wheels.
distribution
The sale of aftermarket or replacement parts.
driveline
An assembly of one or more driveshafts with provisions for axial movement, which transmits torque and/or rotary motion at a fixed or varying angular relationship from one shaft to another.
driveshaft
An assembly of one or two universal joints connected to a solid or tubular shaft member used to transmit power from the transmission to the differential; sometimes called the “propeller shaft.”
drivetrain
All of a vehicle’s components that create power and transmit it to the wheels, including the engine, transmission, differentials, and any interconnecting shafts.
engine
A device that converts one source of energy into mechanical energy. A device that uses fuel to produce mechanical power.
frame
An assembly of weight-bearing structural components that support the powertrain, suspension, and/or body.
fuel cell
An electrochemical device that converts the energy of a chemical reaction into electricity.
gasket
A thin layer of material placed between two surfaces or joints to make a tight seal. Cylinder head and exhaust manifold gaskets are now made from a variety of hightech materials, including composites and multi-layered steel.
hydroforming
A manufacturing process that involves pumping fluid into a die, so that the pressure will expand and form a tubular blank, providing many structural advantages.
independent suspension
A suspension system in which either wheel on an axle can undergo its normal vertical motions without directly influencing the motions of the opposing wheel.
magnetic-pulse welding
A solid-state process that joins ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
module
A collection of components assembled and supplied as a single unit.
piston ring
Ring fitted into the grooves in a piston. There are two types: compression rings for sealing the pressure in the engine combustion chamber and oil rings to remove excessive oil from the cylinder wall.
planetary axle
A traditional drive axle with two additional sets of planetary gearing in addition to the ring and pinion. The additional gearing provides increased torque.
powershift transmission
A transmission, primarily used for off-highway applications, in which gears are always in contact - allowing clutch packs to engage or disengage “on the move” so the machine can continue working without decelerating during shifting.
Rolling Chassis™ module
A Dana chassis module (frame with attached components including the driveshafts, axles, suspension components, brakes, etc.) that includes the wheels.
Rolling Spaceframe™ module
A Dana module combining the benefits of modular manufacturing with the attributes of space-frame technology. The Rolling Spaceframe™ module incorporates numerous attachment technologies to create a skeletal system that supports the interior systems as well as the exterior skin and driveline components of a vehicle. It consists of multi-material combinations and contains series of near-net shape components necessary to produce complex skeletal solutions.
service parts
Genuine replacement parts and services supported by numerous Dana brands.
space frame
A series of structural members assembled to create a skeletal system that supports the interior systems as well as the exterior skin and driveline components of a vehicle.
transaxle
A transmission and differential combined in one integrated assembly. The transmission is a gearbox with a number of selectable ratios, used to match the engine’s RPM and torque to differing vehicle requirements.
transfer case
An auxiliary transmission mounted behind the main transmission. Used to divide engine power and transfer it to both front and rear differentials, either full time or part time.
universal joint
A mechanical device which transmits torque and/or rotary motion between two shafts that are not in a straight line.
