In conventional transmissions/transaxles an input shaft transmits the torque to an output shaft on which the gear wheels are seated. The number of gears therefore determines the length of the transmission casing.
The 6-speed manual transaxle does not require an increase the casing to accommodate the six gears, this is achieved by using two output shafts. Using two output shafts allows the transaxle to be significantly shorter, enable installation in a more confined space.
The gears are divided between the two output shafts as follows:
- Shaft 1: first to fourth gear
- Shaft 2: fifth/sixth gear and reverse gear
The reverse gear also incorporates an idler shaft with two gear wheels through which the direction of rotation is reversed.
The transaxle is double synchronized on all gears.
The gear wheels of the input shaft are fixed to the shaft.
Input shaft
2
–
Sliding sleeve with synchronizer assembly
The output shafts are each seated in needle roller bearings.
In neutral, none of the gears is connected to the output shaft via the relevant synchronizer unit. No torque is transmitted to the differential.
When a gear is selected the corresponding gear wheel is connected to one of the output shafts via synchronizer ring.
Output shaft first to fourth gear
2
–
Inner synchronizer ring
4
–
Outer synchronizer ring
NOTE:The double synchronizer must be immersed in a bath of transmission fluid before it is installed. Otherwise, the synchroniser rings may run dry and be damaged when the synchronizer is used for the first time.
The use of a second synchronizer ring increases the effective synchronizing area by approximately 100%.
This leads to reduction in shift effort, increased durability and smoother gear changing when shifting down.
The synchronizer clutch is identical to the single synchronizer, only the recess in the synchronizer hub is larger to accomodate the additional components.
