Transmission Types and History of Development

By Mister Transmission

From starting with manual transmissions, to the introduction of automatic transmissions in 1939 – learn about the evolution of the modern transmission.

The transmission in automobiles is a system of parts usually contained within a housing, connecting the engine to the wheels. Suitable torque, or turning force, is generated by the engine only within a narrow range of engine speeds, i.e., rates at which the crankshaft is turning. However, the wheels must turn with suitable torque over a wide range of speeds. While its speed is held roughly constant, the engine turns an input shaft on the transmission whose output shaft can be adjusted to turn the wheels at an appropriate speed.

Manual Transmission

The manual transmission is the simplest (and earliest) of transmissions, and consist of a system of interlocking gearwheels. These wheels are arranged so that by operating a lever the driver can choose one of several ratios of speed between the input shaft and the output shaft. These ratios are called gears, first gear being the arrangement that gives the lowest output speed, second gear the next lowest, and so forth. To allow smooth shifting from one gear to another, a clutch is provided to disengage the engine from the transmission. The commonly used dry single disk clutch has a steel disk with a friction lining that is sandwiched between a flywheel on the engine shaft and a pressure plate on the transmission input shaft. When the driver takes his foot off the clutch pedal, springs squeeze the friction disk into the space between the flywheel and the pressure plate, enabling the engine shaft to turn the transmission.

For many cars and for normal driving conditions a transmission with three forward gears and one reverse gear is sufficient. In cars having small engines transmissions with four or five forward speeds are used; racing cars often have as many as six forward speeds.

Synchromesh Transmission

A synchromesh transmission is a manual transmission in which all forward gear wheels are held in mesh at all times. Used on most American cars with a manual transmission, it allows the driver to shift gears more smoothly and makes the car run more quietly.

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission, introduced in 1939, switches to the optimum gear without driver intervention except for starting and going into reverse. The type of automatic transmission used on current American cars usually consists of a fluid device called a torque converter and a set of planetary gears. The torque converter transmits the engine’s power to the transmission using hydraulic fluid to make the connection. For more efficient operation at high speeds, a clutch plate is applied to create a direct mechanical connection between the transmission and the engine.

The introduction of microprocessor-controlled electronic sensors has enhanced the performance of automatic transmissions still more. Data about engine speed, exhaust pressure, and other performance characteristics are sent to a processor that controls the changing of gears and the clutch plate in the torque converter via electrical switches, or solenoids. New approaches to transmission design combine the best features of manual and automatic transmissions to provide more efficient ways of channeling engine power to the wheels.

Manumatic Transmission

A manumatic transmission is an automatic transmission with an added manual-shift mode; typically, a floor-mounted shifter offers an alternative selector path supplemented by buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

Continuously Variable Transmission

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses a belt that connects two variable-diameter pulleys to provide an unlimited number of ratio changes and uninterrupted power to the wheels; CVT transmissions offer better fuel efficiency than conventional automatic transmissions, which change the transmission ratio by shifting gears.

Sequential Manual Gearbox

A sequential manual gearbox (SMG), developed for Formula One cars, uses computer-controlled actuators to operate the clutch and change gears when prompted by the driver; both manual and automatic modes are possible, and there is no clutch pedal.

Dual Clutch Transmission

The dual clutch transmission (DCT), also called the direct shift gearbox (DSG), substitutes dual clutches for the conventional single-sided clutch to transfer power from the engine through two parallel paths; the gearbox features two sets of gears, identical to those in conventional manual transmissions—one set being the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and the other the even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th)—the gears must be shifted in sequence, and power to the wheels is never interrupted.

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MarkXybel “MX”
10/10 DAN IS THE BEST! He did my transmission fluid change on my Mazda 3 09 Sedan ..was quick and the price is very reasonable I was very happy for the time service and Dan made my appointment really quick. I booked it few weeks ago but got reschedule due to his team was sick and dan give me a quick date and day to reschedule and here it is just got it done on March 22 2024 morning. Very happy with the service DAN IS THE BEST! And his team ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Definitely going to him everytime for all my vehicles regular maintenance 🙌!! Old but Gold Mazda Mark X.
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I have a very rare...
George Smith
I have a very rare 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS that I trust very few people to work on. The Stoney Creek location (Dan) went out of their way to not only completely rebuild the transmission but fix other problems along the way thinking outside the box. I highly recommend this place to all.
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Good experience. Very humble staff
Kuldeep Official
Good experience. Very humble staff
Date: March 23, 2024
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Sarah M
I'm very impressed with Mr Transmission. I went in yesterday with a leaking Transmission and got my SUV back this morning. Very quick. The repair cost was reasonable as well. Great customer service. My SUV runs great now!
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Great experience, great staff, thank you
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Dan and the guys are mr transmission are extremely honest and trustworthy. Would recommend !
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Anna Vanderhorst
I came in feeling nervous that I had a transmission issue and he stopped what he was doing, took it for a drive and diagnosed the problem for me. Friendly, professional and excellent service!
Date: March 20, 2024
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I brought my Ram 3500 in for a rear differential rebuild. There were initially some faulty parts that were installed but when I brought the truck back Jamie went above and beyond to make sure everything was fixed properly and free of charge. Great customer service!
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Fady Bishay
George was so kind was me when I came and he fixed my transmission and be gave me the best price ever. He is very honest man . i recomend this place especially George and his team
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