Car Parts Definitions

**camaroman** · 01-13-2010, 10:21 AM

Do not post here unless you have a definition to post

Quote:

internal-combustion engine
any engine in which a fuel-air mixture is burned in the engine proper so that the hot gaseous products of combustion act directly on the surfaces of its moving parts, such as those of pistons (see piston and cylinder) or turbine rotor blades. Internal-combustion engines include gasoline engines, diesel engines, gas turbine engines, pure jet engines, and rocket engines and motors, and are one class of heat engines. They are commonly divided into continuous-combustion engines and intermittent-combustion engines. In the first type (e.g., jet engines) fuel and air flow steadily into the engine, where a stable flame is maintained for continuous combustion. In the second (e.g., gasoline – reciprocating-piston engines), discrete quantities of fuel and air are periodically ignited. See also automobile industry, machine, steam engine.

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Carburetor
A device used in internal-combustion engines to produce an explosive mixture of vaporized fuel and air.

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Piston
A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, pumps and gas compressors. It is located in a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft via a piston rod and/or connecting rod. In a pump, the function is reversed and force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston for the purpose of compressing or ejecting the fluid in the cylinder. In some engines, the piston also acts as a valve by covering and uncovering ports in the cylinder wall.

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Wankel engine
The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine which uses a rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion instead of using reciprocating pistons. Its four-stroke cycle takes place in a space between the inside of an oval-like epitrochoid-shaped housing and a rotor that is similar in shape to a Reuleaux triangle but with sides that are somewhat flatter. This design delivers smooth high-rpm power from a compact size. Since its introduction the engine has been commonly referred to as the rotary engine, though this name is also applied to several completely different designs.

**camaroman** · 01-13-2010, 10:34 AM

Part 2

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Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for mixing fuel with air in an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s.

A fuel injection system is designed and calibrated specifically for the type(s) of fuel it will handle. Most fuel injection systems are for gasoline or diesel applications. With the advent of electronic fuel injection (EFI), the diesel and gasoline hardware has become similar. EFI's programmable firmware has permitted common hardware to be used with different fuels.

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Spark Plug
A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as aerosol gasoline, Ethanol, and Liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.

Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by a heavily insulated wire to an ignition coil or magneto circuit on the outside, forming, with a grounded terminal on the base of the plug, a spark gap inside the cylinder.

Reciprocating internal combustion engines can be divided into spark-ignition engines, which require spark plugs to initiate combustion, and compression-ignition engines (diesel engines), which compress the air and then inject diesel fuel into the heated compressed air mixture where it autoignites. Compression-ignition engines may use glow plugs to improve cold start characteristics.

**camaroman** · 01-13-2010, 10:37 AM

part three

Quote:

Camshaft
A shaft in the engine on which are the lobes (cams) that operate the valves. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft, via a belt, chain or gears, at one half the crankshaft speed. One or more camshafts regulate the opening and closing of the valves in all piston engines.

roger · 02-08-2010, 11:23 PM

ABS/ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
Definition: Also known as anti skid brakes, modern ABS systems electronically monitor the speed of the wheels and regulate the hydraulic pressure accordingly. The aim is to maximize braking power while preventing the wheels from locking and skidding.

AIR/FUEL RATIO
Definition: The ratio of air-to-gasoline by weight in the fuel mixture drawn into the engine.

AIRFLOW SENSOR
Definition: A device that's used in many electronic fuel injection systems for measuring the volume of air entering the engine. Some use a spring-loaded vane while others use a hot wire or heated filament to sense air flow.

ALIGNMENT SHIMS
Definition: Metal or plastic spacers used in the alignment process to alter camber, caster and/or toe. On rear-wheel drive applications, shims may be added to or removed from stacks of shims on the front control arms to change camber and/or caster. On front-wheel drive applications, partial shims or full contact shims may be positioned behind the rear axle spindle to vary rear toe and/or camber. Camber shims are also available for 4x4 axle applications. Some shims are adjustable or can be indexed various ways to provide incremental alignment corrections.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
Definition: A vehicle (usually a car) where all four wheels are driven. Most are fulltime systems for year-round driving, and use a viscous fluid coupling center differential instead of a transfer case to route drive torque to all four wheels. This allows the front and rear wheels to turn at slightly different speeds when turning on dry pavement.

ANTIFREEZE
Definition: Antifreeze protects the cooling system against both freezing and boiling over. When used at normal strength (50% antifreeze, 50% water), it can lower the freezing point of the coolant to -34 degrees F. and raise its boiling temperature to 276 degrees F. Never use straight antifreeze in a cooling system. Always mix it with at least 50% water. Most antifreeze is 95% ethylene glycol (EG). The only differences between brands of antifreeze are the type and/or quantity of anti-corrosion additives used. Ethylene glycol never wears out but the corrosion inhibitors do. That's why antifreeze should be changed every two years (except for long life antifreezes, which have special additive packages that allow them to go up to 5 years/150,000 miles between changes). For the environmentally concerned, propylene glycol (PG) antifreeze is also available at slightly higher cost. PG antifreeze is less toxic than ethylene glycol.

roger · 02-08-2010, 11:28 PM

ANTI-KNOCK AGENTS
Definition: A chemical (usually tetraethyl lead) added to gasoline to raise its octane number and reduce its tendency to detonate, knock or ping. Tetraethyl lead agents should not be used with unleaded gasoline due to possible environmental dangers.

API DONUT
Definition: A symbol introduced by API in 1983 to be placed on motor oil containers. This symbol was designed to benefit the consumer by placing all the necessary information (i.e., API Service Categories, SAE Viscosity Grade) in one location, serving to consolidate motor oil quality and performance information.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Definition: A type of transmission that shifts itself. A fluid coupling or torque converter is used instead of a manually operated clutch to connect the transmission to the engine. Newer automatics use electronic controls to regulate shifting and torque converter lockup.

AXLE, FRONT
Definition: A crossbeam that supports the weight of the vehicle (typically a truck) and is connected to the spindles with king pins.

BACKFIRE
Definition: The sudden combustion of gases in the intake or exhaust system that results in a loud explosion.

BALL JOINT
Definition: A flexible coupling in a vehicle's suspension that connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. A ball joint is so named because of its ball-and-socket construction. Some are designed to never require grease while others should be lubed every six months. As the joint wears, it becomes loose. The result is suspension noise and wheel misalignment.

BLEEDING
Definition: Method of purging air from a brake system's hydraulic lines and cylinders. Air is compressible and contaminates brake fluid. It is released via a "bleeder valve" on each wheel cylinder.

roger · 02-08-2010, 11:32 PM

BLOWBY
Definition: Combustion gases, composed of water vapor and unburned fuel, that leak past the piston rings into the crankcase during normal engine operation. These gases are removed by the PCV system to prevent the buildup of harmful acids in the crankcase.

BRAKE DRUM
Definition: The basis of a drum brake system. It is a circular metal component that rotates with the road wheel. A set of brake shoes that are fixed in position and act on the drum by expanding.

BRAKE FADE
Definition: A reduction in brake power due to lessening of friction between the brake shoes and drum or pads and disc. Brake fade often occurs from heat buildup due to repeated or prolonged brake application.

BRAKE FLUID
Definition: The brake system uses a glycol-based hydraulic fluid. The fluid is "hygroscopic," which means it tends to absorb moisture over time (never leave a can of brake fluid open for this reason). Moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid and causes internal corrosion in the brake system. That's why the fluid should be replaced when brake repairs are made or every two years for preventive maintenance. There are several different types, based on the boiling temperature and other characteristics of the fluid. DOT 3 or DOT 4 is used in most passenger cars and light trucks. Use only the type of fluid specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Using DOT 3 in an application that calls for DOT 4 might create a safety hazard. DOT 5 brake fluid is different from DOT 3 and DOT 4 in that it is silicone-based. DOT 5 is NOT recommended for any vehicle equipped with antilock brakes - but it can provide long-lasting protection against corrosion for vehicles that are stored for long periods of time or are driven in wet environments.

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Definition: The component in the hydraulic brake system in which the brake fluid is stored.

BUMP STOPS
Definition: Rubber bumpers (often cone or wedge shaped) on the chassis that limit suspension travel. "Bottoming out" the suspension means hitting the bump stops.

roger · 02-08-2010, 11:38 PM

CALIPER
Definition: A hydraulically activated device in a disc brake system, which is mounted straddling the brake rotor (disc). The caliper contains at least one piston and two brake pads. Hydraulic pressure on the piston(s) forces the pads against the rotor.

CAMBER
Definition: The angle between the plane of a wheel's circumference and a vertical line, measured in degrees and minutes. The tops of a car's wheels tilt inward when the camber is negative, outward when it is positive.

CAMSHAFT
Definition: A shaft in the engine on which are the lobes (cams) that operate the valves. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft, via a belt, chain or gears, at one half the crankshaft speed. One or more camshafts regulate the opening and closing of the valves in all piston engines.

CARBURETOR
Definition: A device, usually mounted on the intake manifold of an engine, which mixes the air and fuel in the proper proportion to allow even combustion.

CASTER
Definition: The angle between the vehicle's steering axis and a vertical line, as viewed from the side, measured in degrees and minutes.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
A device installed in the exhaust system, like a muffler, that converts harmful byproducts of combustion into carbon dioxide and water vapor by means of a heat-producing chemical reaction.

CHARGING SYSTEM
Definition: The charging system includes the alternator, voltage regulator which is often a part of the alternator itself), the battery, and the indicator gauge or warning light on the dash (See Alternator, Battery and Voltage Regulator). The charging system's job is to generate enough current to keep the battery fully charged, and to satisfy the demands of the ignition and electrical systems. The voltage regulator senses the demands on the electrical system, and controls alternator output so sufficient current is produced. A loose V-belt, or a defective alternator or voltage regulator can cause the dash warning light to glow red (or the amp gauge to show and steady discharge). If the problem isn't corrected, the battery will run down and eventually go dead.

CHASSIS
Definition: A general term that refers to all of the mechanical parts of a car attached to a structural frame. In cars with unitized construction, the chassis comprises everything but the body of the car.

COIL (IGNITION)
Definition: A transformer in the ignition circuit that steps up the voltage provided to the spark plugs.

COMPRESSION RATIO
Definition: The ratio between the combined volume of a cylinder and a combustion chamber when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke, and the volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke. The higher the compression ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine can squeeze from its air-fuel mixture. Higher compression ratios, however, also make detonation more likely.

roger · 02-08-2010, 11:42 PM

COMPRESSOR OIL
Definition: The oil within the A/C system that lubricates the compressor. R12 systems use a special type of mineral oil. R134a systems use either a PAG or ester-based oil. A certain amount of compressor oil must be in the system at all times to prevent compressor damage. Loss of compressor oil (or failure to replace oil that was lost during the service or replacement of system components) will in compressor failure. Too much oil in the system can cause loss of cooling efficiency or compressor failure.

CONDENSATION
Definition: The process whereby a vapor changes to a liquid. This requires a "cooling effect" to draw heat away from the vapor. When the temperature of the vapor reaches a certain point, droplets of liquid (condensate) begin to form. Condensation of the refrigerant vapor takes place in the condenser.

CONTROL ARMS
Definition: Suspension components that connect the steering knuckles to the chassis or sub-frame, and allow the knuckles to move up and down. Also known as a wishbone or an A-arm.

CREEPER
Definition: A small, four-wheeled platform that allows a mechanic to move underneath a car in order to perform checkups and repairs.

CROSS CAMBER
Definition: The difference side-to-side between camber settings. More than half a degree difference may cause a steering pull toward the side with the most (positive) camber.

CROSS-DRILLED DISC
Definition: Disc with friction surfaces which have been drilled with rows of holes to improve cooling, reduce weight and provide an escape route for dirt and gasses which can be wedged between the pads and disc. High-performance rotors can be both cross-drilled and slotted.

CYLINDER
Definition: In an engine, the round, straight-sided cavity in the engine block in which the piston(s) ride. Typically made of cast iron and formed as a part of the block.

CYLINDER BLOCK
Definition: The main structural member of an engine in which is found the cylinders, crankshaft and other principal parts.

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Posted By	For	Type	Date
Car Parts Definitions	This thread	Refback	02-20-2010 10:53 PM

02-08-2010, 11:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
roger Senior Member Info Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 165 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Arcade High Scores	ABS/ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM Definition: Also known as anti skid brakes, modern ABS systems electronically monitor the speed of the wheels and regulate the hydraulic pressure accordingly. The aim is to maximize braking power while preventing the wheels from locking and skidding. AIR/FUEL RATIO Definition: The ratio of air-to-gasoline by weight in the fuel mixture drawn into the engine. AIRFLOW SENSOR Definition: A device that's used in many electronic fuel injection systems for measuring the volume of air entering the engine. Some use a spring-loaded vane while others use a hot wire or heated filament to sense air flow. ALIGNMENT SHIMS Definition: Metal or plastic spacers used in the alignment process to alter camber, caster and/or toe. On rear-wheel drive applications, shims may be added to or removed from stacks of shims on the front control arms to change camber and/or caster. On front-wheel drive applications, partial shims or full contact shims may be positioned behind the rear axle spindle to vary rear toe and/or camber. Camber shims are also available for 4x4 axle applications. Some shims are adjustable or can be indexed various ways to provide incremental alignment corrections. ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) Definition: A vehicle (usually a car) where all four wheels are driven. Most are fulltime systems for year-round driving, and use a viscous fluid coupling center differential instead of a transfer case to route drive torque to all four wheels. This allows the front and rear wheels to turn at slightly different speeds when turning on dry pavement. ANTIFREEZE Definition: Antifreeze protects the cooling system against both freezing and boiling over. When used at normal strength (50% antifreeze, 50% water), it can lower the freezing point of the coolant to -34 degrees F. and raise its boiling temperature to 276 degrees F. Never use straight antifreeze in a cooling system. Always mix it with at least 50% water. Most antifreeze is 95% ethylene glycol (EG). The only differences between brands of antifreeze are the type and/or quantity of anti-corrosion additives used. Ethylene glycol never wears out but the corrosion inhibitors do. That's why antifreeze should be changed every two years (except for long life antifreezes, which have special additive packages that allow them to go up to 5 years/150,000 miles between changes). For the environmentally concerned, propylene glycol (PG) antifreeze is also available at slightly higher cost. PG antifreeze is less toxic than ethylene glycol.

02-08-2010, 11:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
roger Senior Member Info Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 165 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Arcade High Scores	ANTI-KNOCK AGENTS Definition: A chemical (usually tetraethyl lead) added to gasoline to raise its octane number and reduce its tendency to detonate, knock or ping. Tetraethyl lead agents should not be used with unleaded gasoline due to possible environmental dangers. API DONUT Definition: A symbol introduced by API in 1983 to be placed on motor oil containers. This symbol was designed to benefit the consumer by placing all the necessary information (i.e., API Service Categories, SAE Viscosity Grade) in one location, serving to consolidate motor oil quality and performance information. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Definition: A type of transmission that shifts itself. A fluid coupling or torque converter is used instead of a manually operated clutch to connect the transmission to the engine. Newer automatics use electronic controls to regulate shifting and torque converter lockup. AXLE, FRONT Definition: A crossbeam that supports the weight of the vehicle (typically a truck) and is connected to the spindles with king pins. BACKFIRE Definition: The sudden combustion of gases in the intake or exhaust system that results in a loud explosion. BALL JOINT Definition: A flexible coupling in a vehicle's suspension that connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. A ball joint is so named because of its ball-and-socket construction. Some are designed to never require grease while others should be lubed every six months. As the joint wears, it becomes loose. The result is suspension noise and wheel misalignment. BLEEDING Definition: Method of purging air from a brake system's hydraulic lines and cylinders. Air is compressible and contaminates brake fluid. It is released via a "bleeder valve" on each wheel cylinder.

02-08-2010, 11:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
roger Senior Member Info Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 165 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Arcade High Scores	BLOWBY Definition: Combustion gases, composed of water vapor and unburned fuel, that leak past the piston rings into the crankcase during normal engine operation. These gases are removed by the PCV system to prevent the buildup of harmful acids in the crankcase. BRAKE DRUM Definition: The basis of a drum brake system. It is a circular metal component that rotates with the road wheel. A set of brake shoes that are fixed in position and act on the drum by expanding. BRAKE FADE Definition: A reduction in brake power due to lessening of friction between the brake shoes and drum or pads and disc. Brake fade often occurs from heat buildup due to repeated or prolonged brake application. BRAKE FLUID Definition: The brake system uses a glycol-based hydraulic fluid. The fluid is "hygroscopic," which means it tends to absorb moisture over time (never leave a can of brake fluid open for this reason). Moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid and causes internal corrosion in the brake system. That's why the fluid should be replaced when brake repairs are made or every two years for preventive maintenance. There are several different types, based on the boiling temperature and other characteristics of the fluid. DOT 3 or DOT 4 is used in most passenger cars and light trucks. Use only the type of fluid specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Using DOT 3 in an application that calls for DOT 4 might create a safety hazard. DOT 5 brake fluid is different from DOT 3 and DOT 4 in that it is silicone-based. DOT 5 is NOT recommended for any vehicle equipped with antilock brakes - but it can provide long-lasting protection against corrosion for vehicles that are stored for long periods of time or are driven in wet environments. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER Definition: The component in the hydraulic brake system in which the brake fluid is stored. BUMP STOPS Definition: Rubber bumpers (often cone or wedge shaped) on the chassis that limit suspension travel. "Bottoming out" the suspension means hitting the bump stops.

02-08-2010, 11:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
roger Senior Member Info Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 165 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Arcade High Scores	CALIPER Definition: A hydraulically activated device in a disc brake system, which is mounted straddling the brake rotor (disc). The caliper contains at least one piston and two brake pads. Hydraulic pressure on the piston(s) forces the pads against the rotor. CAMBER Definition: The angle between the plane of a wheel's circumference and a vertical line, measured in degrees and minutes. The tops of a car's wheels tilt inward when the camber is negative, outward when it is positive. CAMSHAFT Definition: A shaft in the engine on which are the lobes (cams) that operate the valves. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft, via a belt, chain or gears, at one half the crankshaft speed. One or more camshafts regulate the opening and closing of the valves in all piston engines. CARBURETOR Definition: A device, usually mounted on the intake manifold of an engine, which mixes the air and fuel in the proper proportion to allow even combustion. CASTER Definition: The angle between the vehicle's steering axis and a vertical line, as viewed from the side, measured in degrees and minutes. CATALYTIC CONVERTER A device installed in the exhaust system, like a muffler, that converts harmful byproducts of combustion into carbon dioxide and water vapor by means of a heat-producing chemical reaction. CHARGING SYSTEM Definition: The charging system includes the alternator, voltage regulator which is often a part of the alternator itself), the battery, and the indicator gauge or warning light on the dash (See Alternator, Battery and Voltage Regulator). The charging system's job is to generate enough current to keep the battery fully charged, and to satisfy the demands of the ignition and electrical systems. The voltage regulator senses the demands on the electrical system, and controls alternator output so sufficient current is produced. A loose V-belt, or a defective alternator or voltage regulator can cause the dash warning light to glow red (or the amp gauge to show and steady discharge). If the problem isn't corrected, the battery will run down and eventually go dead. CHASSIS Definition: A general term that refers to all of the mechanical parts of a car attached to a structural frame. In cars with unitized construction, the chassis comprises everything but the body of the car. COIL (IGNITION) Definition: A transformer in the ignition circuit that steps up the voltage provided to the spark plugs. COMPRESSION RATIO Definition: The ratio between the combined volume of a cylinder and a combustion chamber when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke, and the volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke. The higher the compression ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine can squeeze from its air-fuel mixture. Higher compression ratios, however, also make detonation more likely.

02-08-2010, 11:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
roger Senior Member Info Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 165 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Arcade High Scores	COMPRESSOR OIL Definition: The oil within the A/C system that lubricates the compressor. R12 systems use a special type of mineral oil. R134a systems use either a PAG or ester-based oil. A certain amount of compressor oil must be in the system at all times to prevent compressor damage. Loss of compressor oil (or failure to replace oil that was lost during the service or replacement of system components) will in compressor failure. Too much oil in the system can cause loss of cooling efficiency or compressor failure. CONDENSATION Definition: The process whereby a vapor changes to a liquid. This requires a "cooling effect" to draw heat away from the vapor. When the temperature of the vapor reaches a certain point, droplets of liquid (condensate) begin to form. Condensation of the refrigerant vapor takes place in the condenser. CONTROL ARMS Definition: Suspension components that connect the steering knuckles to the chassis or sub-frame, and allow the knuckles to move up and down. Also known as a wishbone or an A-arm. CREEPER Definition: A small, four-wheeled platform that allows a mechanic to move underneath a car in order to perform checkups and repairs. CROSS CAMBER Definition: The difference side-to-side between camber settings. More than half a degree difference may cause a steering pull toward the side with the most (positive) camber. CROSS-DRILLED DISC Definition: Disc with friction surfaces which have been drilled with rows of holes to improve cooling, reduce weight and provide an escape route for dirt and gasses which can be wedged between the pads and disc. High-performance rotors can be both cross-drilled and slotted. CYLINDER Definition: In an engine, the round, straight-sided cavity in the engine block in which the piston(s) ride. Typically made of cast iron and formed as a part of the block. CYLINDER BLOCK Definition: The main structural member of an engine in which is found the cylinders, crankshaft and other principal parts.

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