Understanding the Definition and Function of Shift Fork in Cars

For those of you who own a motor vehicle, you are certainly familiar with the transmission system. This drive system is always present in vehicles, including cars. 

In cars, there are two types: manual and automatic transmissions. In manual transmission, there is a vital component called shift fork. What is the definition and function of this shift fork? Let's take a look at the following review.

Definition of Manual Transmission

As it is one of the components of the manual transmission system, to understand the definition of shift fork, you need to know and understand the definition of the manual transmission system itself. 

Generally speaking, the transmission itself is a machine component that aims to change the speed and torque of the engine.

Where that power is directed to the wheels, which can then be used to make the vehicle move. 

This manual transmission system consists of a combination of gears that can transfer torque and rotation to the drive wheels. This system includes the clutch unit, differential, and axle as well as the vehicle wheels.

Components of Manual Transmission

You can clearly understand the definition and function of shift fork by recognizing each component present in the transmission. The first is the transmission case, which can also be referred to as the input transmission. 

This component is responsible for receiving the output, which comes from the clutch unit. It can be said that this part is where other components reside.

Next is the transmission gear or transmission gear, which serves as the converter of input into output torque from the machine system. Thus, it can produce a transmission that matches the vehicle's needs. 

Next is the synchronizer, which is a complementary component to assist in shifting gears at high rotation conditions.

The performance of the manual transmission can be lighter even at super high rotations, thanks to the synchronizer. Then, the definition and function of shift fork itself are always associated with the gear shift lever. 

This component is known as the gear shift lever, and the shift fork, both of which are very important in vehicle transmission.

Because the function of this component is to move and operate all processes of the transmission system. The fifth component is the reverse gear, which is responsible for changing the direction of the output shaft to allow the vehicle to move backward. 

Then there is also the hub sleeve, which allows the output shaft to stop and rotate. Finally, the last component, which is equally important, is the main bearing and output shaft. 

Where the function of the main bearing is as a bearing for the output shaft, while the output shaft's job is to transfer torque from the transmission system to the final gear. This component is often referred to as the output shaft.

Read Also: Recognize 10 Symptoms of Transmission Problems to Avoid Severe Damage

How Manual Transmission Works

After understanding the definition and function of shift fork and various other components, you also need to understand how the entire transmission system works, which certainly involves all its components. 

The way it works is that first, in neutral or N condition, the engine will not be transmitted to the output shaft.

This happens because the synchromesh is in a condition not connected to the gear level, or is in a free condition. Then, when the transmission lever is pressed, the shift drum will engage and push to rotate. 

The shift drum is then connected with the gear shift fork (shift fork) and locks in place. Once this is done, your vehicle will move according to the speed of the selected gear rotation.