The
transfer case is an integral part of the four wheel drive system of a motor
vehicle. Its purpose is to turn the vehicle into an all-wheel drive when
necessary by allowing the axles of the front and rear to move together. To do
this the transfer case forms a part of the drive shaft. This is the part of the
vehicle that transmits power to the drive train. Through the drive shaft the
transfer case also connects to the transmission (part which sends signal to
change to four wheel drive) and the front and rear axles (points where signal
for four wheel drive manifest).
Mechanism
of Action of the Transfer Case
Bear
in mind that the purpose of the transfer case is to achieve four wheel versus
two wheel drive. When it receives the signal via the transmission, certain
conformational changes take place to ensure that happens. Below is a step by
step process of just how the transfer case works to provide four wheel drive.
- The transfer case
located on the drive shaft receives a signal via the transmission. The
signal from the transmission generates from a change in the gear by the
driver of the vehicle. In this case the driver would switch to the four
wheel drive gear/s options in the vehicle.
- The transfer case
interprets the message and relays it to the axles; both front and rear.
- When both axles
operate at the same time the vehicle is in four wheel drive and can
withstand off-road conditions such as bad weather and rough terrain.
One
must also remember that a transfer case can also provide two wheel drive
systems. The mechanism of action is the same as with four wheel drive except
only one set of axles receives signals from the transfer case. If the rear axle
receives the signal then the vehicle is in rear wheel drive and if the front
axle receives the signal, the vehicle is in front wheel drive.
The
transfer case allows some vehicles to have dual purposes and allows them to
cross through otherwise forbidden terrain. In its most popular function, the
transfer case facilitates two wheel drive systems. However, in a more exciting
function it facilitates the four wheel drive system. This devices facilitates
all-wheel drive by collaborating with the gears, transmissions and the axles of
the motor vehicle to produce a vehicle that can go from on-road to off-road
conditions with ease.