Educational Mechanics
Camber
The inward or outward tilt of a wheel relative to vertical when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Camber influences tyre contact patch, cornering performance, and tyre wear. Negative camber tilts the top of the wheel inward; positive camber tilts it outward.
See: Camber explained
Camshaft
A rotating shaft fitted with lobes that control the opening and closing of engine valves. The camshaft converts rotational motion into linear valve movement and is synchronised with the crankshaft.
Caster
The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Positive caster improves straight-line stability and steering self-centering, while excessive caster increases steering effort.
Centre Differential
A differential fitted between the front and rear axles of an all-wheel-drive vehicle. It allows the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds while transmitting torque to both.
Centrifugal Force
An apparent force experienced by a mass moving in a curved path, acting outward from the centre of rotation. In vehicle dynamics, centrifugal force contributes to body roll and tyre loading during cornering.
Clutch
A mechanical coupling that connects and disconnects engine torque from the transmission. It allows smooth engagement of drive and enables gear changes without stalling the engine.
Clutch Release Bearing
A bearing that transfers clutch pedal force to the clutch pressure plate. It allows rotational movement while applying axial force to disengage the clutch.
Coil Spring
A helical spring used in suspension systems to support vehicle weight and absorb road inputs. Coil springs store energy through compression and release it as the suspension rebounds.
Combustion
The controlled burning of a fuel–air mixture within an engine cylinder. Combustion releases thermal energy, which is converted into mechanical work to drive the engine.
Compression Ratio
The ratio between the total cylinder volume when the piston is at bottom dead centre and the volume when it is at top dead centre. Compression ratio influences engine efficiency, power output, and fuel requirements.
Constant Mesh Gearbox
A type of manual transmission in which all gear pairs remain engaged at all times. Drive is transmitted by locking selected gears to the output shaft using synchromesh units.
Control Arm
A suspension link that locates the wheel relative to the vehicle body or chassis. Control arms guide wheel movement and help maintain alignment during suspension travel.
Cooling System
An engine system designed to regulate operating temperature by removing excess heat. It typically includes coolant, a pump, radiator, thermostat, and associated passages.
Countershaft (Layshaft)
A shaft in a manual transmission that carries gears permanently meshed with the input shaft. It transmits power to selectable gears on the main shaft.
Crankshaft
A rotating shaft that converts the linear motion of pistons into rotational motion. The crankshaft delivers engine torque to the flywheel and transmission.
CV Joint (Constant Velocity Joint)
A type of joint that transmits torque through a varying angle while maintaining constant rotational speed. CV joints are commonly used in front-wheel-drive and independent suspension systems.