The powertrain – the heart of your truck
The powertrain of your truck contains the most crucial parts in your vehicle, such as engine, clutch, axles, and transmission respectively gearbox, manual or automatic, and its housing. Its flawless operation is essential for keeping your truck on the road. But the installed components as well as those of the drivetrain are subject to wear and tear over time. To increase the longevity of your truck, you should always rely on genuine truck parts which are especially developed, tested and produced for your Mercedes-Benz Truck.
What is the difference between powertrain and drivetrain?
Even if the two terms are often used as synonyms they actually include different components. The powertrain includes everything that moves in your truck and provides the power to set everything in motion, including the engine. The drivetrain only includes the parts transmitting the engine’s power to set your wheel hubs and with that the wheels in motion. The drivetrain also interacts with the brakes and the retarder of your truck. Here, you’ll get a quick overview of the components in the drivetrain and powertrain of your truck:
| Powertrain
| includes: |
| |
| | Engine |
| |
| Drivetrain | includes: | ||
| |||
Most components are included in both drivetrain and powertrain of your truck, while the inclusion of the engine in the powertrain makes the main difference between the two terms.
It is important to note, that the listed information refers to and focuses on trucks with combustion engines. Drive and power train systems in advanced hybrid and electrical trucks work differently and therefore include different components such as a battery set and, naturally, an electric motor.
What types of drivetrains are there in trucks?
In general, there are two types of drivetrains used in trucks:
- Rear-wheel drive
- All-wheel drive
Due to their weight and the weight of their cargo, trucks most commonly use rear-wheel drive together with a lift axle. All-wheel drive is also being used, however, especially if trucks often cross difficult and challenging terrain (e.g. construction trucks).
Which parts of the powertrain or drivetrain are the most heavily stressed in your truck?
As seen in the overview above, both powertrain and drivetrain include the essential components, for keeping your truck on the road. Due to that, these parts are subject to heavy use in the operation of your vehicle. Parts that are heavily stressed – depending on usage - include:
- Engine parts
- cooling system
- petrol injection system, including injection nozzles and pump
- seals
- clutch kit
- driveshaft
- axles
- synchronising rings
- transmission cylinders
- differentials and axle differentials
Because of their critical role in the smooth operation of your truck, you should rely on high-performance genuine parts and Mercedes-Benz powertrains. They are developed, tested and approved for your truck and offer both a reliable and flawless operation as well as longevity.
How do I recognise damage to my powertrain?
A properly functioning power and drive train should be virtually unnoticeable during your truck's operation. However, there are several indications you should look out for if you are suspecting malfunction or damage in either the integrated powertrain or drivetrain system of your truck:
- the engine control light is on
- unusual noises
- a burning smell
- shifting gears is difficult
- increased shaking and vibrations
- fluids are leaking
- smoke development
- loss of power
- exceptionally high fuel consumption
Should any of these signs occur, you should get your truck checked as soon as possible.
Where can I buy spare parts for my Mercedes-Benz truck’s powertrain and drivetrain?
To enjoy a durable and efficient operation of your truck, you can get the innovative power and drive train parts developed, tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The genuine parts are robust and customized to your every need. Thanks to our advanced technologies, thorough performance control and perfectly fitting genuine parts in both power train and drive train, it is possible for your truck to continue its journey in no time. This way, you not only keep your vehicle on the road, but you also add to the value preservation of your truck. You can find our full assortment of genuine high-quality power and drive train parts for your Mercedes-Benz truck here in our shop.