CAMBER- The inward or outward tilt of a wheel assembly.

CASE BEARING PRELOAD- The amount of force pushing the differential bearing together.

CASTER- The forward or backward tilt of the steering knuckle.

CASTER-CAMBER GAUGE- An instrument with bubbles that indicate the degree of tilt.

CELL- Electrical energy storage device, consisting of negative and positive plates immersed in a conductive fluid (electrolyte).

CELL VOLTAGE TEST- A check of individual battery cells for correct charge.

CENTER SUPPORT BEARING- A ball or roller bearing unit that supports the middle of a two-piece drive shaft.

CHARGE INDICATORS- Dash-mounted warning light, voltmeter, or ammeter used to show charging system status.

CHARGING- Current flowing into a battery from an alternator.

CHARGING SYSTEM- One that uses an alternator to replace the electrical energy drawn from the battery during starting.

CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT TEST- A measurement of current and voltage output of the charging system under load.

CHARGING VOLTAGE- Alternator output that is higher than battery voltage, between 13 to 15 volts.

CHASSIS- The frame and other parts of a vehicle, other than the body.

CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST- Measurements of resistance in the insulated and ground circuits of the system.

CLUTCH- A device that allows the operator to engage or disengage the engine and transmission.

CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT- A process of setting the correct amount of free play in the release mechanism.

CLUTCH CABLE- A simple mechanical arrangement that uses a cable to transmit clutch pedal movement to the clutch fork.

CLUTCH CHATTER- A condition in which the clutch severely vibrates as the vehicle accelerates.

CLUTCH DISC- A disc that is splined to the transmission input shaft and pressed against the face of the flywheel.

CLUTCH FORK- A lever that forces the throw-out (release) bearing into the pressure plate of the clutch.

CLUTCH LINING- Frictional material riveted to the face of the clutch disc.

CLUTCH LINKAGE- A mechanical arrangement of levers and rods that transmits force from the clutch pedal to the clutch fork.

CLUTCH PEDAL FREE PLAY- The distance the clutch pedal moves before the throw-out bearing acts on the pressure plate.

CLUTCH RELEASE MECHANISM- A cable or linkage permitting the operator to disengage the clutch with the foot pedal.

CLUTCH SLIPPAGE- A condition in which engine rpm increase without increase in the vehicle road speed.

CLUTCH START SWITCH- A safety switch that prevents the starting motor from operating until the clutch is disengaged.

COIL- A transformer used to step-up the battery voltage (by induction) to the high voltage required to fire the spark plugs.

COIL SPRING COMPRESSOR- A tool used to compress a spring for removal or installation on a vehicle safely.

COIL WIRE- A conductor carrying high voltage from the coil to the distributor.

COLD CRANKING RATING- The amount of current a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0 F.

COMBINATION VALVE- One valve that functions as a metering valve, proportioning valve, and a brake light warning switch.

COMMUTATOR- Sliding electrical connection between the motor winding and brushes.

COMMUTATOR END FRAME- The end housing on a motor that holds the brushes, brush springs, and shaft bushing.

COMPUTER- Electronic device used to control many systems of modern vehicles.

COMPUTER-COIL IGNITION- A distributorless ignition system using sensors, a control unit, and multiple ignition coils.

COMPUTER VOLTAGE REGULATOR- A device that provides a smooth dc voltage for circuits and devices controlled by the computer.

CONDENSER- An electrical component in contact point of distributors that prevents arcing as points that open and close.

CONSTANT VELOCITY U-JOINT- One that uses two cross-and-roller joints connected by a centering socket and center yoke.

CONTACT PATTERN- The area of a gear tooth where the matching gear tooth physically contacts it.

CONTACT POINT REGULATOR- An older type regulator that has been replaced by the electronic type.
CONTACT POINTS- A spring-loaded electrical "make/ break" switch contacts.

CONTROL ARM BUSHING- A sleeve that allows the control arm to swing up and down.

CONTROL ARMS- Movable lever arm that forms part of the suspension system of the vehicle.

CONVERTER HOUSING- Case containing the fluid coupling (torque converter) used with an automatic transmission.

CURB HEIGHT- Distance from a given point on the vehicle to the ground.

CURB WEIGHT- Weight of the vehicle with a full gas tank and no passengers or cargo.

CURRENT- The flow of electrons through a conductor.

CUSHIONING SPRINGS- Flat springs under the friction material on the clutch disc that helps smooth the clutch engagement.

CV- Constant velocity.
DC- Direct current.
DC GENERATOR- A device that produces direct current.

DEAD AXLE- A solid, straight rear axle on a front-wheel drive vehicle.

DEAD BATTERY- One that has become completely discharged.

DIAGONAL-BRAKE SYSTEM- A brake system with separate hydraulic circuits connecting diagonal wheels together (RF to LR and LF to RR).

DIAGRAMS- Drawings that are used to show wiring, vacuum, or hydraulic systems.

DIAPHRAGM SPRING CLUTCH- A clutch that uses a single diaphragm spring, rather than several coil springs, to help release the clutch disc.

DIFFERENTIAL- An assembly of gears used to provide power to the rear axles and allow them to rotate at different speeds as necessary.

DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER- Component used to mount the differential assembly on the rear axle housing.

DIFFERENTIAL CASE- Case that holds the ring gear, spider gear, and inner ends of the axles.

DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT- A heavy oil used to reduce friction between differential components.

DIFFERENTIAL YOKE- Component that connects the rear universal of the drive line to the differential.

DIMMER SWITCH- Control for high beam and low beam headlamp functions.

DIODE- Electronic device that allows current flow in only one direction.

DIODE TEST- A check for open and shorted conditions in a diode, using an ohmmeter or special test equipment.

DISC BRAKES- Brakes using a caliper that clamps against a rotor for stopping.

DISC BRAKE SERVICE- Procedure involving worn pad replacement, caliper rebuilding, rotor surfacing, and system bleeding.

DISC RESURFACING- Machining the rotor surface to remove wear marks or correct runout.

DISC RUNOUT- Amount of side-to-side movement of the brake rotor.

DISTILLED WATER- Water that has been purified.
DISTRIBUTOR CAP- A plastic, insulating cover that encloses the distributor rotor and other components.

DISTRIBUTOR POINT GAP- Recommended distance between points when fully open.

DISTRIBUTOR TESTED- Test device used to check operation of an ignition system distributor.

DOT NUMBER- The Department of Transportation code that indicates the tire has passed a required safety test. Also identifies manufacturer, construction type, and other data.

DRAGGING BRAKES- Brakes that remain partially applied, even though the brake pedal is released.

DRAGGING CLUTCH- Failure of the friction disc to disengage from the flywheel fully, even though the clutch pedal is depressed.

DRIVE CHAIN- A chain used with some longitudinally mounted engines to transfer power from the engine crankshaft to the transaxle.

DRIVE HOUSING- Case surrounding the pinion gear on the starter motor.

DRIVE LINE- The parts that transfer power from the transmission to the drive wheels.

DRIVE SHAFT- Steel tube that transfers rotating motion from the transmission to the rear wheel of the vehicle.

DRIVE SHAFT ANGLE- The angle at which the drive line meets the differential or transmission.

DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY- Components between the transmission and differential, including front and rear yokes, universal joints, and a drive shaft.

DRIVE SHAFT BALANCE- Equal weight distribution around the axis of the shaft.

DRIVE SHAFT NOISE- Sounds typically caused by worn U-joints, worn slip joints, or a faulty center support bearing.

DRIVE SHAFT RUNOUT- Lack of straightness due to being bent or because of U-joint wear.

DRIVE SHAFT VIBRATION- A rapid oscillation caused by a shaft imbalance or excessive shaft runout.

DRIVING HUB- Mounting for the wheel on the end of the axle.

DRUM- The housing that holds the parts of a clutch assembly for an automatic transmission.

DRUM BRAKES- System that forces brake shoes against the inside of a rotating drum to stop a vehicle.

DRUM BRAKE SERVICE- Process that involves dismounting, disassembling, cleaning, and replacing parts as necessary. Usually, shoes are replaced, wheel cylinders are replaced or rebuilt, and the drum is turned. System is then reassembled, bled, and tested.

DRUM GRINDING- A process done to remove hard spots on a brake drum.

DRUM MAXIMUM DIAMETER- Largest inside diameter allowed for safe operation of drum brakes.

DRY CHARGED- Battery is filled with electrolyte just before being installed in a vehicle.

DUAL MASTER CYLINDER- Brake system pump with two pistons and fluid reservoirs for safety.