Drive Train Maintenance and Repair

Our experienced team offers drivetrain maintenance and repair services on all makes and models and will ensure that your drivetrain is serviced and cared for accordingly.

What is a drivetrain

A car drivetrain is a group of working parts (components), that interact with the engine and feed power to the vehicle’s wheels, allowing the automobile to move. There are four different types of drivetrains: front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel drive, also referred to as two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.

  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) – The most common drivetrain. Transfers power to the front wheels and offers better mileage/fuel economy as well as better traction on hills and wet roads.

  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – Most commonly seen in performance cars. Transfers power to a vehicle’s rear wheels. Offers better handling and a more balanced vehicle; although, it loses traction on slick surfaces.

  •  All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – Powers all the tires at once. Great for areas with constantly changing weather conditions, especially those prone to snow.​
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  • Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) – Similar to AWD, all of the wheels can be powered at once, but, unlike all-wheel drive, this drivetrain is most often operated in RWD. Great for off-roading in extreme environments. 

What is a powertrain

People often confuse the drivetrain with the powertrain because they essentially have the same function, providing energy and generating power for cars to move forwards and backwards. The difference is that the drivetrain only powers a car’s wheels, whereas the drivetrain is a component of the powertrain, which also consists of the engine and motor.​

Is the transmission part of the drivetrain

Yes, the transmission is an integral part of the drivetrain as it keeps the engine turning along with the wheels.

The drivetrain is made up of:

  • The transmission – Controls the amount of power sent to the wheels.
  • Differential – Allows the wheels to spin at different speed independent of one another
  • Driveshaft – Connects the transmission to the wheels and transfers torque to the differential
  • Axles – Send powers to the wheels.
  • CV Joints (Constant Velocity Joints) – made up of cages and bearings, these joints were constructed so the wheels move at constant velocity.
  • U-Joints
  • Wheels

Common problems with the drivetrain

Drivetrain issues are most apparent due to the noises they make because it’s imperative to keep the components of a drivetrain lubricated.  If components of the drivetrain are damaged, they will often cause the underside of a vehicle to hum, squeak, or grind. The car may also be accompanied by a loud clunking or creaking sound.

Automatic Transmission Issues:
  • Unusual sounds
  • Engine revving
  • Transmission fails to stay in gear
  • Check engine light is on
  • Burning smell
  • Leaking fluid – the most common problem with automatic transmissions.
  • Car has no power
 
Manual Transmission Issues:
  • Unusual sounds
  • Grinding gears
  • Car stuck in gear
  • The clutch slips or grabs
  • Leaking fluid

Drivetrain Maintenance:

  • Check fluids every 15,000 miles
  • Replace fluids ever 70,000 miles
  • Change Oil - Have our experts at Lentz perform an oil change on your vehicle.
  • Check Serpentine Belt During Oil Change
  • Flush Coolant System
  • Grease and Lubricate
  • Check Timing Belt
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Family Owned Since 1972

Gordon Lentz opened his first auto repair shop in 1972. Trained as a mechanical engineer. His first exposure to the automotive repair business came in the early 1970's, when he was selling storage systems to muffler repair shops. He could see room for improvement in a lot of the shops he visited. He took a chance; quit his job, and invested his life savings in building his own auto service center. Today, Lentz Auto Repair is still family owned and operated, guided by the same simple mission that started over 45 years ago: “treat our customers as we would like to be treated and provide quality products at fair prices.”

Warranty Information

Auto services are performed on non-commercial vehicles and are accompanied by a limited warranty.  If a warranted part fails to perform during the time of ownership, simply return to any LENTZ USA Service Center with your receipt for repairs. Family owned and operated since 1972.  Senior and student discounts available.

The Lentz USA service team is ready to help you
• Brakes
• Mufflers
• Exhaust
• Springs
• CV joints/axels
• Steering suspension
• Air conditioning
• Engine repair and replacement
• Tune up
• Computer diagnostic equipment
• Alignment services (2 and 4 wheel)
• Transmission repair
• Oil changes
• Custom pipe bending
• Street rods
• Brake and anti locks
• Front and rear end suspension
• Shocks and struts
• Tire rotation
• Safety inspections
• Belts and hoses
• Starters
• Motor flushes
• Alternators and batteries