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View Full Version : The Gearheads International Mechanical Terms 2!


MasterYoda210
2008-12-07, 14:26
I was thinking about the original one a while ago, and MunkeyQ's post in the thread about Gearheads near MN, made me remember.

So, what I think would be good, as I think there are a few new/different members since the original one, would be to make a catalogue of terms used across the world, for reference when someone from a differet country replies and you wonder what they are talking about.

So I'll start with a few off the top of my head, and we can add to them as we think of more.

UK English: US English (as far as I understand)
Saloon: Sedan
Gearbox: Transmission
Transmission: Drivetrain
Brake disc: Brake rotor
Propshaft: the big shaft that runs the length of a front engined, RWD car from the gearbox to the rear diff.
Driveshaft: Shaft that runs from the gearbox to the wheels in a FWD car, and from the rear diff to the wheels in a RWD car.
Wheel-trims: Hub-caps
Edit: And how could I forget, Petrol-Head: Gearhead

That's all I can think of right now. Add some more people! Lets get a veritible encyclopedia going.

thunderstruck
2008-12-07, 15:21
Shifting spanner/adjustable spanner: AFS spanner (any fuckin size) in australia

Cowboy of the Apocalypse
2008-12-07, 15:24
Australia:

Sedan
Either, tranny is probably most common
Not sure what you mean
Both, Discs are a kind of brake as opposed to drums, and rotor is the name of the disc itself.
Driveshaft
Half shaft
Hub caps
Petrol-Head or Hoon (more common, refers to usually younger Petrol Heads who don't give a fuck and just like to have fun), depending on context.

Headers (NOT exhaust manifolds) are known as "extractors" (as a colloquialism / generic term), and anything else MAY BE called the exhaust (as a general term short for "exhaust system" or any part of it). But we also use the term muffler for any/all mufflers. i.e. "Rear-fucking-muffler".

Rims are rims, but mags (as a colloquialism / generic term) if they're aftermarket. We don't really use the the term OEM. We call superchargers "blowers", especially if they're roots style.

4 cylinders = 4 bangers. If you order a car with "standard" transmission, you'll get an Auto. What you wanted was a Manual. That one's pretty obvious.



Shifting spanner/adjustable spanner: AFS spanner (any fuckin size) in australia


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Englaender.jpg
Which is that, also can be called plainly a "shifter".

And what you guys call a burnout, we call "pissweak".

EDIT: Early morning sleepyfail

citizenuzi
2008-12-07, 18:20
^Fail @ humor.


I'm too lazy to think much so I'll just add one what came to mind real quick: CV axle/joint = halfshaft/FWD driveshaft(s)

Okay, some generic and 'no duh' ones:

EFI = electronic fuel injection
TPI = throttle point injection
FSI = direct injection (I believe)
2bbl/4bbl = 2/4 barrel carb
sequential turbo = twin turbos operating semi-independently, one as primary and one to join in for high RPM.
parallel turbo = twin turbos working together
twincharged = turbo + supercharger
blinker(s) = turn indicator light
Oh shit gauge(s) = cluster warning/idiot lights

Newton Metre (Nm) = .738 ftlbs
Kilowatt (kW) = 1.341 horsepower

Sponsored Link
2008-12-07, 18:39
Limo = Sedan = Four-door = PKW = saloon

citizenuzi
2008-12-07, 18:42
^I've never heard limo used for a regular 4 door, where is that used??

Sponsored Link
2008-12-07, 18:43
^I've never heard limo used for a regular 4 door, where is that used??

Florida.

MunkeyQ
2008-12-07, 23:24
More UK:US translations: ;)

Wing = Fender
4x4 = Truck
Trailing/leading shoe = seconday/primary shoe
Accelerator = Gas pedal
Quad bike = ATV
Truck = 18-wheeler
Layshaft = Countershaft
Silencer = Muffler
Boot = Trunk
Universal joint = UJ
Shifter = Gearstick
Matrix = Heater radiator
Seized = Frozen
Engine = Motor
Wheel nut = lug nut
Discs = Rotors
Shoes = Linings
Difflocks = Lockers
Bulkhead = Firewall

That took somewhat longer than expected...


And a car comes with manual transmission as standard - it's pretty rare to see an automatic on the road.

citizenuzi
2008-12-07, 23:48
Padiddle/P-diddle = car with headlight out

I still don't see limo being used for a sedan, granted I haven't been to florida in 4 years or so but I guess I'll take your word for it.

skidmeister927
2008-12-08, 02:38
Engine repair- http://www.todaysclass.com/courses/ER/resources/StudyGuide.pdf

Brakes- http://www.todaysclass.com/courses/br/resources/StudyGuide.pdf

After reading the thread, this doesn't fit exactly but it's still a great resource.

TheGreenDoctor
2008-12-08, 04:10
More UK:US translations: ;)

Wing = Fender
4x4 = Truck
Trailing/leading shoe = seconday/primary shoe
Accelerator = Gas pedal
Quad bike = ATV
Truck = 18-wheeler
Layshaft = Countershaft
Silencer = Muffler
Boot = Trunk
Universal joint = UJ
Shifter = Gearstick
Matrix = Heater radiator
Seized = Frozen
Engine = Motor
Wheel nut = lug nut
Discs = Rotors
Shoes = Linings
Difflocks = Lockers
Bulkhead = Firewall

That took somewhat longer than expected...


And a car comes with manual transmission as standard - it's pretty rare to see an automatic on the road.
matrix/Heater Radiator is heater core in U.S.

ComradeAsh
2008-12-08, 11:38
foot = 30 cm.
1/4 mile = 400m

60 mile = 98kph.
62 mile = 100kph.

Cowboy of the Apocalypse
2008-12-08, 12:26
I can't get my head around calling a sedan without a stretched wheelbase a Limo.

^Fail @ humor.


I'm too lazy to think much so I'll just add one what came to mind real quick: CV axle/joint = halfshaft/FWD driveshaft(s)

Okay, some generic and 'no duh' ones:

EFI = electronic fuel injection
TPI = throttle point injection
FSI = direct injection (I believe)
2bbl/4bbl = 2/4 barrel carb
sequential turbo = twin turbos operating semi-independently, one as primary and one to join in for high RPM.
parallel turbo = twin turbos working together
twincharged = turbo + supercharger
blinker(s) = turn indicator light
Oh shit gauge(s) = cluster warning/idiot lights

Newton Metre (Nm) = .738 ftlbs
Kilowatt (kW) = 1.341 horsepower

What the fuc...
..do you even understand what this thread is about?


More UK:US translations: ;)

Wing = Fender
4x4 = Truck
Trailing/leading shoe = seconday/primary shoe
Accelerator = Gas pedal
Quad bike = ATV
Truck = 18-wheeler
Layshaft = Countershaft
Silencer = Muffler
Boot = Trunk
Universal joint = UJ
Shifter = Gearstick
Matrix = Heater radiator
Seized = Frozen
Engine = Motor
Wheel nut = lug nut
Discs = Rotors
Shoes = Linings
Difflocks = Lockers
Bulkhead = Firewall

That took somewhat longer than expected...


And a car comes with manual transmission as standard - it's pretty rare to see an automatic on the road.

Wing = Fender = "Quarter panel"
4x4 = Truck = "4WD", but if it's a pickup it's (Body on frame or monocoque doesn't matter) called a "ute".
Trailing/leading shoe = seconday/primary shoe = same as UK
Accelerator = Gas pedal = same as UK
Quad bike = ATV = same as UK, sometimes called 4 wheeler.
Truck = 18-wheeler = If it's rigid body it's called a truck, but if it isn't (such as in the case of an 18 wheeler - which we call a "Semi" or "Semi trailer"), the machine that pulls the trailers is called a "Tractor cab". I thought you guys said "lorry"?
Layshaft = Countershaft = same as UK
Silencer = Muffler = similar to US, Muffler
Boot = Trunk = same as UK
Universal joint = CV = either either
Shifter = Gearstick = same as UK
Matrix = Heater radiator = Heater core
Seized = Frozen = same as UK, unless improvised with squarewords
Engine = Motor = same as UK
Wheel nut = lug nut = wheel nut
Discs = Rotors = gone over this
Shoes = Linings = Pads for discs, Shoes for drums
Difflocks = Lockers = Locker diff
Bulkhead = Firewall = same as US

MunkeyQ
2008-12-08, 12:29
Truck = 18-wheeler = If it's rigid body it's called a truck, but if it isn't (such as in the case of an 18 wheeler - which we call a "Semi" or "Semi trailer"), the machine that pulls the trailers is called a "Tractor cab". I thought you guys said "lorry"?

Typically this is a lorry:
http://www.freefoto.com/images/21/25/21_25_9---Lorry_web.jpg

And this is a truck:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Artic.lorry.arp.750pix.jpg

I'm pretty sure it varies within region of the UK too though...;)

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-08, 13:33
^ I would call them both lorries, the second one being articulated ('artic' lorry)

Trucks are what freight trains pull...

Blowtorch/blowlamp is another one

MasterYoda210
2008-12-08, 13:38
Yeah, I'd call them both lorries.

What an American would call a semi (as in semi-rigid) we call articulated. But generally any HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle, recently changed to Large Goods Vehicle due the the fucking Europeans!! :mad:) we call a lorry, and any LGV (or Light Goods Vehicle, or whatever the fuck it is called now because of them fucking Europeans!! changing the HGV acronym to LGV :mad:, we generally call a van, the most venerable of which is the good old Ford Transit:
http://www.autozone4cars.com/AutozoneNewweb/images/9107.jpg

DavidThePyro
2008-12-09, 08:23
Mexican wrench set aka Beaner wrench = http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50190728/Adjustable_Wrench_with_Plastic_Handle.jpg

What an American would call a semi (as in semi-rigid)

We call them semis as in the trailer is a "semi" trailer - it has no front axles and couldn't roll on it's own.

bornkiller
2008-12-09, 10:43
^I've never heard limo used for a regular 4 door, where is that used??
Chrysler CH/CJ/CK - Chrysler Limo - Chrysler Sedan

__________________
Bonnet - Hood
Boot - Trunk
Knuckle Joint - Ball joint (correct me if I'm wrong on this Knuckle Jointers)
Mags - Alloy Rims
Chromies - Chromed or Polished rims
Super Charger - Blower, Huffer
Transmission - Auto/ tranny (not a high heeled dood)
Gear box - Manual/gear sack

Mr Smith
2008-12-09, 11:04
tractor cab is a lame term.

prime mover, is where it's at.

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-09, 11:16
^ that's cool.

bornkiller
2008-12-09, 12:23
Mexican wrench set aka Beaner wrench = http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50190728/Adjustable_Wrench_with_Plastic_Handle.jpg


"Cresent"
Thats what we refer to them as. :)

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-09, 13:05
It's just called an adjustable spanner in the UK

If someone said crescent spanner in the UK, they probably mean a crescent-shaped spanner (obstruction spanner)

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-09, 14:14
Also:

UK/US

Mole grips/locking pliers, vise grips
Stilson's wrench/pipe wrench

bornkiller
2008-12-09, 21:45
Mole Grips....now thats worth noting.
Never heard of them called that normally vise grip.
Thats what I'll call them from now on just to piss my work mates off.
Can I borrow your vise grips?.....I haven't got any only my mole grips. :D

MunkeyQ
2008-12-09, 22:08
Also, these things are called footprints:
http://www.toolstation.com/images/library/stock/webbig/15874.jpg

I don't know them by any other name, but I'm pretty sure they're not called that in the U


I also never refer to mole grips as vise grip pliers...

bornkiller
2008-12-09, 22:31
I'll be speaking another language by the end of the week.
Kudo for the thread!

Mr Smith
2008-12-10, 05:51
Mexican wrench set aka Beaner wrench = http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50190728/Adjustable_Wrench_with_Plastic_Handle.jpg




shifter

Cowboy of the Apocalypse
2008-12-10, 05:57
^ What Smith said. Wrenches, like the example MunkeyQ posted, grip things. Spanners fit to the size and shape of the nut, either by being adjustable or coming in dozens and dozens of sizes.

Expl0itz
2008-12-10, 07:52
I'm probably the only one here that calls 'wire cutters'

Such As

http://www.kaizenbonsai.com/shop/images/ht1098_cutters.jpg

As dikes. I've said it around people before, and they have no idea what I'm talking about. Though one other person said, "I've only heard my Marine buddy call them that before...."

Also,

http://www.ramparind.com/images/products/whirlpool/21366.jpg

Spanner nut? And/Or wrenching nut?

bornkiller
2008-12-10, 08:39
I'm probably the only one here that calls 'wire cutters'

Such As

http://www.kaizenbonsai.com/shop/images/ht1098_cutters.jpg

Nope!...I can relate to that.
Although I'm keen on another name for them....anyone?

Cowboy of the Apocalypse
2008-12-10, 10:12
"Snips" to me.

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-10, 11:06
Wire cutters or snips yeah.

http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/82/p4071582_l.jpg
Not to be confused with tinsnips, which are much bigger.

I've heard people call them metal shears before

Cowboy of the Apocalypse
2008-12-10, 12:48
http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/82/p4071582_l.jpg
I've heard people call them metal shears before

Yeah, it's a very basic term for anything like scissors, two parallel levers with a fulcrum in the middle and two opposing blades offset so as that they cut with a shearing action.

Where I am that's what those are commonly called (the old style non-handed snips you posted). Out here you encounter more tools dubbed "shears" than you can count on one hand, but you know which one is which due to context. The kind that go *click* would have to be the most common.

Tin snips is more usually reserved for the newer style left or right handed plier gripped ones.
http://www.toolstation.com/images/library/stock/webbig/22692.jpg

MunkeyQ
2008-12-10, 13:12
http://www.toolstation.com/images/library/stock/webbig/22692.jpg
I call these aviation snips. Dunno why...

And I call those things that Frink posted tin snips. I guess that's a fairly common UK thing.

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-10, 13:19
^ yeah I call them aviation snips

bornkiller
2008-12-10, 17:42
Your description of snips, tin snip, metal shears is the common name for them here too.
Aviation snip does sound :cool:er

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/images/library/product/large/04/040212720.jpg
"Torque Wrench"
Anyone else refer to this as anything else?

MunkeyQ
2008-12-10, 17:57
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/images/library/product/large/04/040212720.jpg
"Torque Wrench"
Anyone else refer to this as anything else?
Hammer?

:D

bornkiller
2008-12-10, 18:21
Hammer?

:DSometimes! :D

TheGreenDoctor
2008-12-10, 20:05
Hammer?

:D

A friend of mine considers EVERY tool as a hammer at some point. :o This dude has a nice set of Snap On tools and he mistreats them like you wouldn't believe.

frinkmakesyouthink
2008-12-10, 20:28
As long as it's got a lifetime warranty, every tool is a hammer/chisel/pry bar

I've taken spanners back to Halfords with scorch marks from a blowtorch and they've replaced them :D

Zonko
2008-12-11, 01:58
I broke some socket adapters and extensions this week taking off some cylinder head bolts.

Well... that's that irrelevant story over.

Professor Skullsworth
2008-12-11, 02:02
ive taken to my father's nickname for needle nosed pliers and call them needledicks