A Systems Approach to Reducing Gear Rattle

TORSIONAL VIBRATION, which is always present in an automotive driveline, appears to be the major source of gear rattle. BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE's approach to solving gear rattle problems is based on a systems approach. By utilizing linear and nonlinear models of the vehicle powertrain, trial design changes can be evaluated for the effect on gear rattle. By viewing the powertrain as a system, all critical areas that affect gear rattle are identified and can then be optimized before finalizing the production design.

This paper presents the current status of active analytical and experimental studies of driveline noise and vibration with particular emphasis on how system component inertias, spring rates, and damping effect drive, coast, and neutral gear rattle.