Manual transmission shift evaluation device

Abstract

A method of testing a manual transmission utilizes a test fixture adapted to be positioned on the transmission shift tower mounting pad. The test fixture includes a plurality of cylinders equal in number to the number of transmission shift rails, with each cylinder being connected to a separate actuating arm operatively engaging a separate one of the shift rails. The transmission is positioned in a test stand for supplying power to the transmission input while simultaneously loading the output, and providing an oil flush. The cylinders are then actuated in a predetermined sequence to independently actuate the shift rails and shift the transmission in a predetermined sequence. In accordance with the present invention, a constant force is applied to the shift rail to effect a shift, and the time required to complete a particular shift is measured. This measured time is then compared to a predetermined reference time, which represents the time period the shift should have taken in a satisfactory transmission. If a particular measured time varies significantly from a corresponding reference time, this may indicate that certain components of the transmission are defective or have been improperly assembled.