What Cars Have Rear Wheel Drive

So, you want to know which cars have rear-wheel drive (RWD)? You've come to the right place. Understanding drivetrain layouts is fundamental for any serious DIY mechanic, modder, or even someone just looking to perform basic maintenance. Knowing what drives what, and how, directly impacts everything from routine tasks like tire rotations to more complex jobs like diagnosing transmission issues or planning performance upgrades. This article will break down the specifics of RWD systems, helping you identify RWD vehicles and understand their inner workings.

Why Rear-Wheel Drive Matters

Knowing whether your car (or a car you're considering) is RWD is crucial for several reasons:

Maintenance and Repair: RWD vehicles have different maintenance requirements and potential problem areas than front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) cars. For example, checking and maintaining the differential is exclusive to RWD and AWD vehicles.
Performance Modification: RWD is often favored for performance applications. Understanding how power is transmitted to the rear wheels is essential when upgrading engines, transmissions, or suspension components.
Driving Dynamics: RWD cars generally handle differently than FWD cars, especially in challenging conditions. Knowing this can help you anticipate and control the vehicle.
Towing: Many trucks and SUVs, designed for towing, utilize RWD as their base drivetrain due to its inherent strength and power delivery characteristics.

Key Specs and Main Parts of a RWD System

The core principle of RWD is that the engine's power is sent primarily to the rear wheels. This is achieved through a series of interconnected components:

Engine: The source of power. Typically located at the front of the car, but sometimes mid-mounted.
Transmission: This component manages gear ratios, allowing the engine to operate within its optimal RPM range while providing the desired speed and torque to the wheels. It can be either manual or automatic.
Driveshaft (or Propeller Shaft): This is a rotating shaft that transmits power from the transmission to the rear differential. It's designed to handle high torque and varying angles as the suspension moves.
Differential: This is a critical component housed in the rear axle. It allows each rear wheel to rotate at different speeds, which is essential for turning. Without a differential, the wheels would bind up during corners. The differential also contains the ring and pinion gears, which provide the final gear reduction to increase torque to the wheels.
Axle Shafts: These connect the differential to the rear wheels, transferring the power that allows the wheels to turn.
Rear Wheels: The wheels that receive the power and propel the vehicle forward.

Understanding RWD Diagrams

A schematic diagram of a RWD system would visually represent these components and their relationships. Here's how to interpret common symbols:

Solid Lines: Typically represent mechanical connections, such as the driveshaft or axle shafts. A thicker line might indicate a stronger or more important connection.
Dashed Lines: Can represent control linkages, vacuum lines, or electrical wiring associated with the drivetrain.
Boxes/Rectangles: Usually represent major components like the engine, transmission, or differential.
Circles/Gears: Symbolize gears or rotating parts within the transmission and differential.
Arrows: Indicate the direction of power flow.
Colors (if present): Colors may be used to differentiate between different systems or fluids. For example, blue might indicate oil lines, while red might represent fuel lines (though this is less common in drivetrain diagrams).

Keep an eye out for specific symbols denoting different types of differentials, like limited-slip differentials (LSDs) or locking differentials, which are common in performance or off-road RWD vehicles. These symbols might include clutch packs or other mechanisms that control wheel slip.

How RWD Works: From Engine to Wheels

Let's trace the flow of power in a typical RWD car:

The engine generates power through combustion.
This power is then transmitted to the transmission, which allows the driver (or the car's computer in an automatic) to select the appropriate gear ratio.
The transmission output shaft connects to the driveshaft, which rotates to transfer power to the rear of the car.
The driveshaft connects to the differential. The differential splits the torque and allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns. The ring and pinion gears within the differential provide the final gear reduction, increasing torque.
Finally, the power is delivered to the rear wheels via the axle shafts, propelling the vehicle forward.

Real-World Use: Basic RWD Troubleshooting

Here are a few common issues you might encounter with a RWD system and some basic troubleshooting tips:

Vibrations: Vibrations, especially at higher speeds, can indicate a problem with the driveshaft, such as an imbalance or worn U-joints (universal joints, which connect the driveshaft to the transmission and differential). Inspect the driveshaft for damage and check the U-joints for play.
Clunking Noises: Clunking noises from the rear of the car, especially when accelerating or decelerating, can point to worn U-joints, a loose differential mount, or excessive play in the differential gears.
Whining Noises: A constant whining noise from the rear, particularly noticeable at certain speeds, often indicates a problem with the differential gears. Low differential fluid or worn bearings can be culprits. Important: Differential repair often requires specialized tools and knowledge; consider professional assistance for this.
Fluid Leaks: Check for fluid leaks around the differential, transmission, and driveshaft seals. Leaks can lead to low fluid levels and potential damage to the components.

Remember that a visual inspection is often the first step in troubleshooting. Look for obvious damage, leaks, or worn components.

Safety: Working on RWD Systems

Working on a RWD system involves certain risks, particularly when dealing with rotating components and heavy parts:

Driveshaft: A spinning driveshaft can cause serious injury. Always disconnect the battery and ensure the vehicle is properly supported before working near the driveshaft.
Differential: The differential contains heavy gears and sharp edges. Use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
Springs: When working with rear axles, be mindful of the coil springs or leaf springs. These can be under significant tension and can cause serious injury if released improperly. Always use spring compressors or other specialized tools when handling springs.
Lifting: Always use jack stands when working underneath a vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.

Crucially, if you are unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified mechanic. There are many nuances to RWD systems, and improper repairs can lead to further damage or even accidents.

Examples of RWD Cars

While a comprehensive list is impossible, here's a sampling of vehicles that are commonly available with RWD:

Sports Cars: Chevrolet Corvette, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Z series, BMW Z4, Porsche 911.
Muscle Cars: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger.
Luxury Sedans: BMW 3 Series (some models), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (some models), Lexus IS.
Trucks & SUVs: Most full-size pickup trucks (Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500) offer RWD as the base configuration. Many SUVs also use RWD as the base, such as the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Tahoe.

Note that many of these vehicles are also available with AWD, so always confirm the drivetrain configuration before working on a specific vehicle.

By understanding the components, operation, and potential issues of a RWD system, you'll be better equipped to maintain, repair, and even modify your vehicle. Remember to prioritize safety and consult a professional when necessary.