1. a single unit that combines the transmission and differential of a motor vehicle
Usage: automotive

Examples

• The front-wheel-drive car uses a transaxle instead of separate transmission and differential components.
• Mechanics had to replace the entire transaxle after the differential failed.
• The transaxle allows power from the engine to be transmitted directly to the front wheels.
• Modern compact cars often feature a transaxle design to save space.
• The transaxle fluid needs to be changed every 60,000 miles according to the manual.
• A damaged transaxle can cause grinding noises when shifting gears.