The Vanagon Dictionary

A system that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking

• brakes
• safety

Prevents driven wheels from locking on slippery surfaces under engine braking

• msr
• traction
• stability

A system that directs power to the wheel with better grip, reducing tire wear

• differential
• traction

A component that contains the parts that supply power to the rear wheels, located in front of the engine.

• vanagon
• transmission

A vehicle layout where the driver and steering gear are positioned in front of the front wheels

• vw
• type2
• layout

Traction control system that intervenes in the engine management to counter wheel slip

• traction
• safety

A type of rear suspension that uses a torsion beam to locate the wheels

• suspension
• rear

A flat, round plate that rotates with the wheel and is squeezed by the brake pads to slow the vehicle

• brakes
• disc

A device in the front differential of a Syncro that provides the switching action between the rear diff/wheels and the front.

• syncro
• viscus

Any of the Volkswagen Transporters from 1992 to present. some were sold in Europe in 1991. generally characterized by their engine located in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels, and their very rounded shape and huge rear hatch.

Independent Rear Suspension. A form of rear suspension that allows the rear wheels to move vertically up and down, independently of each other, to compensate for bumps and road surfaces. uses a double-jointed rear axle, with cv-joints at each end.

Anti-Locking Braking System. a computerized method of helping to prevent wheel skid/lock-up during braking. it does not prevent spins, nor does it allow you to stop in a shorter distance. it does allow you to steer the car while braking as hard as possible. available as an option on some Vanagons and EuroVans in Europe during the late 1980's-1990's.