The Powertrain Plant machines and assembles components for both 4-cylinder and V-6 engines. Axles are also assembled at Powertrain. In 1996, V-6 machining was added.

Take a look around Powertrain! Place your mouse over the image and click to explore.

ENGINE COMPONENT

Machining for 4-cylinder engine components at the Powertrain Plant began in August 1990. Powertrain machines the following components for the 4-cylinder engine: camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder block, cylinder head, pistons, and piston pins. V-6 machining produces crankshafts, camshafts and connecting rods.

ENGINE ASSEMBLY

Production of the 4-cylinder engine began in November 1989. Powertrain began producing V-6 engines in August 1994.

Engine Assembly

Production of the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines involves a three-section conveyor that completely assembles the engine from machined components. Each engine has a separate production line with many electronically controlled nut runners and impact wrenches that drive nuts and bolts to a specified torque.

Quality Control

All finished products are placed on a rotating turntable that tests engines for noise abnormality, exhaust gas emissions and engine timing. The Powertrain facility also uses sophisticated Dynamometer equipment to analyze engine wear and durability through simulated vehicle use exercises.

Delivery

After passing quality control tests, the engines are sent to a staging area. From there they are picked up by tow trucks and dollies and delivered to the assembly plants in sequence for installation into vehicles. Next, they go through the final dress operation which includes connection to transmission and air conditioning units and other major components (depending on the exact vehicle specifications). The engines are then installed by team members into the car bodies using automated lifts.

AXLE ASSEMBLY

Axle assembly began in 1988. This section provides finished front and rear axles for all Camrys, and Avalons produced in Georgetown. In 1991, this process was transferred to the Powertrain plant. In 1994, a second axle assembly area was added in the Powertrain plant to support the expansion of the Assembly Plant.

AXLE MACHINING

Axle machining operations began in mid-1991 at the Powertrain facility. The following components are machined at the Powertrain plant: knuckle, axle hub, shaft, axle carrier, and lower arm. The lower arm is transported directly to the assembly plant, while the remaining components are used to support TMMK's axle assembly operation.

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