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Swash Plate

1. An angular plate attached to the bottom of the four pistons on a Stirling engine. A s the pistons move downward, the swash plate is turned. 2. A mechanical system that is used for pumping, having an angled plate attached to a center shaft, and pistons that are attached to the plate along the axis of the shaft. As the shaft rotates, the pistons move in and out of a cylinder, producing suction and pressure.

Swash-plate Compressor

A compressor in which the pistons are driven by an offset (swash) plate affixed to the main shaft, such as the six-cylinder air-conditioning compressor.

Sway Bar

A bar on the suspension system that connects the two sides together. It is designed so that during cornering, forces on one wheel are shared by the other.

Sway-bar Link

A connector from the lower control arm to the sway bar.

Sweep

One horizontal pass of an oscilloscope's trace from left to right across the display.

Sweep Speed

Same as the time base.

Sweeping

A term used for purge.

Swept Area

The total area of the brake drum or rotor that contacts the friction surface of the brake lining.

Swing Attachment

A leaf-spring shackle.

Swing Axle

A drive system used with independent rear suspension systems.

Swing Pedals

Pedals that are suspended from beneath the dash, such as clutch, brake and accelerator.

Swirl

A cylinder-head design that causes the air/fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber at a high rate of speed, increasing its atomization.

Switch

An electrical device that controls the on and off of a sub-system or system.

Swivel Foot

A valve-adjusting screw having a ball that swivels when it contacts the valve stem.

SXL

Standard duty cross link.

Symmetrical

Corresponding in size, form, and relative position on opposite sides of a line, plane, point, or axis.

Symmetrical Camshaft Lobes

Camshaft lobes having identical opening and closing ramps.

Symmetrical Rear-leaf Spring

A term used for rear-leaf spring.

Synchro

The trade name for an all-wheel drive system by Volkswagen.

Synchromesh

A type of manual transmission where the synchronizer is used to bring a selected gear up or down tot he speed of the main shaft.