cc in nyc Mar 11, 2011:

@ mediamatrix So sorry, I suppose he did... But I'm still clueless and apparently too tired to realize... :o

mediamatrix (X) Mar 11, 2011:

@cc in nyc Asker already did that, at 21:03. There is no single 'purpose or function', but a variety of 'purposes and functions' requiring a generic term.

cc in nyc Mar 11, 2011:

Another angle Perhaps you could describe the purpose or function of the part/feature/etc. involved?

Giorgio Tenedios (X) (asker) Mar 11, 2011:

This term is used by one of the major French car manufacturers, so I believe they know what they are talking about, althouh no clear indication seems to have been given by the manufacturers in the previously added context.

mediamatrix (X) Mar 11, 2011:

BTW I very much doubt that 'butée hydraulique' is the correct generic term in French, adequately covering all four applications listed in your context.

mediamatrix (X) Mar 11, 2011:

Generic term required Your list of four situations where a (not 'the') 'butée hydraulique' is used shows that you need a generic term. So, the fact that you are "not quite sure which one refers 'specifically to motor cars'" is actually irrelevant.
That is confirmed by the fact that two 'specific' answers to this question have been hidden, after you provided the extra context.

Giorgio Tenedios (X) (asker) Mar 11, 2011:

Here is what the butée hudraulique is required for:
A1. Compenser les dilatations thermiques
A2. Rattraper les jeux
A3. Servir de pivot au linguet
A4. Permettre la levée de soupape


A1. Parce que le moteur doit fonctionner quelque soit la température A2. Parce que le moteur doit fonctionner quelque soit l'usure des pièces A3. Pour que le linguet puisse actionner la soupape A4. Pour transmettre les efforts du linguet à la culasse

mediamatrix (X) Mar 10, 2011:

More context needed A motor car can have several kinds of 'butée hydraulique'. What does your BH do?