Friday, June 6, 2014
Torque Converters FAQ
Automotive automatic transmissions use a torque converter to transmit torque between the crankshaft and the transmission input shaft. The torque converter links the crankshaft and transmission to provide fluid coupling and torque multiplication.
What are the Torque Converter Components?
The converters essential components are the impeller, the turbine, the stator and the lock-up clutch. The converter is filled with automatic transmission fluid, which is key to transmitting energy between the engine and transmission while smoothing excessive vibration.
How does a Torque Converter Operate?
The impeller is driven by the engines crankshaft. As it spins, vanes charge the fluid, which in turn drives the turbine. The turbine is mounted on and powers the transmission input shaft. The stator is mounted between the two, altering the flow of the transmission fluid back to the impeller as it comes off of the turbine. This provides a torque multiplication feature, maximizing the amount of power sent to the transmission.
What Does the Lock-Up Clutch do?
The torque converters secondary function is as a lock-up clutch. When the vehicle is cruising at a constant speed, the turbine and the impeller turn at nearly the same speed. The torque multiplication function is no longer applicable, so the lock-up clutch engages to lock the impeller to the turbine. The torque converter then serves as a direct linkage between the engine and the drivetrain.
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