Essential Facets of Torque Convertor Transmissions
Highlights
Transmission systems have been a big priority for vehicle manufacturers over the years. They've tried to introduce new ways to increase automation and reduce manual intervention in gearboxes. Such efforts have led to several types of transmission systems in the market that people can choose from. One such transmission type is the torque converter transmission. There are several aspects of this transmission system that make it a popular choice among vehicle enthusiasts.
What is torque convertor transmission?
This transmission system is typically used in automatic gears. The clutch is replaced with a torque convertor. The fluid inside the converter is connected to the transmission, which is connected to the wheels. When brakes are applied, the fluid turns and idles the engine bringing the car to a halt. When the accelerator is applied, the fluid turns the wheels, and the car begins to move. Since the fluid is so flexible, the transition is very smooth for the car. Examples of such cars include Porsche's Tiptronic and Mercedes-Benz's G-Tronic.
How does a torque converter work?
Torque converters consist of four major parts:
- Torque Convertor Pump
- Turbine
- Stator
- Front and Rear covers
The entire casing of the converter rotates at the same RPM as the engine. The fluid present inside the casing is spread by the pump using centrifugal force. The turbine is connected to the output shaft. The stator is used to rotate the direction of the fluid coming out of the turbine, which concludes the entire cycle.
Advantages of torque convertor transmission
There are several advantages of torque convertor that make it a primary attraction for car buyers:
- This is truly automatic. It is way more convenient than other transmission systems, and the car can start and stop without any manual intervention.
- When the gear is fully engaged, the torque converter acts like a CVT gearbox which means the car can accelerate faster and smoother.
- They experience a flywheel effect, which means they have a smoother idle operation than other cars.
- Compared to manual transmission systems, these convertors can go through infinite slippage.
- Transmission overheating is prevented since the converter acts as a reservoir for transmission fluid.
Disadvantages of torque convertor transmission
There are several cons to using torque convertor transmissions that include:
- They are a pretty costly option. As it is evident that they are fully automatic, they cost a lot more than manual transmissions.
- They are not the most fuel-efficient option that one could hope for.
- The repair costs of torque convertor transmission systems are way higher than manual transmissions. That is because the parts are pretty costly to repair or replace. Special training is needed to be able to fix these systems as well.
Last Updated on March 26, 2022