Common questions

How does torque fluid work in a torque converter?

How does torque fluid work in a torque converter?

Maybe you have heard of the term “ torque fluid ” and were curious as to what it was used for and what it does. Torque fluid is the hydraulic fluid used in a torque converter. The viscosity (or how thick or “runny” the liquid is) helps to transfer the pressure and makes the conversion process more effective.

How is a torque converter related to a turbine?

The torque converter consists of a fluid coupling with an impeller, a turbine and a stator. Without slip it cannot transmit torque. Given a constant output speed, the higher the slip speed, the higher the torque. Figure 3 shows this relation for a stalled converter.

Can a torque converter be used with a spring damper?

Losses in a traditional torque converter can be limited by using a torque converter clutch (TCC) with a conventional spring damper. Because of comfort problems – boom, rattle and tip-in/back-out reactions -, these TCCs can only be used in higher gears at average speeds, despite the use of the torsion damper.

Is the torque converter clutch a wet clutch?

The torque converter clutch is, of course, a wet clutch and basic knowledge of this kind of clutch is im- portant in developing transmission systems. Typical problems, such as shudder, only occur at relatively high mileage levels.

Maybe you have heard of the term “ torque fluid ” and were curious as to what it was used for and what it does. Torque fluid is the hydraulic fluid used in a torque converter. The viscosity (or how thick or “runny” the liquid is) helps to transfer the pressure and makes the conversion process more effective.

The torque converter consists of a fluid coupling with an impeller, a turbine and a stator. Without slip it cannot transmit torque. Given a constant output speed, the higher the slip speed, the higher the torque. Figure 3 shows this relation for a stalled converter.

Can a bad torque converter cause a transmission leak?

A leaky or damaged torque converter can cause a serious transmission leak. Under extreme or prolonged use, transmission fluid can overheat and even burn. High temperatures cause the fluid to oxidize and lose its viscosity. Overheating can occur during stop-and-go traffic, hot weather, street racing or when towing a heavy trailer.

Losses in a traditional torque converter can be limited by using a torque converter clutch (TCC) with a conventional spring damper. Because of comfort problems – boom, rattle and tip-in/back-out reactions -, these TCCs can only be used in higher gears at average speeds, despite the use of the torsion damper.

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Ruth Doyle