Torque Converter Components in Cars, Functions & How They Work

The torque converter plays a significant role in the successful performance of automatic car transmissions. This component is capable of automatically disconnecting and transferring the flow of power from the engine to the transmission. Thus, shocks and vibrations in the engine can be well dampened, resulting in smoother acceleration when the transmission is shifted. This condition occurs because there are other supporting components within the torque converter. These components also have their own important functions. To get to know them better, you need to pay attention to the following review.

Components of a Car Torque Converter

The success of the torque converter is inseparable from the assistance of several components within it. Here are the components of the torque converter that you need to know along with their functions.

1. Impeller Pump

The impeller pump is the first component found in the torque converter. This component functions as a hydraulic fluid mover, as it is mounted on the crankshaft found in the drive case. So, when the crankshaft moves, the impeller pump will also move. This condition generates kinetic energy that automatically pushes the transmission fluid to drive the turbine runner. In terms of its function, the impeller pump can be referred to as the main fan.

2. Turbine

The second component is the turbine. This component can be considered a supporting fan because it functions to transmit the hydraulic fluid power pressure from the impeller pump. Subsequently, this power is converted into mechanical energy, causing the turbine to rotate.

3. Stator

Between the turbine and the impeller pump, there is another component called the stator. This component functions to distribute the hydraulic fluid transmission oil from the turbine back to the impeller pump.

4. Converter Cover

As the name suggests, this component can be considered the container or housing of the torque converter components, especially the impeller and turbine parts. The main function of this component is to prevent fluid leakage when the engine is running. In addition, the converter cover also functions to control the fluid flow to remain stable when the car engine operates.

5. Lock-up Clutch

The last component is the lock-up clutch. This component functions as a connector between the cover and the turbine when the car is at a certain RPM. Thus, the input rotation of the transmission can have the same ratio as the flywheel rotation.

How Torque Converter Works

After you know what components are part of the torque converter, next, you need to understand how the torque converter works. Here is the complete working mechanism.

The operation of the torque converter is divided into two, based on the car's RPM. For more details, pay attention to the following review.

1. Normal RPM

When your car's engine is in an idle or stationary position, the converter cover will connect the rotation of the flywheel with the impeller pump. Thus, the fluid flow from the impeller pump can flow to the turbine, creating pressure. However, this pressure cannot rotate the turbine because the pressure generated is too low due to the low engine RPM.

2. High RPM

When you accelerate your car's engine, there is an increase in fluid, causing the turbine to rotate. However, this rotation is still too small, so you need to increase the engine RPM. As you increase the engine RPM, the turbine RPM will also increase. Thus, the fluid distribution becomes smoother.

That is how the torque converter works that you need to know. Considering the important function of the torque converter in ensuring the transmission fluid needs are met, you need to perform regular and periodic maintenance on this component to prevent transmission issues. If problems have already occurred, you can take your car to the nearest Daihatsu workshop to address the issue.

Tips Sahabat