Torque Converter

OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 9, the reader should be able to:

1. Identify the components of a torque converter.
2. Explain the purpose for each torque converter
component.
3. Describe the fluid flow inside a torque converter.
4. Explain the operation of a torque converter clutch.
Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

By Tom Birch and Chuck Rockwood
2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
INTRODUCTION
The torque converter, commonly called a converter,
is a type of fluid coupling that transmits power
from the engines crankshaft to the transmission
input (turbine) shaft. It has two important purposes
as it transfers the engine torque to the transmission:
It serves as an automatic clutch so the vehicle can be
stopped with the engine running and the transmission in
gear.
It multiplies torque while the vehicle is accelerating to
improve acceleration and pulling power.


INTRODUCTION
FIGURE 9-1 The torque converter is mounted

on the engines crankshaft and transfers
power to the transmission. (Courtesy of Toyota
Motor Sales USA, Inc.)


INTRODUCTION
FIGURE 9-2 A fluid coupling transfers

power through fluid, from one set of
vanes to the other.


CONSTRUCTION
Most torque converters
have four major elements:
an impeller, turbine,
stator, and converter
clutch.
FIGURE 9-3 The major parts of a four-element torque

converter are the clutch disc, turbine, stator, and
impeller shown in this cutaway view. The turbine is
splined to the transmission input shaft, and the stator is
splined to the stationary reaction shaft at the front of
the transmission. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 9-4 A three-element torque converter has a turbine,

stator, and pump or impeller. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)


CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 9-5 This cutaway view of a fourelement torque converter shows the
relationship of the internal parts.


CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 9-6 The flexplate connects the converter to

the crankshaft. The pilot of the converter fits the end of
the crankshaft to center the converter to the crankshaft.
(Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)


CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 9-7 Most torque converters have a round

cross section (left). Some new transmissions use a
shorter, elliptical, squashed converter (right).

FIGURE 9-8 The stator one-way clutch allows the

stator to rotate freely during the coupling phase, but
stops counterclockwise rotation during torque
multiplication. (Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales
USA, Inc.)

WHAT IS AN AIR-COOLED TORQUE CONVERTER?

Some early torque converters used with smaller engines are
air cooled.
They have a shroud with fins attached to the rear of the
converter cover to force cooling air flow past the converter.
FIGURE 9-9 These air-cooled torque converters have shrouds that

pump cooling air past the impeller.

OPERATION
A torque converter is a
hydrodynamic unit.
It transfers power through
the dynamic motion of the
fluid.
Most other hydraulic units
transfer power through the
static pressure of the fluid.
FIGURE 9-10 When the engine is running, fluid in the
impeller is thrown outward and into the vanes of the
turbine. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)


OPERATION
FIGURE 9-11 The two major operating conditions of a converter are stall and coupling.
These conditions shift back and forth depending on throttle opening and vehicle load.


OPERATION
FIGURE 9-12 The fluid flowing around the guide ring is called vortex flow (a). The fluid flow around
the converter is called rotary flow (b). (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

OPERATION
FIGURE 9-13 If a ball is thrown against a wall, kinetic energy in the ball will cause it to bounce back (a).
The energy remaining in the fluid striking the turbine vanes will cause the fluid to bounce back in a similar
manner (b).


OPERATION
Torque Multiplication
Coupling Phase


OPERATION
FIGURE 9-14 The fluid flow from the turbine is turned to the same
direction as the impeller by the stator vanes.


OPERATION
FIGURE 9-15 The vortex flow, torque multiplication, and efficiency of a torque
converter change as the turbine speed increases relative to the impeller.


TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCHES

The converter clutch is a
large clutch disc called a
pressure plate or clutch
disc.
It has friction material and a
damper assembly attached
to it and it is splined to the
turbine
FIGURE 9-16 The clutch disc of a TCC has lining on

the outer edge where it can contact the inner side of
the cover. While released, there is a fluid flow between
the disc and the cover. Note that the clutch disc is
splined to the turbine. (Courtesy of Chrysler
Corporation)

FIGURE 9-17 TCC release fluid flows through the center of the turbine shaft to the
front of the clutch disc (left). Pressure to apply the clutch enters between the
converter hub and the stator support (right).


FIGURE 9-18 The turbine has a series of damper strings that connect to the clutch disc (a).
Many clutch discs have a damper assembly at the center (b). (a is courtesy of Chrysler
Corporation; B is courtesy of Tribco, Inc.)


FIGURE 9-19 A four-cylinder engine has two power impulses

every revolution, and these impulses cause the crankshaft to
speed up momentarily. During this time, the damper springs
will compress to absorb the speed fluctuation.



Controlled TCC Capacity


CVT TORQUE CONVERTER

Most CVT transmissions use a low-profile elliptical
torque converter with a lock-up clutch.
Since CVTs are infinitely variable, the torque
converter is not needed once the vehicle is moving.
Therefore the converter is used to multiply the
torque to get the vehicle moving from a stop, and
then becomes a mechanical connection between
the engine and the CVT.
The torque converter clutch apply will occur at about
12 mph (20 kph) and stay locked until the vehicle
comes to a stop.

STALL SPEED
Stall is when the turbine is held stationary while the
converter housing and impeller are spinning.
This is done by shifting the transmission into gear
and applying the brakes to hold the drive wheels
stationary.
The importance of stall speed is that an engine
must be able reach an rpm where enough torque is
available to accelerate the vehicle, but not running
so fast that there is poor fuel economy and
excessive noise

STALL SPEED
FIGURE 9-20 A technician measures stall speed while testing a

transmission. This test is performed using extreme caution because of
the potentially dangerous conditions. The test period is limited to 5
seconds because of potential transmission damage.


STALL SPEED
Stall Factors
The actual stall speed of a torque converter is determined
by several factors:
The amount of engine torque,

The diameter of the converter,
The angle of the impeller vanes,
The angle of the stator vanes.


STALL SPEED
FIGURE 9-21 The stall speed of a torque converter must match the
engine for good vehicle driveability.


STALL SPEED
FIGURE 9-22 Converter diameter helps determine stall speed. Along

with other factors, it is used to help select the correct replacement
converter.


STALL SPEED
FIGURE 9-23 On some converters, it is possible to see the impeller fin angle from the
outside. The converter on the right has rearward or negative fin angles that will
produce a higher stall speed than the one on the left, which has forward or positive fin
angle.


SUMMARY
1. A torque converter hydraulically connects the
engine to an automatic transmission and will
multiply the engine torque under certain
conditions.
2. Torque converters utilize an impeller, turbine,
stator, and lock-up clutch.
3. Stall and coupling are the extremes of torque
converter operation. Stall occurs when the impeller
and turbine are operating at different speeds, and
coupling occurs when the impellers are turning at
nearly the same speed.

SUMMARY
4. Torque converter clutches are used to
mechanically connect the engine to the
transmission. During lock-up, torque converter
slippage will be eliminated and fuel mileage will
improve.
5. The factors that affect torque converter stall are
converter diameter, angle of the vanes, and the
torque of the engine.


REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. The two purposes for a torque converter are to serve as an
automatic _________ and to multiply the engines
_________.
2. List the four elements of a typical torque converter.
3. The torque converter is bolted to the _________.
4. The torque converters input member is the _________ and
the output member is the _________.
5. The stator is the _________ member of the torque
converter and is splined onto the reaction shaft through a
_________ clutch.
6. The flow of fluid from the impeller to the turbine is called a
_________ flow. The circular flow of fluid leaving the
impeller is called _________ flow.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
13. A torque converter clutch uses _________ springs to
smooth out _________ vibrations.
14. Some torque converter clutches use a _________-filled
clutch to smooth out torque converter clutch application.
15. Torque converter stall is when the _________ is held
stationary and the _________ is spinning.
16. Stall speed is the _________ rpm that an engine can turn
while the turbine is _________.
17. Stall testing can be used to check _________ and
_________ condition.
18. Vehicles with small engines typically use a torque converter
that has a _________ stall speed, and vehicles with a
powerful engine use a torque converter with a _________
stall speed.


REVIEW QUESTIONS
19. Four factors that affect torque converter stall
speed are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Engine _________
_________ diameter
Impeller _________ angle
Stator fin _________


CHAPTER QUIZ
1. Student A says that a torque converter is a
hydraulic connection between the engine and
transmission. Student B says that a torque
converter clutch will increase the torque to the
transmission. Who is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
1. Student A says that a torque converter is a
hydraulic connection between the engine and
transmission. Student B says that a torque
converter clutch will increase the torque to the
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
2. The input member of the converter is the
a)
b)
c)
d)
turbine.
stator.
impeller.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
2. The input member of the converter is the
a)
b)
c)
d)
turbine.
stator.
impeller.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
3. Student A says that the flexplate connects the
torque converter to the crankshaft. Student B says
that the torque converter is considered part of the
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
3. Student A says that the flexplate connects the
torque converter to the crankshaft. Student B says
that the torque converter is considered part of the
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
4. Student A says that fluid motion inside a converter
is controlled by the guide ring. Student B says that
fluid motion inside a converter is controlled by the
stator vanes. Who is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
4. Student A says that fluid motion inside a converter
is controlled by the guide ring. Student B says that
fluid motion inside a converter is controlled by the
stator vanes. Who is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
5. The fluid flow from the impeller through the turbine
and stator is called
a)
b)
c)
d)
rotary flow.
impeller flow.
vortex flow.
turbine flow.


CHAPTER QUIZ
5. The fluid flow from the impeller through the turbine
and stator is called
a)
b)
c)
d)
rotary flow.
impeller flow.
vortex flow.
turbine flow.


CHAPTER QUIZ
6. The fluid flow around the circumference of the
converter is called
a)
b)
c)
d)
rotary flow.
impeller flow.
vortex flow.
turbine flow.


CHAPTER QUIZ
6. The fluid flow around the circumference of the
converter is called
a)
b)
c)
d)
rotary flow.
impeller flow.
vortex flow.
turbine flow.


CHAPTER QUIZ
7. A strong vortex flow will
a)
b)
c)
d)
cause the stator clutch to lock.

release the stator clutch.
circulate through the guide ring.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
7. A strong vortex flow will
a)
b)
c)
d)
cause the stator clutch to lock.

release the stator clutch.
circulate through the guide ring.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
8. During the coupling phase the
a)
b)
c)
d)
vortex flow nearly stops.

stator clutch locks.
rotary flow nearly stops.
flow stops.


CHAPTER QUIZ
8. During the coupling phase the
a)
b)
c)
d)
vortex flow nearly stops.

stator clutch locks.
rotary flow nearly stops.
flow stops.


CHAPTER QUIZ
9. A torque converter is more efficient while
a)
b)
c)
d)
stopped at a stop sign.

accelerating hard.
accelerating under a light throttle.
cruising.


CHAPTER QUIZ
9. A torque converter is more efficient while
a)
b)
c)
d)
stopped at a stop sign.

accelerating hard.
accelerating under a light throttle.
cruising.


CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Student A says that at stall speed the impeller is
spinning as fast as the engine can drive it. Student
B says that at stall speed the turbine is stationary.
Who is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Student A says that at stall speed the impeller is
spinning as fast as the engine can drive it. Student
B says that at stall speed the turbine is stationary.
Who is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
11. In most lock-up torque converters, lock-up occurs
when the
a)
b)
c)
d)
fluid flow in the converter is reversed.

converter switch valve is moved by the lock-up solenoid.
turbine speed reaches a certain rpm.
converter speed reaches a certain rpm.


CHAPTER QUIZ
11. In most lock-up torque converters, lock-up occurs
when the
a)
b)
c)
d)
fluid flow in the converter is reversed.

converter switch valve is moved by the lock-up solenoid.
turbine speed reaches a certain rpm.
converter speed reaches a certain rpm.


CHAPTER QUIZ
12. In a lock-up torque converter, the
a) clutch plate is splined onto the turbine shaft.
b) clutch lining transfers power through a mechanical
connection during lock-up.
c) fluid is passing through the torque converter.
d) Both A and B


CHAPTER QUIZ
12. In a lock-up torque converter, the
a) clutch plate is splined onto the turbine shaft.
b) clutch lining transfers power through a mechanical
connection during lock-up.
c) fluid is passing through the torque converter.
d) Both A and B


CHAPTER QUIZ
13. Lock-up torque converters use a damper assembly
to dampen
a)
b)
c)
d)
noise.
torsional vibration.
lateral force.
spring oscillations.


CHAPTER QUIZ
13. Lock-up torque converters use a damper assembly
to dampen
a)
b)
c)
d)
noise.
torsional vibration.
lateral force.
spring oscillations.


CHAPTER QUIZ
14. Stall testing can be used to find
a)
b)
c)
d)
problems with the torque converter.

slipping clutches.
slipping bands.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
14. Stall testing can be used to find
a)
b)
c)
d)
problems with the torque converter.

slipping clutches.
slipping bands.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
15. A large-diameter torque converter will
a)
b)
c)
d)
have a higher stall speed.

have a lower stall speed.
not have an effect on stall speed.
All of these


CHAPTER QUIZ
15. A large-diameter torque converter will
a)
b)
c)
d)
have a higher stall speed.

have a lower stall speed.
not have an effect on stall speed.
All of these



Torque Converter

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OBJECTIVES

After studying Chapter 9, the reader should be able to:

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 9-1 The torque converter is mounted

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 9-2 A fluid coupling transfers

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 9-3 The major parts of a four-element torque

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 9-4 A three-element torque converter has a turbine,

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 9-6 The flexplate connects the converter to

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 9-7 Most torque converters have a round

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

FIGURE 9-8 The stator one-way clutch allows the

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

WHAT IS AN AIR-COOLED TORQUE CONVERTER?

FIGURE 9-9 These air-cooled torque converters have shrouds that

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Fourth Edition

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.