Torque Converter: The Underrated Hero of Automatic Transmissions!

Torque Converter: The Underrated Hero of Automatic Transmissions!

Automatic transmissions and their key component, the torque converter, remain indispensable despite growing competition from electric vehicles and dual clutch transmissions. The combustion engine shows its weaknesses particularly when starting up, as it can only develop its power when the speed increases. This is where the torque converter comes into play, which connects the engine and transmission via a special oil system and thus ensures a smooth adhesion. This is particularly advantageous when vehicles have to move off slowly, for example when parking or maneuvering krone.at describes.

How the torque converter works

The torque converter uses a viscous fluid that is set in motion by a pump wheel. This flow activates a stationary stator and leads to a turbine wheel, which transfers the resulting power to the transmission. This allows the vehicle to start moving before the engine and transmission reach the same speed. The torque converter lock-up clutch (WÜK) becomes active when the leathers are separated. This technology has the advantage of being less susceptible to wear, which makes it particularly popular in commercial vehicles, such as aftermarket.zf.com explained.

Particularly noteworthy are the main components of the torque converter: the pump wheel, the turbine wheel, the stator with a one-way freewheel and the integrated converter lock-up clutch. This design improves power transmission and increases driving comfort by reducing vibrations. This makes vehicle operation more efficient overall, even if the automatic system is subject to a certain degree of inefficiency: To date, this technology has been increasingly used in vehicles that have to prove themselves when towing a trailer. However, with the growing trend towards electric drives, torque converter technology faces new challenges, but remains a valuable option in the field of hybrid drives and in many new car models.