Torque Converter Explaination - Part1 |
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Torque Converter Components |
Shown above is an exploded view of the torque converter internal components used with a Th-700R4 (The unit used with a Th-2004R is essentially the same). In this introduction there is a brief description of the these individual components and how the relate to each other. We get hundreds of calls a month from people very confused about the torque converter clutch lock up function and why they need it or don't need it.. They are being told by lots of sources they don't need it, it's a big problem, it's prone to failure or it's too difficult to manage correctly etc. We've even had a number of people tell us that some sources state a locked up converter clutch will cause overheating which is exactly opposite of what it does! There's a lot of misinformation floating around and this whole web site section was developed to help potential customers be better informed, then they can make up their own minds. |
#2 Transmission side of the Clutch Disc |
Pictured here is the transmission side (rear) view of the converters clutch disc. Please note the centrally splined drive area ( blue arrow). These inner splines engage with the outer spines of the central drive hub of the turbine (#4) providing a direct mechanical connection at all times from this clutch disc to the turbine. The turbine below is mechanically connected to the transmissions input shaft at all times thus providing a direct physical connection from this clutch disc to the input shaft/drum assembly via the turbine. Whatever the turbine is doing, this clutch disc and the input shaft/drum are likewise doing. The thing to understand here is; if the clutch disc is hydraulically forced against the front cover, there is direct drive. If this disc is hydraulically pushed away from the mating surface of the front cover, you have a fluid coupling that is not direct drive. This is now a normal fluid coupling converter. |
#4 Turbine- Transmission side |
This is a view of the same turbine as shown above but this view is the side that faces the rear or transmission. Shown are the turbine blades that fluid is forcefully thrown at by the converters centrifugal pump, component #6 below. The force of this fluid hitting the turbine vanes causes it to rotate, thus causing the transmissions input shaft (also known as the turbine shaft) to rotate, because they are splined together at the center of the turbine (blue arrow). This is the driving component of the converter. It provides a direct mechanical connection to the transmissions input shaft/drum assembly. This mechanical connection is always engaged whether in the torque converter clutch is in direct drive (locked up) or standard fluid coupling mode! |