Torque Converter
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The torque converter transmits and multiplies torque by means of automatic transmission fluid inside the torque converter. The torque converter is composed of the following:
- Converter case
- Pump impeller assembly
- Turbine assembly
- Stator assembly/one-way clutch
- Lock-up clutch
In addition, the use of the lock-up clutch is intended to improve fuel economy as a direct coupling between the engine and the transmission.
The standard torque converter components operate as follows:
- Rotation of the converter housing and impeller sets the fluid in motion.
- The turbine reacts to the fluid motion from the impeller, transferring rotation to the geartrain through the input shaft.
- The reactor redirects fluid going back into the impeller, providing for torque multiplication.
- The clutch and damper assembly dampens powertrain torsional vibration and provides a direct mechanical connection for improved efficiency.
- Power is transmitted from the torque converter to the planetary gearsets and other components through the input shaft.