Fluid Couplings

and
Torque Converters
 Introduction
Engine and Transmission needs to be
automatically coupled and uncoupled
Uses Torque Converter to multiply
torque and transmit power
Components
 Impeller
 Turbine
 Stator
 Fluid Coupling

Fluid travels either in a rotary or vortex motion

 Impeller turns Tubine

Turbine
Impeller
Fluid drives turbine at
an angle
 Difference in speed
creates a turbulence
Components
Flexplate drives T.C.
Torque Converter
Hub drives oil pump
Impeller drives
Turbine
Turbine drives input
shaft
Input shaft drives
Clutch Hub
Vanes are curved to
accelerate fluid flow
Rear Wheel Drive
Input shaft directly
connects to turbine
with splines
Input shaft is usually
hollow for lock up
operation
Front Wheel Drive

Turbine Shaft drives Input Shaft

 Stator Operation

•Stator assembly mounts on One-way

clutch.
•Stator multiplies torque
•At 90% speed ratio, the stator
rotates same speed as turbine
and impeller and “coupling phase”
occurs.
Early Converter
were repairable
Older converters
had drains
One Way Clutch
 Ford Lock Up

Clutch Piston hub splines directly to

the turbine
 GM TCC

First used in 1980, Applied by TCC Solenoid

Vane curvature controls
amount of multiplication
Converter Operation
Stator redirects fluid
back into impeller to
multiply force
More torque
happens at lower
rpms.
At higher rpm,
components
equalize