How Torque Converters Work - Automatic Transmissions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2011
- How does a torque converter work? A description of a torque converter and how it works, as well as the components involved, and how it transfers torque from the engine to the transmission. A look at the pump, turbine, and stator inside of the torque converter.
Note: Torque converters are only used in combination with automatic transmissions.
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He's certainly come a long way since this video. I still find it so simply explained, no more no less. If he chooses to do this again, I'd love his take on Koenigsegg's torque converter and the engineering involved, and what has largely changed in torque converters over the past 50 years.
An OK explanation, but your style has improved and so I think maybe you should do this one again.
I think everything from 2011 and back would benefit from being reuploaded in his new format, he speaks a lot better now and explains everything more clearly.
damn only 10 years after 9/11
I'm working on a front wheel drive when I spin the front tires should the torque converter spin or dose it just spin under speed
Hello and welcome!
I agree. Especially if you could explain this using an actual dissected automatic transmission
You should really consider doing this video again!! Now you have a way much better explaning skill and video quality
Yes, they rotate in the same direction. Basically you're looking from the middle in the pictures. Imagine the pump as your left hand, and the turbine as your right. Put them together, then open them like a book - this is what the drawing shows.
wow, i cannot believe auto transmission uses a liquid to keep the engine engaged with the transmission. this is why i LOVE engineering :D
Very cool stuff!
Taking an automatic transmission class and I have been looking at this in a completely complicated manner. You helped me out in a whole 6 minutes! You're the GOAT
I just replaced my clutch a month ago. Just now I was talking to family (christmas dinner) and my uncle brought up torque converters. I had no clue how an automatic transmission worked. Thanks the info :D
Came back here for a quick reference.. The nostalgia is strong with this one!
I've listened to three different videos explaining torque converters and this one is the most clearly explained.
I have seen some beautiful CGI-made videos explaining the torque converter, but none of them can make me realize its operation. Your drawing is much easier to understand. Jeeeeze.
Wow, he's come a long way in 8 years! I bet he would laugh watching himself here now haha
Committing to truly learning more about cars with this channel was one of the best choices I've made, everything is explained in great detail but not to the point of frying my brain
I watched at least 10 different videos to understand torque converters and this video now is more clear to me thanks.
Dude I swear you are the best. I was looking at this in other places and in 25 seconds you did a better job explaining this component. Thank you.
very well explained.. (y)
Could you also explain about the freewheeling and the lockup mechanisms please? would be massively helpful.
It's pretty cool to watch a clip from the early days of this channel and see how far Jason has come 10-plus years later. Although his presentation is sharper now, and a remake of this video could improve on the original, I hope that if he revisits this topic, he will keep this older content posted as historical record of his beginnings half a billion views ago. Thanks for all the great work Jason!
They're both always engaged. But the fluid coupling means they can rotate at different speeds.
This is the 4th Torque converter explanation video I saw. None other really explained the role of the stator as well as you did. Congratulations! keep up the good work!
Hehehe, this was a while ago compared to the videos you produce nowdays. :)
@andrewmylyf No, all of the liquid motion is from the pump which is a series of stationary fans mounted to a casing which rotates with the flywheel. Hope this makes sense.
@JamesHaskin Glad I could help! Merry Christmas!
Great explanation.
I've worked with engines and transmissions (as a shade tree mechanic/engineer) but never looked in detail of the torque converter fluid flow pattern for years. The efficiency disadvantage (you mention) of the old school torque converter is partially why some savvy consumers prefer the later generation lock-up torque converters with aggressive engagement strategies (say above 1500 rpm). As well, a good lock-up torque converter gives that feeling that you are directly connected to the wheels ( most of the time) rather than the horrible "slush box" feel of the early pre-1990 designs.
Nowadays, I can't think of a torque converter without lock-up but maybe there are some in special applications.
Having said that, I still prefer a manual transmission overall for feel. Next choice is a good CVT as in a Subaru Impreza (some people will disagree).
Thanks again for all your videos. You do a great job explaining engineering concepts to people with all types of backgrounds (non-technical and technical).
Definitely an interesting suggestion, I'll keep it in mind.
@Monstar001 Actually flexplates (as far as I know) are just the term for flywheels for automatic cars. The difference is they're typically thinner since the torque converter also has mass which is essentially carrying the same responsibility of a flywheel. The purpose of the flywheel is to even out the torque. Without it, the power sent to the wheels would be pulsating, instead the inertia of the flywheel keeps the power to the wheels smooth.
Glad to hear it, thanks!
@Dotchetter Well since the systems are connected some of it will drain. But if the engine's not running then the torque converter's not spinning, so the fluid on the bottom half could easily remain in. But it circulates with the rest of it so I guess it's no big deal.
That clarified a lot of questions!! Thank you!!
I have a test to write on these tomorrow, thanks for the refresh!
Yes, basically the same thing. There are some comments below regarding this.
Glad to help, you're welcome!
Lightweight flywheel would definitely help. Just a matter of how much torque can be supplied through the rpm range, and how heavy all of the components involved are (overcoming inertia).
Great, thanks for answering, I discovered your channel just a few days ago and have already watched most of the videos, great stuff!
Thanks for the best explanation. This helps me a lots!!!
THANK YOU, this information is well thought out and easily digestible. I am studying for the ASVAB and do well on all subjects except for the mechanical knowledge section. I have a solid understanding of physics (thankfully) so it comes naturally to me but have never worked on a car or seen this stuff in person which makes reading a mechanical explanation about as hard as describing what a dog looks like to a blind person. Will watch and "thumbs up" most of your videos
Close, but the torque converter is attached to the crankshaft (indirectly) so if the engine stops so does the TC. However, if the transmission stops the TC still runs. I starter motor initially rotates the TC/flywheel to get the engine running. Check out my video "starting a car" for more information on that!
An automatic transmission which you manually select which gear to be in, electronically. It can be done with different types of transmissions, for example a dual clutch or a regular planetary gear auto.
doing my second year parts tech course you explained it way better than my instructor did
Modern maybe the problematic key word there. Your background in TC's is sure to be greater than my knowledge which can be fully understood in 4 minutes and 40 seconds. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Buddy, the video was very helpful
Do all TC's have it? Perhaps I should make an additional video sometime.
It's honestly fine either way, whichever you choose. Some engines (manual trans) will shut off fuel supply if you leave it in gear while coasting downhill, which could save gas potentially.
@mickblock Correct you are!
Great video!
The fluid flowing in the circular motion is called a vortex and the stator sets your stall speed and is what torque multiplies :)
I believe that they are connected, and the transmission fluid flows between both.
@my2004Ze33 Thanks for subscribing! Didn't know about the Z's torque converter. Personally I think I'd have to go manual just to have the control. Plus the Z comes with the awesome synchro-rev match.
You sure have improved in 10 years... Anyway, pretty amazing engineering. And to think modern automatic transmissions are as efficient or even more efficient than manuals, even with the added weight. Probably massively complex too, though.
Great Video! I know more now then I did before watching it. Thank you
Thanks!
finally someone who can explain how it works. thanks
Well done! Thanks!
Great explanation you should do a video on benefits and downfalls to higher stall TC for racing or street driving and also how the stall is set higher. Great video man.
I'm happy you're happy.
Transmission fluid, I think the goal is to maintain a relatively neutral viscosity with respect to RPM, but it may change some at different temperatures.
Thanks for watching!
Very well done!
Thank you! nice video
I couldnt quite get how exaclty the turbine gets disengaged? Otherwise really comprehensible video, man. Keep it up!
It's just the perspective I'm looking at them from. Both are looking at them as if you were between the two. Imagine the two images as paper plates, and fold them into each other. Now the arrows are pointing the same direction.
Dude you're really smart
Thanks ,it helped me a lot while preparing for my seminar.
Absolutely. I heard that's how you "test" an automatic car transmission - by applying both brakes and gas at the same time and see at what rpm it will stall. But now, after your brilliant and didactic explanation, I know what it really tests is if the torque converter is working properly.
Also, I would like to know if the Limited Slip Differentials that work with fluids are good in transfering torque to the other wheel, that is, if they have anywhere near the same ratio as a Torsen type diff.
Great video man
i love your videos man...well done
I haven't done the math or research, but I would say it makes a good difference. That said, you don't want something too viscous, as it will tend to not move as much as a lower viscosity liquid. You want the liquid to be able to flow throughout the system so that it is capable of transferring the torque.
Great Vid. Thanks !!!!
Damn this really helped me alot thank you by the way.
They're turning the same direction. Take two sheets of paper and lay them in front of you. One the left sheet, draw a circle turning clockwise. On the right sheet, draw a circle turning counterclockwise. Now take the two sheets of paper, and put the two sides (with circles) together. The two circles are now turning the same direction. :)
thank you for the information. you are fantastic.
Hey Engineering Explained trying to figure out what does torque converter factor mean.
Example would be (torque converter factor 2.6)?
The majority, yes. Though it can be done without such as a dual clutch transmission or CVT. That said, most DCTs the operator selects the gear.
you are doing a good job!
Yes, indeed. I try my best.
Hie hey your explanation is superb sir,I have long struggled to understand how the transmission operates but just by watching this video the light has come in,not only on this video but your couple of videos I grasp them fast, thanx brother keep it up
Excellent, +1 for old school huh?
A very interesting aspect of torque converters is that they also provide about a 2.3 to 1 torque increase when starting from a stop. The energy transfered in circulating the fluid from the pump to turbine to stator causes this. Without the stator, it is a 1 to 1 ratio and is called a fluid coupling. Research the old GM Powerglide torque converter. That was like a 5 to 1 ratio and had an extra stator and pump.
flywheel* flexplate* They serve relatively the same purpose, the flexplate is usually just smaller since the torque converter has a significant amount of mass.
Thank you for keeping it simple, great explanation much appreciated !
Thanks. It's very informative and helpful.
Wow excellent explanation Ty
Could you explain how/why the stator provides torque multiplication by changing directions of the fluid? I have never understood this.
The stator provides a stable point in the converter that the fluid can 'push against' to create torque. If the entire thing was spinning, the fluid inside would also just be spinning after a while, and barely any force would be transferred by it.
thank you so much u saved my lifee
Very good and basic explanation!
I don't know what a "2500RPM TC" is. Is that it's RPM limit?
The OP is correct. Although the turbine IS physically on the engine side when you stand at the side of the car and look at it, it is splined directly to a driveshaft that goes through a hole in the body of the TQ. The engine turns the whole body of the TQ, which is fixed to the blades of the impeller, driving fluid frontward against the vanes of the turbine. As to why they did that, I don't know! It might have something to do with optimizing output from the stator....
loved your explanation, however i think flywheel can only be found on manual cars while auto cars have a much thinner light plate called flexplate that is directly connected to the torque convertor
Great videos. I am just starting to learn about cars and engines and helps me a lot before I buy my first machine. My question is, how does an automatic Transmission works without Torque Converter? The Ford now has that feature for fuel efficiency and eager to know how does that work.
It spins, attempting to apply torque to the transmission, which is locked because of your foot on the brake.
Correct. The friction of the brakes is greater than the force supplied by the torque converter, so it simply spins and the car does not move.
In response to the questions about the one way clutch. Because the pump and the turbine are not mechanically connected to each other, the turbine will never reach the same speed as the pump. If they did, then the fluid would no longer flow around the converter. So when the engine revs are high, and the turbine will rotate no faster, the one way clutch engages, and mechanically joins the pump and the turbine. Because at this point the output is slower than the input, when the clutch engages...
Well explained.
thanks for the video its great. also better than some animated one. cheers
I love these videos. Sometimes, and I think this is an example, it would be good if you had actual parts you could show us. Those combined with your white board would be really helpful. Thank you!
@EngineeringExplained I have the 7 speed automatic version with paddle shifters and it is a tick faster and geared a little tighter than the manual. The control is actually pretty good compared to a manual (my previous car was a 350Z MT) because of this torque convertor locking feature that Nissan claims.
I guess the biggest thing to understand is liquids aren't compressible. They have to go somewhere, so when a force is pushing a liquid, the liquid will push as well. Basic principle of all hydraulics. Air is compressible, so if there was air in the torque converter it could just spin and nothing happen - liquid on the other hand is forced to move.
Could you possibly do a video on how cylinders work in unison and how they affect the motion of the other cylinders?
Love your videos! Really informative, you think you could do a video on torque converter stalls?
This is probably not the best place for this sort of questions, you'd better try a make/model-specific forum for you car. My tip: check the fluid level (very important in a A/T, if it's lacking oil, it could just pump air and not move at all), if that doesn't help go see a mechanic.
Thanks for the video, good and simple explanation, I've learned something.. :-)
Thanks for the quality info you'd make a kickass prof. I just finished reading competition car aerodynamics but I 'm looking for a book thats more grassroots ;) Any reading suggestions?
@Dotchetter Yes, modern torque converters lock up at higher speeds so now power is lost through the inefficient design of a torque converter. Don't see any reason why the fluid couldn't last a long time.