What are the basic components of an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
The basic components of an automatic transmission are: torque converter, mechanical transmission, shift actuator, hydraulic control system, and electronic control system. The functions of the transmission are: 1. To change the transmission ratio to meet the traction needs under different driving conditions; 2. To enable reverse driving to meet the needs of the vehicle moving backward; 3. To interrupt power transmission; 4. To achieve neutral gear. The transmission, also known as the gearbox, is a mechanism used to change the speed and torque from the engine, capable of fixing or changing the transmission ratio between the output shaft and the input shaft in steps. It is divided into: 1. Stepped transmission: uses gear transmission with several fixed transmission ratios; 2. Continuously variable transmission (CVT): a transmission system that can continuously obtain any transmission ratio within the transmission range.
The basic components of an automatic transmission are actually quite interesting, and I often encounter them when helping others with car repairs. The torque converter is the starting point, acting like a fluid coupling that connects the engine to the transmission, ensuring smooth starts from a stop without any jerking. The planetary gear set is the core, with several small gears combined to provide different speed ratios, allowing the car to shift gears effortlessly. The hydraulic system is responsible for power transmission, using an oil pump to drive pistons and valves to control operations—if the pressure drops, shifting becomes unreliable. Modern cars also rely on the electronic control unit (ECU), which monitors engine speed and throttle position to quickly determine the most suitable gear. Finally, the output shaft transfers power to the wheels. Overall, these components work closely together, and none can be omitted. For maintenance, changing the oil and checking seals are crucial to prevent jerking caused by low oil pressure.