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What are the basic components of an automatic transmission?

4 Answers
Xavier
09/03/25 7:57am

Here is an introduction to the components of an automatic transmission: 1. Common components include the torque converter, planetary gear set, clutch, brake, oil pump, filter, pipelines, control valve body, and speed governor. 2. Based on their functions, these components can be divided into five major parts: the torque converter, transmission gear mechanism, oil supply system, automatic shift control system, and shift operating mechanism. Below is a detailed introduction to the components of an automatic transmission: 1. The torque converter is located at the front end of the automatic transmission and is mounted on the engine's flywheel. Its function is similar to the clutch in a manual transmission vehicle. 2. The planetary gear set is one of the key components of an automatic transmission, mainly consisting of the sun gear (also called the central gear), internal ring gear, planetary carrier, and planetary gears. 3. The shift actuation mechanism is primarily used to change the driving element in the planetary gear set or restrict the movement of a certain element, altering the direction and ratio of power transmission. It mainly consists of multi-plate clutches, brakes, and one-way overrunning clutches. 4. The brake's function is to hold a specific element of the planetary gear set stationary.

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AlessandraMarie
09/16/25 2:29am

The core components of an automatic transmission mainly consist of five major parts: the torque converter, planetary gear set, clutch pack, hydraulic control unit, and electronic control module. The torque converter is installed between the engine and transmission, using fluid to transfer power while also providing torque multiplication. The planetary gear set is responsible for gear shifting, similar to building blocks that combine to create different gear ratios. The clutch pack inside alternately engages and disengages to achieve gear changes. The hydraulic unit acts like a heart, supplying oil pressure to move components. The electronic control module serves as the brain, coordinating the entire system based on throttle input and vehicle speed. If you notice obvious gear shift jerks or slippage during normal driving, immediate inspection is required, as it's often caused by worn clutch plates or unstable oil pressure.

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MacRyan
10/30/25 3:04am

Looking at the structure of an automatic transmission, the most critical transmission components are the torque converter and the planetary gear set. The torque converter replaces the clutch in a manual transmission, consisting of three main parts: the impeller, turbine, and stator, with transmission fluid circulating inside to transfer power. The gear set is composed of a sun gear, planet gears, and a ring gear, achieving six or even ten forward gears by locking different components. The control unit operates through two lines: hydraulic and electrical. The hydraulic line relies on an oil pump to build pressure and actuate pistons for gear shifting, while the electrical line uses sensors to collect signals and a control module to precisely determine shift timing. Many older vehicles experience jerky shifts due to clogged hydraulic passages or faulty solenoid valves.

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Chloe
12/13/25 3:12am

An automatic transmission, simply put, consists of a power transmission device, gear mechanism, and control module. The torque converter at the front end uses transmission fluid to transfer power, like two fans blowing against each other. The planetary gear set in the middle is like a Rubik's cube, capable of producing multiple gear ratios by fixing different parts. The hydraulic system at the rear uses valves to control oil pressure, driving the clutch plates to engage or disengage for gear shifting. The electronic control unit constantly monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, and engine RPM to determine the optimal shift points. This system is most vulnerable to overheating, as high temperatures accelerate wear on the friction plates inside the transmission.

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