What are the components of an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission consists of: torque converter, planetary gear mechanism, clutch, brake, oil pump, filter, pipeline, control valve body, speed regulator, etc. According to the functions of these components, they can be divided into five major parts: torque converter, transmission gear mechanism, oil supply system, automatic shift control system and shift control mechanism. The function of the brake is: to hold a certain element in the planetary gear mechanism and make it immobile. The one-way overrunning clutch is also one of the shifting elements of the planetary gear transmission. Its function is basically the same as that of the multi-plate clutch and the brake. It is also used to fix or connect some basic elements such as sun gears, planetary carriers, and ring gears in several planetary rows, so that the planetary gear transmission can form gears with different transmission ratios.
The composition of an automatic transmission typically includes several key components. The torque converter acts like a liquid cushion, helping the vehicle start smoothly and replacing the manual clutch; the planetary gear set is the heart, consisting of multiple gears that can switch out different speed ratios; the multi-plate clutch pack is responsible for engaging and disengaging gears, similar to a switch; the oil pump provides hydraulic pressure to drive the system; the hydraulic control system manages oil pressure, including the valve body; the electronic control unit (ECU) is the brain, reading sensor data such as vehicle speed and throttle position to automatically determine shift timing. I often maintain my own car, and regularly changing the transmission fluid is crucial—dirty oil can clog the valve body, leading to sluggish shifting. When driving, avoid sudden acceleration to protect internal components and reduce impact. Knowing these components helps me better understand how the car works and extends the transmission's lifespan.
