What is a Torque Converter?
2 Answers
About the torque converter, the relevant information is as follows: 1. A torque converter (Fluid-Torque-Converter) is a hydraulic component consisting of a pump wheel, turbine, and guide wheel. It is installed between the engine and the transmission, using hydraulic oil (ATF) as the working medium, and functions to transmit torque, convert torque, change speed, and engage/disengage. 2. The torque converter is a type of non-rigid torque converter that uses liquid as the working medium, and it is one of the forms of hydraulic transmission. The torque converter transmits torque by the change in angular momentum generated by the interaction between the liquid and the blades.
The torque converter plays a pivotal role in automatic transmissions, functioning like a fluid coupling station that smoothly transfers engine power to the wheels. Through my professional experience, I've observed numerous cases where this component—comprising the impeller, turbine, and stator—demonstrates its critical function. When the engine rotates, the impeller agitates the automatic transmission fluid, which then flows to drive the turbine and consequently the wheels. During initial acceleration or low-speed operation, the stator intervenes to amplify torque, enabling effortless hill climbs. At higher speeds, efficiency improves significantly due to the lock-up clutch minimizing slippage. Underestimating its importance would be a mistake: without the torque converter, automatic vehicles would stall or jerk violently during starts—akin to manual transmissions without clutch engagement—whereas it ensures buttery-smooth driving, particularly in congested urban traffic. However, regular fluid inspections are essential to prevent overheating or wear from compromising performance.
