Page 21 - Hydra-matic 6 Speed RWD Technician's Guide (October 2005)

TORQUE CONVERTER

THRUST THRUST
BEARING BEARING
ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY
(D ) (D)

DAMPER
ASSEMBLY
(C)

CONVERTER HOUSING PRESSURE PLATE TURBINE STATOR CONVERTER PUMP
COVER ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY
(A) (B) (E) (F) (G)

TORQUE CONVERTER: E
The torque converter (1) is the primary component for
transmittal of power between the engine and the
transmission. It is bolted to the engine flywheel (also known G
as the flexplate) so that it will rotate at engine speed. A
Some of the major functions of the torque converter are:
• to provide for a smooth conversion of torque from the
engine to the mechanical components of the transmission. F
B
• to multiply torque from the engine that enables the
vehicle to achieve additional performance when required. CONVERTER
HUB
• to mechanically operate the transmission fluid pump
through the converter hub.
STATOR
• to provide a mechanical link, or direct drive, from the C SHAFT
engine to the transmission through the use of a torque (3)
converter clutch (TCC).
The torque converter assembly is made up of the following
five main sub-assemblies:
• a converter housing cover assembly (A) which is welded
to the converter pump assembly (G).
• a converter pump assembly (G) which is the driving
member. 4-5-6
CLUTCH
• a turbine assembly (E) which is the driven or output ASSEMBLY
member. D (56)
• a stator assembly (F) which is the reaction member (TURBINE
SHAFT)
located between the converter pump and turbine
assemblies.
• a pressure plate assembly (B) splined to the turbine
assembly to enable direct mechanical drive when
appropriate.

CONVERTER PUMP ASSEMBLY AND TURBINE
ASSEMBLY
When the engine is running the converter pump assembly
acts as a centrifugal pump by picking up fluid at its center
and discharging it at its rim between the blades (see Figure
13). The force of this fluid then hits the turbine blades
and causes the turbine to rotate. As the engine and Torque converter failure
converter pump increase in RPM, so does the turbine. could cause loss of drive
and or loss of power.
PRESSURE PLATE, DAMPER AND
CONVERTER HOUSING ASSEMBLIES To reduce torsional shock during the apply of the pressure plate to the
The pressure plate is splined to the turbine hub and applies converter cover, a spring loaded damper assembly (C) is used. The
(engages) with the converter cover to provide a mechanical pressure plate is attached to the pivoting mechanism of the damper
coupling of the engine to the transmission. When the assembly which allows the pressure plate to rotate independently of
pressure plate assembly is applied, the amount of slippage the damper assembly up to approximately 45 degrees. During
that occurs through a fluid coupling is reduced (but not engagement, the springs in the damper assembly cushion the pressure
necessarily eliminated), thereby providing a more efficient plate engagement and also reduce irregular torque pulses from the
transfer of engine torque to the drive wheels. engine or road surface.

12 Figure 12