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Transmissions are integral parts of your vehicle’s powertrain that transmit energy from its engine to drive shaft and wheels, so understanding how they function and recognizing when parts might need replacing is vital for optimal vehicle operation. It is therefore crucial that drivers become familiar with how transmission parts function as well as what to look out for if any wear and tear symptoms appear in transmission components.
Transmission systems contain many different parts that all perform their own unique duties. Here are some of the more frequently utilized ones:
Clutch Packs & Bands
Clutch packs are used in numerous automatic transmissions, and comprise multiple discs which fit together to lock or release a planetary gear set. A piston keeps them all tightly sealed together using oil pressure.
Band clutches can be found in many transmissions and use steel straps with friction material bonded onto their inner surface, with one end attached to a transmission case and the other attached to a servo; when hydraulic pressure is applied to the latter it tightens around the drum to stop it from turning.
The vehicle’s transmission computer controls the servo motor, which applies and releases bands according to various inputs like rod position during shift.
Shift kits can help improve the feel of a shift by altering how servo applies and releases band. By changing release/application timings, these kits create more firm and noticeable shifts.
These kits also increase the hydraulic pressure applied to a band, which helps it withstand heavier loads more securely and prolong transmission life for better functioning and lasting power.
BorgWarner manufactures an expansive line of clutch products for automatic transmissions. Their offerings include wet friction clutch modules, transmission bands, torsional vibration dampers, lockup clutches and one-way clutches. Furthermore, BorgWarner also produces Variable Force Solenoid (VFS) valves which control pressure proportionally or inversely according to an input signal from a vehicle propulsion computer – they come both high flow and low flow configurations to enable line pressure or direct clutch control.
Hydraulic System
Hydraulic systems are at the heart of modern construction and machinery. From powering cranes to pumping concrete, hydraulics play an integral part of modern machinery. Furthermore, their usage ranges from engine maintenance to metal stamping in auto production facilities.
Hydraulic systems rely on fluid that is much more incompressible than air, making it ideal for transmitting and multiplying force. Common examples include oil or similar viscous substances as hydraulic system fluid.
An hydraulic system includes a reservoir, pump and accumulator. The pump delivers pressurized fluid to the reservoir while the accumulator stores energy from that fluid for use elsewhere in the system.
Some systems feature multiple pumps to generate pressure, providing a back up solution should one or more of the primary ones fail. These may be engine driven or electric pumps.
Air-based systems can be hazardous, as they produce sparks. Spark-free systems are therefore much safer. Their applications range from chemical plants and mines, where fire could pose a safety hazard, to schools or stadiums where fire could pose an immediate danger.
Maintenance costs for hydraulic systems are less costly than those associated with electrical or mechanical systems, requiring only periodic checks to ensure everything is functioning normally – such as checking filters or taking fluid samples – along with simple replacement needs like filters or fluid samples.
Small systems tend to be more reliable due to using fewer parts and being easier to repair if they do break down, plus being much quieter due to having no noise-making components that disrupt work processes. They’re ideal for industrial settings where people must remain undeterred during operations.
Valve Body
Valve bodies are an integral component of an automatic transmission, but are often neglected. Being exposed to wear and tear, it’s vital that valve bodies receive proper transmission fluid treatment to keep them running in optimal condition.
The valve body, also referred to as the control center, contains valves and passages which direct transmission fluid to various areas of the transmission. These valves may include check ball or spool valves.
These valves open and close to direct transmission fluid when necessary and work in coordination with transmission computers to signal clutch packs or band servos that a shift is required.
Valve bodies can either operate automatically or manually; an automatic one will shift gears automatically based on driving situations while manual ones allow drivers to select which gear they wish to be in.
As is true of most parts, valve bodies can deteriorate over time due to pressure, water intrusion and heat exposure. Abrasion damage to channels and valves within their bodies may also result in fluid leaks or difficulty shifting gears into desired gears, with potentially disastrous results such as fluid leakage.
Your shop should consider rebuilding or replacing damaged valve bodies depending on their extent, as well as whether service technicians possess necessary tools or training to assist them with this job. This decision will ultimately come down to their severity of damage.
Oil Pump
The Oil Pump is an essential component of your vehicle’s transmission, circulating engine oil at high pressure through it to lubricate rotating bearings, sliding pistons, camshaft and assist in cooling engine components. Additionally, the Oil Pump helps ensure proper lubrication.
Faulty transmission pumps can lead to many issues, from making an audible whine and transmission slippage, to whining noises. If any of these symptoms arises, it’s vital that your pump be evaluated immediately.
Water contamination: Too much water in your engine’s oil can be another significant contributor to transmission pump failure, as its pressure-regulating lubricant won’t be able to provide optimal protection for your transmission.
Worn pumps: Over time, even the highest quality oil pumps wear down and need replacing. This happens because working harder increases pressure throughout its system and filter.
Wrinkled or damaged seals can lead to leaks that require costly transmission pump repairs or replacement, eventually costing an entire system more in repairs or replacement costs than initially estimated.
High-performance engines often utilize an oil pump designed specifically to produce higher oil pressure – essential in performance applications.
These pumps are typically known as either fixed-displacement or variable-displacement pumps. The latter uses a direct drive shaft that turns at the same rpm as your engine and produces higher pressure at idle than camshaft or distributor driven pumps.
While these pumps may provide more oil pressure, they may reduce fuel economy by requiring more horsepower to turn them. To combat this effect, consider switching to low-pressure, synthetic motor oil with low viscosity (like 0W-20). It may also be possible to change gears or housing components on your pump in order to lower pressure and save fuel economy.
Seals & Gaskets
Seals and gaskets are vital components of a system, providing vital protection from leakage to pipes and mechanical assemblies. These components come in all sorts of materials ranging from rubber, plastic and metal for maximum effectiveness.
A gasket’s choice of material depends on its intended application in its environment. It must be suitable for sealing media being sealed as well as possess good chemical resistance properties, along with being resistant to heat, pressure and liquids.
Some of the most frequently used gasket materials include silicone, neoprene, EPDM, Teflon and graphite – lightweight materials with excellent anticorrosion protection as well as sealing and insulation properties.
Viton(r) gaskets are another widely-used material. Designed to withstand high-temperature environments, these seals are great for environments such as high-temperature environments where oil, fuels and hydraulic oils could potentially leak out of seals made with this material. In addition to being resistant to these fluids, these Viton seals can also withstand alcohols, diluted acids and vegetable oils which could potentially enter.
These devices are commonly utilized in food production environments to protect food safety by keeping outside contaminants out. Furthermore, they reduce wear-and-tear costs which reduce maintenance expenses over time.
Constant Seating Stress (CSI) gaskets utilize a carrier ring with flange-facing sealing elements, to maintain constant seating stress regardless of pressure or temperature variations, thus eliminating leakage due to system vibration, creep relaxation or thermal cycles.
These versatile gaskets can be constructed with various materials, and are often utilized in environments that prove harsh on other elastomeric gaskets. Ideal for heavy-duty applications and die-cut to meet exact specifications of blueprint or tolerance specifications.