This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
An automatic transmission is a sophisticated system that combines mechanical, hydraulic and electrical technologies to seamlessly transfer power from your engine to your wheels.
An automatic transmission consists of numerous parts that collaborate together to ensure smooth gear shifting, so if any of them break they could greatly compromise its performance and safety.
Clutch Packs & Bands
Clutch packs are essential components of an automatic transmission, serving as the keystones that manage gear shifting and maintain its planetary gear sets.
When activated, clutch packs feature a piston inside of the drum that presses discs together using hydraulic oil pressure, locking all parts together and preventing gear changes from shifting the drum during gear changes.
Bands are essential elements in an automatic transmission. Made of steel straps with friction material bonded onto them on the inside, these bands connect one end tightly against the transmission case while their other end connects to a servo piston that activates or deactivates them as needed.
Most automatic transmissions utilize band shift mechanisms that regulate compression and release of a brake band to facilitate gear changes. This control may rely on either servo rod position, seat acceleration, shaft torque and/or strut strain measurements as inputs to aid gear shifting.
Modern transmissions often rely on computers to determine the precise shifting point and how soft or firm that shift should be. These computers are capable of monitoring your vehicle’s speed, engine speed, engine load and driving style and sending signals directly to a solenoid pack inside your transmission that regulates fluid to control clutch packs or servos for gear shifting.
Transmissions may also include band sensors that measure strain and pressure to control its actuation. Usually, this causes compression/release cycles over a specified time period during each shift shift.
These technologies offer many advantages over clutch shifting mechanisms, such as durability and spin loss. Unfortunately, however, their drawbacks include response time variability which makes them less desirable in modern automatic transmissions. Furthermore, their wear-and-tear nature means drivability issues may arise for owners; to maintain optimal band tension is critical. If it falls out of line then costly repairs or replacement could follow. To stay safe with band shifting transmissions it is vital that regular checks on band tension occur as this will help avoid sudden jolts of mechanical damage that would need expensive repair or replacement costs down the line – keeping tension proper will help avoid expensive repair bills or replacement.
Seals & Gaskets
Seals and gaskets available for automatic transmissions come in various varieties; it is important to know which kind you require before beginning work on your vehicle. Both materials used can vary widely.
Gaskets are flat, flexible pieces designed to create a static seal between pieces of equipment or machinery, often used in various applications and constructed of rubber, metal, elastomeric or composite materials. They’re an economical way of sealing off equipment against dust or moisture infiltration.
Neoprene rubber gaskets are one of the more commonly used in auto repair. They’re capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures up to 250 PSI while remaining non-permeable – meaning no liquid can enter a joint through its pores.
Silicone gasket material is another popular option used in automotive applications, including clutch packs and driveshafts. This versatile material can withstand extreme temperature ranges as well as vibration.
O-ring seals are another popular type of automotive seal used to stop fluid leakage from hydraulic lines and stop their closure by creating an airtight seal around them.
These gaskets come in various shapes, and can be tailored specifically for any component they’re attached to. Plus, they’re built to withstand high pressures as well as aggressive media environments.
Lip seals are another seal often seen in auto repairs. Their purpose is to stop fluid from leaking past both transmission and axle shafts; their design consists of an outer metal ring paired with an indented rubber surface that forms an “octagon.” This arrangement creates an outer lip for increased fluid containment.
Gaskets and seals play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of vehicles, so when you need one of either for your project, Blaylock Gasket and Packing can provide exactly the part for it so that your car continues running at optimal performance for years. With their wide selection of gaskets and seals at affordable prices, you can trust Blaylock to have what you need quickly and safely to get it done efficiently so your car remains reliable for many more miles to come.
Precision Shims
Shims are precision components designed to ensure all parts in a system fit together correctly and have proper spacing between them, such as metals and plastics. Shims may also help protect components from wear or undue stress by decreasing the gap between two parts, helping prevent wear or strain on them.
Shims are often used to correct spacing or clearance issues within transmissions, increasing efficiency while also preventing costly repairs down the line. This is especially useful in gearboxes or products featuring many moving parts.
A shim is typically constructed out of various materials and has a flat side for easier placement between two pieces of equipment to improve their fit. They may also serve as spacers to fill any gaps that have become worn over time due to use or weathering.
Shims are widely used in automotive applications to adjust valve clearances. By inserting them under or into bucket tappets, they allow users to control the distance between the valve and its cover – thus decreasing how often valves need to be opened or closed.
Shims can also be used to raise the ride height of machines, which can come in handy in situations when travelling over rough or uneven terrain.
Shims can be cut and shaped to meet specific requirements, making them perfect for a wide array of applications such as stamping, laser, waterjet and wire EDM cutting.
Fabric panels are generally manufactured to precise thickness tolerances, making them an excellent way to cut labor costs and eliminate hand cutting/recutting tasks.
Shims in an automatic transmission serve to balance out the drive shaft angle. They also help reduce noise and vibration as well as improve system rigidity.
Shims can also be used to preload ball bearing systems for smoother operation by eliminating excess clearance between their inner and outer races of the bearing, thus helping prevent misalignments, noise or vibration risks, and prolonging bearing life.
Oil Pump
An oil pump is an integral component of an automatic transmission, as it provides it with the lubricating oil necessary for smooth functioning. By doing so, an oil pump allows your transmission to withstand extreme conditions more effectively ensuring long-term life for your car.
Pumps are used to pressurize oil, then send it through an engine for lubricating all moving parts, helping prevent friction and wear that can result in premature failure of an engine.
Today’s most prevalent type of oil pump is a rotor pump. These devices utilize metal gears for strength and durability; their gears rotate together, pushing oil through its body when rotating.
Pumps of this kind are commonly employed across a range of power systems, from engines and transmissions to transmissions and bearings and shafts.
When purchasing an oil pump, it is essential to take its size and ability to transport oil into consideration. This will determine its ability to sustain pressure at specific speeds and temperatures.
If your oil pump cannot keep up with the demands of your engine, it could break down, leading to further complications later. Sludge could build up in its place preventing it from properly lubricating your engine and becoming an issue in itself.
An oil pump failure is among the most frequently seen problems with automatic transmissions. When this occurs, your Check Engine Light may illuminate to alert you of something being wrong with it.
Oil pumps can fail for various reasons, so it is imperative that they are replaced promptly to prevent your vehicle from malfunctioning and further damaging transmission parts in the future. A failed pump could even have serious repercussions for other parts of your transmission and cause serious problems down the road.