Six Critical Parts of an Automatic Transmission

Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Transmission

Have you ever taken a look inside a manual transmission? There are dozens of parts in an automatic transmission that work together to send power from the engine to the wheels. Before visiting a local transmission repair shop for transmission maintenance, look at this article for an outline of the components found inside an automatic transmission and how they affect the transmission repair process.

Transmissions are highly complex devices that require many interrelated parts to operate together to ensure proper power transfer. Is your vehicle in need of professional transmission repair? See us at Dave Wilkes Transmissions in Ventura, CA, today to learn more about our certified auto repair services.

Main Parts of an Automatic Transmission

Torque Converter

The torque converter is responsible for keeping the car from stalling while idling by keeping the transmission disconnected from the engine. More fluid enters the torque convertor as you push the gas pedal, allowing more power to flow from the engine to the transmission.

Valve Body

The valve body, often known as the transmission’s brain, is placed near the bottom of the assembly and is filled with hydraulic fluid that travels to the valves, which engage the clutch pack or band to shift gears.

Pump

An automatic transmission’s oil pump functions similarly to any other oil pump, in which it transports transmission fluid to the valve body and then distributes it to all of the transmission’s numerous components as needed. It’s not a particularly sophisticated part, but it’s an essential part of the system and one of the few transmission components that commonly fail.

Planetary Gear Set

The planetary gear set in automatic transmissions includes the sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear. These gears move and interact with one another, allowing the car to go at various forward and reverse speeds, and must function correctly for all transmission components to function effectively.

Clutches & Bands

An automatic transmission’s clutch pack comprises many discs encased in a drum. A piston inside the drum then uses oil pressure to assist gear shifts in an automatic transmission. The bands of an automatic transmission are steel bands with a frictional material that tighten under pressure. The bands prevent the transmission from turning when this happens.

Computer

Lastly, most newer automobiles use a computer to control shift points within the transmission to achieve optimal efficiency. The computer also controls electrical solenoids to adjust oil flow to the correct transmission component at the precise moment.

ASE-Certified Transmission Repair

With proper care and maintenance, most modern automatic transmissions may last hundreds of thousands of miles. However, if your car has difficulties shifting gears and you think you might require transmission repair, see the specialists at Dave Wilkes Transmissions in Ventura, CA.

Give us a call today to schedule your next transmission repair service appointment for any transmission needs your vehicle may have.