Allison 3000/4000 Product Families - Torque Converter

Torque Converter - Fleets

The Torque Converter is located at the front of the Transmission, and acts as a fluid coupling to transfer torque from the Engine to the Transmission gearing.

The Torque Converter:

• Uses rotational output from the Engine to create rotational input to the Transmission
• Acts as a clutch to engage and disengage input into the Transmission
• Can increase the amount of Engine-created torque that is delivered to the Transmission gearing

During Engine idle, the fluid coupling provides separation between the Engine and Transmission so that the Engine doesn’t stall.

• When the vehicle is stopped and Engine rpm is increased, the Torque Converter multiplies Engine torque and transfers that torque to the Transmission gearbox
• When the appropriate conditions are sensed, the lockup clutch is applied to provide a direct, mechanical connection between the Engine and Transmission

A). Torque Converter Components

Key torque converter components include the:

• Pump
• Stator
• Turbine
• Lockup clutch

The Torque Converter pump is physically connected to and driven by the Engine.

• The converter hub drives the Transmission charging pump

The Torque Converter turbine provides torque converter output to the Transmission turbine shaft.

• Splines in the converter turbine hub engage the splines on the turbine shaft

The Torque Converter stator changes torque converter fluid flow characteristics.

• The stator splines engage the transmission stator shaft (sometimes referred to as the "ground sleeve")
• A one-way clutch allows the stator to rotate in one direction only

• The stator is stopped (or "locked") when the converter is creating or multiplying torque (referred to as Vortex Flow)
• The stator rotates once the vehicle is moving and torque multiplication stops (referred to as Rotary Flow)

The Transmission turbine shaft provides the primary input from the Engine to the Transmission gears.

• Splines on the turbine shaft engage splines in the torque converter turbine hub

The Transmission stator shaft is a non-rotating, stationary shaft anchored in the Transmission front support assembly.

• Stator shaft splines engage splines in the torque converter stator to enable the stator one-way clutch operation

The lockup clutch provides a direct mechanical drive from the Engine to the Transmission gearing, and consists of three elements:

• The piston, which is driven by the Engine
• The backplate, which is driven by the Engine
• The clutch plate/damper assembly, which is located between the piston and the backplate, and splined to the converter turbine

B). General Operating Theory

The Torque Converter housing is filled with fluid.

As the Torque Converter pump rotates, vanes in the pump direct fluid against vanes in the turbine.

• Fluid leaving the turbine is directed to the stator

• During Vortex Flow, the stator is locked and redirects this fluid back to the pump, aiding pump rotation and multiplying torque provided to the Transmission

• During Rotary Flow, the stator freewheels, eliminating the assist provided to the torque converter turbine; the pump, turbine, stator and fluid inside the torque converter all rotate together

Pump, stator and turbine vane size and shape affect torque converter performance characteristics, including Stall Torque Ratio.

• Stall Torque Ratio indicates the maximum amount of torque multiplication created when the converter is “stalled” (when the pump is rotating and the turbine is stationary)

• Stall Torque Ratio is expressed numerically – for example, a 2:1 Stall Torque Ratio converter can double Engine torque

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