The friction between the blocker ring and a cone on the face of the gear equalizes their speed, allowing gears to mate without clashing. Depressing the clutch pedal and selecting second gear results in the sleeve moving the other way and selecting second gear in the same fashion.īefore the sleeve can lock onto the gear, the rotational speed of each must first be synchronized. When the driver selects, for example, first gear, the sleeve moves to the first gear and locks onto the gear engagement teeth, also known as dogs. The synchronizer unit is comprised of two main components: the sleeve and the blocker or synchronizer ring. Without it, the gears spinning at different speeds would clash as they try to mate. As the name suggests, the synchro equalizes its speed with that of the gear being engaged, allowing a smooth shift. Most manual transmissions are equipped with synchronizers. But they go about enabling smooth shifts differently based on different component architecture. Here, we have some cross-over between automatic and manual transmission fluid. Enthusiasts won’t tolerate a transmission fluid that interferes with that link. Nothing connects vehicle and driver like a smooth-shifting manual gearbox. That’s one reason some vehicles have automatic transmission fluid coolers. Soon, your vehicle can begin to shift hard, jerk or hesitate.Īutomatic transmissions typically run hotter than manuals, meaning the fluid must provide enhanced protection against heat. Fluid that has broken down leads to sludge and varnish, which can clog narrow oil passages and contribute to clutch glazing. It chemically breaks down the fluid (known as oxidation). Heat is automatic transmission fluid’s number-one enemy. The fluid must form a durable fluid film on metal surfaces to prevent metal-to-metal contact and wear. Protect Gears from WearĪutomatic transmissions contain an array of sun, planet and ring gears that require lubrication to protect against wear. The fluid’s frictional properties determine whether this complicated choreography of moving metal and fluid creates crisp shifts or has you scheduling a time to change transmission fluid.Īs such, automatic transmission fluid is formulated to provide precise frictional properties not required of manual transmission fluid. Engagement and disengagement must occur seamlessly to provide the driver with the best driving experience. These clutch packs are comprised of bare metal plates and plates coated in friction material. For that reason, automatic transmission fluid must contain foam inhibitors.ĭeliver The Correct Frictional RequirementsĪs noted, pressurized automatic transmission fluid squeezes the clutch packs together to engage the correct gears. The foam bubbles collapse under pressure, causing elongated or inconsistent shifts (not to mention gear wear). However, fluid that’s too thick (its viscosity is too high) can fail to flow quickly for crisp, confident shifts. That’s one reason automatic transmission fluid has a lower viscosity than manual transmission fluid.įluid that has accumulated foam can also fail in its role as a hydraulic fluid. In a properly functioning transmission, this all happens instantly and goes largely unnoticed. The fluid squeezes a series of plates together inside a clutch pack to connect the engine to the transmission output shaft and route power to the wheels. The solenoid directs fluid through a complex series of passages in the valve body to engage the correct gear. When your vehicle’s computer decides it’s time to shift gears, it sends an electric signal to the appropriate transmission solenoid. Automatic transmission fluid is hydraulic fluid. Fittingly, so is the fluid it requires to function properly.Īutomatic transmission fluid must perform several functions, including… Act As a Hydraulic FluidĪutomatic transmissions use pressurized fluid to change gears. You don’t have to be an engineer to know that an automatic transmission is far more complex than a manual. The differences between automatic and manual transmission fluid lie in what each fluid must do. Four Responsibilities of A Good Automatic Transmission Fluid
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