Transmission Parts

By Mister Transmission

Transmission parts knowledge for people researching how transmissions work.

A transmission is an impressive puzzle to most drivers, made up of many intricate connections among a multitude of transmission parts. The complexity of these parts and how they fit together is intimidating, especially if you’re facing transmission repairs and you don’t understand what’s happening or why.

While we need to trust our transmission mechanics to take care of the specifics, knowing a little bit about the transmission parts that might be malfunctioning can help to set your mind at ease during the transmission repair process.

The first step to a basic understanding of transmission parts is to understand the purpose of the transmission as a whole. Your automatic transmission is responsible for transferring the power of your engine to the drive shaft and wheels so that your car can move within its optimal range of revolutions per minute (RPM). The transmission maintains this optimal range by shifting transmission gears as you drive faster or slower.

 
The main transmission parts that need to work together are:
  •     Planetary Gear Sets
  •     Hydraulic System
  •     Torque Converter
  •     Computer
Planetary Gear Sets

Manual transmissions use a clutch to connect the engine and transmission. They require the driver to shift the transmission gears, which means actually moving the gears in a somewhat linear, sliding transfer to engage with the coordinating gears needed to maintain the proper RPM ratio. Automatic transmissions keep the transmission gears in one place, in a more circular structure. This is not unlike a small solar system, hence the name Planetary Gear Sets.

Using the combination of an outer ring gear, a central “sun” gear, and two or more smaller “planet” gears, which are all constantly meshed together, the transmission takes over the gear shifting from the driver. Much like the solar system, the sun gear is in the centre and remains stationary and the smaller planet gears engage with it and the ring gear to keep the car moving smoothly.

The ring gear is connected to the input shaft, which brings power from the engine. The planet gears exist within a casing or carrier that is connected to the output shaft which carries power to the drive train and wheels. The planet gears are also connected to a clutch pack. The sun gear is connected to a drum, which is connected to the other half of the clutch pack.

Transmission clutch packs are a series of disks, half with splines on the outside edge, and half with splines on the inside edge. These alternating disks are made to fit together to lock and turn together. They do this using hydraulic functionality.

Hydraulic System

All of the transmission parts are constantly submersed in transmission fluid. This fluid is manipulated to create pressure, which pushes the transmission clutch pack together at the right time. A complex system of tubes moves the fluid around the transmission and torque converter to create this pressure. The transmission hydraulic system has three main purposes: to help control transmission gear shifting, to lubricate the transmission parts to prevent friction damage, and to keep the transmission cool. The fluid pressure within the transmission must be maintained at all times to prevent damage.

The tubes that transfer the transmission fluid have two major external seals at the front and back. The seal at the front protects the connection with the torque converter and the rear seal contains the fluid where the transmission meets the output shaft. Seals are made of neoprene. Within the transmission exists another type of seal, called a gasket, which connects and protects two stationary transmission parts. Gaskets may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as rubber or silicone. Seals and gaskets can harden over time, which might cause leaks and a drop in transmission fluid pressure, both of which can lead to damage to the transmission.

Torque Converter

When driving a manual transmission, the driver must engage the clutch or shift into neutral when the vehicle comes to a stop, such as at a red light, or the engine will stall. The torque converter in an automatic transmission allows the engine to continue running when the vehicle is stopped yet still in gear. Torque is defined as a force that causes rotation. The torque converter uses the pressure of the transmission fluid to control the rotation of its parts. When you are stopped at that red light, one half of the torque converter is turning while the other is stationary. When you accelerate, the fluid pressure forces the other half to spin in conjunction with the first half so that vehicle moves forward.

Computer

In most cars today, a computer controls the transmission’s function allowing all vehicle systems to work together for optimum fuel economy and power. As many as 30 sensors read all of the various factors such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, engine speed, etc, that control transmission gear shifting to ensure the optimal shift points are used.

The many transmission parts in your vehicle may remain a puzzle, but understanding some of the basics can help you to have a more informed conversation with your transmission mechanics before leaving it in their capable hands.

As Gene Lewis at the Moncton Mister Transmission says,

“We’re the specialists, transmissions are all we do.”

 

If you are experiencing a problem with your vehicle’s transmission, please contact your local Mister Transmission and book an appointment for our FREE 21-Point Multi-Check Inspection.

For a more in-depth explanation, please visit our Transmission School

Vous aimeriez apprendre advantage?
Visitez un de nos emplacements!

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
Best of ‘bests’… no need...
MEHMET ALTINPINAR
Best of ‘bests’… no need to say more…
Date: March 15, 2023
Website: Google
Ramon tells you honestly, exactly...
Sylvia Dittrich
Ramon tells you honestly, exactly what needs to be repaired with quality parts and fair prices. The work is completed in a timely manner.
Date: March 15, 2023
Website: Google
Jason was so kind and...
Aswin Uday
Jason was so kind and welcoming.
Date: March 14, 2023
Website: Google
The spot!!!! Love these guys!!...
Rohorn Jackson
The spot!!!! Love these guys!! Straight to the point, exceptional service! Very fair price!!
Date: March 14, 2023
Website: Google
We are very happy that...
Lori H
We are very happy that we took our truck to you we got very good service and I would recommend all of my family and friends to go get there work done.
Date: March 13, 2023
Website: Google
Everything was great!
Emily Dodsworth
Everything was great!
Date: March 12, 2023
Website: Google
These guys didn't end up...
Brendan O'Hara
These guys didn't end up working on my car, but they were willing to help any way they could. My car ended up having a different issue.
Date: March 12, 2023
Website: Google
Awesome Service. I have a...
Duane G
Awesome Service. I have a Suzuki SX4 and very few shops will even look at it. The team at Mr Transmission took me in and spent the time to find the problem in my car. I was worried it was the transmission but in the end it was something completely different. Not only did they take the time to find the real issue, they kept me up to speed on the progress and if there were additional costs, they checked before hand. In the end they fixed my car and the price was completely fair. They even noted some other Repairs I could get done, but not once did they try and pressure me to do them. Very happy with this shop.
Date: March 11, 2023
Website: Google
My transmission fluid was over...
M
My transmission fluid was over filled by another garage. These guys took my van in with no appointment and corrected it while i waited. They didnt charge me a dime! I am not saying youre going to get free service here but definitely expect great service. Thanks again.
Date: March 11, 2023
Website: Google
Great folks to deal with!!!
John Hills
Great folks to deal with!!!
Date: March 11, 2023
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Recent Blogs
When Do You Need A Transmission Replacem...
Learn about transmission replacements, what they entail, when they’re necessary,
Read More
March 17, 2023
How Do Transmission Diagnostics Work?
Learn about transmission diagnostics, a key process in figuring out what’s wrong
Read More
March 14, 2023
4 Transmission Oil Change Mistakes To Av...
When conducting a transmission oil change, it’s important to get it right, but
Read More
March 10, 2023
What Are High-Performance Transmissions?
    What Are High-Performance
Read More
March 7, 2023
The Basics and Significance of Routine T...
Vehicle maintenance is simply one of the many grownup responsibilities we all share.
Read More
February 28, 2023
5 Signs Your Car’s Transmission Has a ...
A car transmission plays a critical role in the operation of any vehicle. It is the
Read More
February 21, 2023
Trust Mister Transmission With Your Flee...
Learn what you need to know about fleet transmission maintenance service and discover
Read More
February 16, 2023
What Is High-Performance Transmission Se...
Learn about high-performance transmissions, discover what vehicles have these
Read More
February 13, 2023
Some Indicators That Your Transmission M...
Having a reliable car is essential for most people's daily lives. As cars get older, it's
Read More
February 9, 2023
What A Transmission Specialist Can Do Fo...
You’ve multiple options for where to bring your vehicle for service, but when it
Read More
February 9, 2023