Clutch & Torque Converter
If you would like to use all of the gears in your transmission, you will need to use a Clutch or a Torque Converter to change between gears. A clutch is a surprisingly simple mechanism but is only found on cars with manual transmissions; cars with automatic transmissions use a torque converter. They may use very different means in doing so, but both devices fac... Read More
Subcategories
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Clutch & Clutch Kits
Products Found: 51 -
Flywheel & Flex Plates
Products Found: 19 -
Pressure Plate
Products Found: 20 -
Clutch Bearings & Bushings
Products Found: 11
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Clutch Master Cylinder, Slave Cylinder & Hydraulics
Products Found: 13 -
Clutch Linkage & Cables
Products Found: 11 -
Clutch Bell Housing
Products Found: 5 -
Torque Converter
Products Found: 1
Please Wait... - Clutch & Torque Converter Information
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Why are Clutch & Torque Converter Part(s) Important
If you would like to use all of the gears in your transmission, you will need to use a Clutch or a Torque Converter to change between gears. A clutch is a surprisingly simple mechanism but is only found on cars with manual transmissions; cars with automatic transmissions use a torque converter. They may use very different means in doing so, but both devices facilitate in the smooth changing of gears in the transmission at speed.
For cars with manual transmissions, the process begins when the driver depresses the clutch pedal. Clutch linkages and cables run down into the bell housing where the pressure plate resides. The pressure plate is attached to the clutch disc which has a grippy, friction-creating surface. When the pedal is pressed, the pressure plate pulls the clutch disc away from the engine's flywheel allowing the smooth changing of gears. Since it's spring loaded, releasing the clutch pedal reverses this process and resumes spinning the shaft in the transmission. Newer cars incorporate a hydraulic element to make engaging/disengaging the clutch easier by using hydraulically powered cylinders.
For cars with automatic transmissions, the clutch has been axed. In its place is a torque converter that uses centrifugal force to spin transmission fluid. The resistance created from the motion of the fluid spins the transmission.
If the fluid is running low, the shifts will become rougher and the transmission will be less responsive. If the torque converter breaks and is not functioning, it will be impossible to choose a gear due to the nature of the automatic transmission.
On the other hand, if the clutch goes bad, the car is still drivable. If the clutch disc loses its friction material, it will slip when engaged. If the clutch is properly broken, it is still possible to drive on though it takes a special technique and patience. The challenge becomes manually matching the engine RPMs with the required RPMs for that specific gear. If done wrong, wave bye-bye to your transmission because those grinding noises are not moans of ecstasy. We don't suggest driving long distances on without a clutch, but if you need to hobble your car home, be patient and you'll be fine.
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