Torque Converter Rebuilds & Repairs

Specialist equipment to recondition these crucial components

Automatic transmissions cannot operate without torque converters. It allows the vehicle to remain stationary while the engine runs and can multiply torque when you accelerate. Often problems that appear to be related to the auto trans are actually caused by torque converter failure.

The torque converter is a fluid coupling between the engine and the auto transmission. In simple terms, it uses the torque from the engine to turn vanes (the pump or impeller) to move fluid inside the housing. The flow of moving fluid against them then causes other vanes (the turbine) to move, much in the way wind makes a windmill turn. The faster the pump turns, the more pressure the fluid exerts, so the turbine turns faster. However, the two components do not necessarily need to rotate at the same speed. The turbine is connected to the rotating shaft that transfers torque to the auto transmission.

To improve efficiency, a stator separates fluid that flows in different directions inside the torque converter. Modern cars also often feature a lockup clutch that kicks in when the pump and turbine run at the same speed. This avoids energy loss through slippage, improving fuel efficiency.

It is crucial to the performance of your vehicle that the torque converter works as designed.

How we repair and rebuild torque converters

Typically, the faults that develop in a torque converter relate to worn out bearings, lockup failing to engage, the one-way clutch on the stator, stripped splines, leakage and shuddering.

Just getting to the torque converter to remove it is a major operation, as it requires the auto trans to be taken out as well. Once this has been done, avoiding further labour costs and rather opting for a replacement is often recommended as the most efficient way to rectify the problem. This is partly because torque converters are difficult to open, clean or recondition effectively.

However, at A Automotive Services we have invested in an advanced torque converter rebuilding system, allowing us to rebuild torque converters very efficiently. This involves cutting open the housing, stripping it down and cleaning each component individually. We then re-assemble the torque converter and weld the housing together using specially designed precision alignment tools. So the result is good as new.

We also have replacement new and reconditioned torque converters on hand if that is what you prefer.

To get your torque converter repaired or rebuilt by the experts, contact A Automotive Services today to get a quote.