Many automakers are moving towards dual clutch automatic transmissions. What you need to know.

1. Automatic Transmission Clutch Plates
2. Automatic Transmission Clutch Press
3. Automatic Transmission Clutch Spring Compressor
4. Dual Clutch Transmissions

For the past two decades, premium European brands have been offering dual clutch automatic transmissions (DCTs) in pricey sports models. Lately, volume automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, and Hyundai have started offering DCTs in models that are not particularly sporty, but rather, downright affordable and mainstream. These transmissions have both strengths and weaknesses based on our testing and the reports of many owners. Here’s why you should know before you consider a DCT-equipped vehicle, and what to expect if you purchase one.

Apr 28, 2015 Automatic transmission clutches & bands normally last many thousands of miles, but the friction material on clutch friction plates and bands wears with use and because of this clutches & bands eventually lose their pressure applying and holding capabilities. Goplus Automatic Transmission Clutch, Transmission Spring Compressor, Heavy Duty Stable Removing/Installing Tool Kit, Strut Spring Compressor. 4.2 out of 5 stars. Get it as soon as Tue, Oct 13. FREE Shipping by Amazon. Most of the time we think of a clutch in the context of a manual transmission. An automatic transmission does have a clutch system, but usually only a mechanic would refer to it as such. Your automatic transmission performs the same function as a manual transmission – it just does it a little differently.

The first thing to know is that DCTs are automatic transmissions, but they work like a manual transmission. Actually, they work like two manual transmissions. Inside every Dual Clutch Transmission are two separate gearsets with two individual clutches. The benefit of two clutches is that gears 1-3-5-7 are on one carrier, and gears 2-4-6 are on another. When you’re cruising along in 5th gear, 6th is pre-selected, making gear shifts lightning quick.

The GearWrench Automatic Transmission Clutch-Spring Compressor is designed to work on most GM, Fort, Toyota transmissions. Set allows you to remove and install snap rings with ease. Allows the diy mechanic to easily disassemble and replace automatic transmission clutch packs.

DCTs have a “Drive” and “Reverse” position along with “Park” and “Neutral,” just like any other automatic transmission. There is no real learning curve to using one. You simply hop in, uses the gear selector to engage drive or reverse, and you’re off. In this way, DCTs act for the most part like all other automatic transmissions we have all become accustomed to.

But, it’s helpful to think of a DCT as a manual transmission without a clutch pedal on the floor. Traditional automatic transmissions have a fluid-filled torque converter that acts as a buffer between the engine’s constantly turning crankshaft, and the gears in the transmission, which have to stop from time to time when you roll into the garage, or up to a stop sign. When you leave from a standstill, the dual clutches in a DCT transmission engage, just as if you had pushed your foot to the floor on the clutch pedal in a manual transmission.

That results in some subtle grabbiness, for example, at a red light or stop sign. Navigator for mac. It’s not a defect. Rather, it is part of how the machine works. Watch the video to get a better idea of what’s working inside a DCT:

VW was a trailblazer in this type of transmission in affordable models and it uses the nickname DSG, an acronym for Dual Synchronous Gears. VW has worked the early bugs out of these transmissions for the most part. Still, there is a bit of hesitation when starting off after selecting Drive or Reverse. In the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack we tested this month, these odd feelings were greatly minimized compared to older VW/Audi models we have driven. However, we could still sense the difference between the DCT and a conventional automatic.

Hyundai is moving towards DCTs for its most efficient drivetrains. We tested the Tuscon Eco last year and the DCT was for sure still exhibiting some funny feelings. Hyundai created a video to try to help owners understand the difference between a DCT and a traditional automatic. Torrents microsoft office for mac.

DCTs originally came about when automakers attempted to find a way to satisfy performance car owners’ desire for a manual transmission with an automatic they would actually buy. The DCT shifts faster than older automatics and the paddle shifters offer driver involvement.

These transmissions filtered down into non-performance cars because fluid-filled torque converters sap a lot of efficiency from the engine. They’re designed to slip and as a result, they eat up a lot of the crankshaft’s power. DCTs can be more efficient than torque converter automatics because they minimize the slippage as they deliver power from the crankshaft to the transmission.

Some automakers have struggled to make DCTs work. However, VW, Audi, and others have refined them to the point that there are no real downsides and many upsides. In the right car, and for the right reasons, a DCT is an excellent choice. We suggest shoppers take an extended test drive before make their own decision on if a dual clutch automatic transmission is right for them.

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The explanation or function of an automatic transmission clutch pack is much the same in every automatic transmission. The post is a courtesy of GotTransmissions.com

Automatic Transmission Clutch Plates

An automatic transmission clutch pack consists of multiple alternating disks that fit inside a metal clutch drum (Hard Part). Half of the disks are steel and have splines that fit into groves on the inside of the drum. The other half have a fiber friction material (Soft Parts) bonded to their surface and have splines on the inside edge that fit groves on the outer surface of the adjoining hub.

There is a piston inside the drum that is activated by automatic transmission fluid pressure provided by the transmission pump that applies fluid ( hydraulic) pressure (80 to 150 PSI) at the appropriate time to squeeze the clutch pack together so that the two components become locked and turn as one. Rubber lip seals seal the piston to the drum and return springs push the fluid out of the drum when it is no longer in use to release the clutch plates.

Automatic transmissions come with multiple clutch packs. Meaning that there may be one clutch pack per speed or shift. Automatic transmissions use bands also to make certain gear ranges, bands are less popular now due to technological advances. However, we will discuss them too in the future.

A clutch plate is a soft part. It has a thin metal plate that has a fibrous material bonded to it. The fiber is about .030 to .050 thick and is made of a material that is environmentally friendly and enjoys being soaked in ATF all the time. We call these wet clutch packs.

Automatic Transmission Clutch Press

The last thing to mention about fiber clutch plates is that they are very allergic to water or antifreeze. Should you develop a radiator problem where the coolant gets into the transmission, or perhaps your area was flooded and water entered the transmission through the vent hole, get the fluid changed and flushed ASAP or sooner. Any type of liquid such as water or coolant is death to a tranny, especially an older one.

Automatic Transmission Clutch Spring Compressor

Because automatic transmissions use soft parts, maintenance becomes more important to your ride. The additives in the ATF break down with time, even if you don’t drive a lot. The bottom line is it takes less time out of your life to have your transmission serviced regularly and much less money. A transmission failure may tie up your cat for a week and cost thousands of bucks.

Dual Clutch Transmissions

Take our advise on maintenance. That is why GotTranmsission.com writes this Blog. To help prevent transmission problems and provide an education on how to stay away from unnecessary problems.