If you’re planning on doing a transmission swap or rebuilding your transmission, one of the first things you’ll need to do is align your torque converter to the flywheel. This process can seem daunting, but with a little patience and the right tools, it’s actually quite easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to align your torque converter to the flywheel.
Before you begin, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a torque wrench, a socket set, and something to pry with (like a screwdriver). You’ll also need an alignment tool; this can be either a purpose-built tool or simply a length of dowel rod.
Once you have everything gathered, start by removing the transmission bolts and then carefully lowering the transmission so that it’s hanging from the engine by the torque converter.
- Park the car on a level surface and set the emergency brake
- Remove the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts
- Disconnect the transmission lines from the torque converter
- Unbolt the torque converter from the flex plate/flywheel using a wrench or socket set
- Inspect the surfaces of both the torque converter and flywheel for damage or excessive wear
- If either is damaged, it will need to be replaced before proceeding
- Coat both surfaces with a thin layer of engine oil
- This will help to ensure that they slip together easily during reassembly
- Line up the bolt holes on the torque converter with those on the flywheel/flex plate, then lower it into place
- Start all of the bolts by hand, then use a wrench or socket set to tighten them down in a crisscross pattern until they’re snug
- Reconnect the transmission lines to the torque converter, then reattach the negative battery cable
Symptoms of Incorrectly Installed Torque Converter
If your torque converter is not installed properly, you may experience a number of symptoms. These can include:
1. Your engine will rev but your vehicle won’t move.
2. Your vehicle will move but your engine speed will remain high.
3. You may hear a grinding noise when you engage the transmission.
4. Your transmission may slip out of gear or fail to engage altogether.
5. Your vehicle may jerk or lurch when you try to accelerate. 6. You may notice that your fuel economy has decreased significantly.
Should There Be a Gap between Torque Converter And Flex Plate?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific application and vehicle. However, in general, it is recommended that there should be a slight gap between the torque converter and flex plate to allow for thermal expansion. If the gap is too large, it can cause problems with the transmission; if the gap is too small, it can cause premature wear of the components.
What Happens If Torque Converter is Installed Wrong?
If you install a torque converter incorrectly, a number of things can happen. The pump may not line up correctly with the input shaft, causing it to rub and wear down over time. The turbine may not engage properly with the transmission, which can cause slipping and poor performance.
In worst-case scenarios, the converter can break completely, causing engine damage or stalling.
How Do You Seat a Torque Converter?
A torque converter is a fluid coupling that connects the engine to the transmission. It’s purpose is to transfer rotational energy from the engine to the transmission. The torque converter has three main parts:
#1) The impeller, #2) The turbine, and #3) The stator.
The impeller is attached to the engine crankshaft. As it spins, it draws fluid from the transmission pan and propels it towards the turbine.
The turbine is connected to the input shaft of the transmission. As fluid hits it, it begins to spin. This in turn causes the stator (which is stationed between the impeller and turbine) to rotate.
The stator redirects fluid back towards the impeller; this increases hydraulic pressure and helps keep things moving smoothly. Now that we know how a torque converter works, let’s talk about how you seat one properly. First, make sure your vehicle is in neutral with both brakes engaged firmly.
Next locate your torque converter drain plug (it will be on the bottom side of the unit). Unscrew this plug and allow all of the old fluid to drain out completely. Once this is done, screw in your new drain plug using a wrench or socket (be sure not use an impact gun as this can damage/strip threads).
Now it’s time to add fresh Transmission Fluid; do this slowly so you don’t overfill – fill until fluid starts dripping out of hole where you removed drain plug earlier (a few drops are all that should come out). If everything looks good at this point start her up! Give her some gas while in neutral with your foot still on brake; doing this will help work any air bubbles out of system quickly allowing for proper seating of your new torque converter!
Conclusion
The torque converter is responsible for transferring the engine’s rotational force, or torque, to the transmission. The flywheel is mounted to the back of the engine and is what the torque converter bolts to. In order for the engine and transmission to work together properly, it is important that the torque converter be properly aligned with the flywheel.
There are a few different ways that this can be accomplished, but most mechanics prefer to use a special alignment tool.
