This section provides an overview for torque converters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 torque converter manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked torque converter companies as of November, 2024: 1.BTE Racing, 2.Champ Converters, Inc., 3.K&L Clutch.
Table of Contents
A torque converter is an essential component in automatic transmission (AT) vehicles, designed to transfer the rotational force (torque) generated by the engine to the wheels. It utilizes a fluid power transmission mechanism and is situated between the engine and the gearbox.
In AT vehicles, the torque converter replaces the clutch found in manual transmission (MT) vehicles, handling the task of power transfer from the engine to the wheels. This facilitates easier driving and accessibility for beginners by regulating engine power for smooth acceleration and deceleration.
The torque converter comprises three main parts: the impeller, turbine, and stator. The impeller, powered by the engine, rotates and moves the fluid inside the converter, directing it towards the turbine. The turbine then converts this fluid motion into rotational force to drive the wheels. The stator sits between the impeller and turbine, optimizing fluid flow for efficient power transfer. This arrangement allows the torque converter to adjust power transmission based on engine speed, ensuring the vehicle operates smoothly under varying conditions.
The most significant benefit is the ease of driving it offers. By automatically adjusting power transfer and gear shifting in response to engine speed, the torque converter allows drivers to focus on steering, accelerating, and braking, simplifying vehicle operation.
The primary drawback is the potential for energy loss due to the fluid transmission process, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
While torque converters require minimal maintenance, periodic replacement of the contained fluid is recommended to prevent deterioration that can compromise power transmission, fuel economy, and overall vehicle performance. The schedule for fluid replacement varies by vehicle make and model, so consulting the owner's manual and a professional is advised. Symptoms of torque converter issues include unusual vibrations, noises, drops in fuel economy, or engine stalls at idle, warranting a specialist's inspection.
Proper understanding and maintenance of the torque converter are crucial for the longevity and smooth operation of AT vehicles.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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BTE Racing established in 1990 and based in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Amerika, is a manufacturer of automatic transmission assemblies and components for drag racing, off-road, marine, and street performance. The company produces race torque converters, top fuel dragsters, trans-brake transmissions, ""grudge winner"" two-speed transmissions, and trans-brake valve bodies. It also crafts locking dipsticks, trans-brake solenoids, aluminum direct drums with pro mod sprags, and direct steel clutches. Its race torque converters are precision welded, pressure tested, and computer-balanced for proper operation.
Champ Converters, Inc., based in Evansville, USA, is a manufacturer of torque converters for vehicles, industries and custom needs. The company offers custom built torque converters to match the vehicle's specific needs, especially for car racing, drag racing, mud/pull trucks and pro-modified cars. It also offers to fix originally-equipped converters of any model with fast installation and match stall speed. Besides that, the company offers an array of industrial and hydraulic conversion torque converters including diesel, type-4, twin disc, single stage and 3 stage converter as well as converters for special purpose such as amusement rides and stationary units.
Wholesale Industrial Parts, based in California, USA, is a supplier of material handling parts and tires of all sizes. The company sources and provides replacement forklift parts to the manufacturers. Its inventory includes batteries, fork search, pallet jacks, hose and fittings. It has a team of professionals and provides various resources to help customers locate the exact parts needed. The company offers worldwide shipping and on-site assistance for local customers through its mobile tire press service.
K&L Clutch, founded in 1983 and based in Texas, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial strength power transmission clutch parts for heavy machinery. The company's product range includes air clutches, brakes, transmissions, torque converters and heat exchangers. Its main product is torque converters, and it offers custom manufacturing and remanufacturing of torque converters for crane, dragline, and drilling rig applications. It also offers manufacturing, installation and repairing services for heavy equipment like cranes, draglines, mud pumps and rock crushers. The company's products serve mining, construction, agriculture, waste management and marine industry among others.
Sonnax, founded in 1978 in Bellows Falls, Vermont, U.S.A., is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive transmission components, shafts, and the drivetrain. The company provides solutions that boost the performance, reliability, and resilience of transmission modules, drivetrain, and torque converters among other accessories. It fabricates expert tools, including solenoids, shift kits, and valve bodies essential for diagnosis, repairing, and reconstituting transmission mechanisms. Sonnax provides technical support to transmission mechanics, educational manuals, and technical resources.
DKDiesel Performance & Offroad, founded in 2003 and based in Washington, USA, is a supplier of diesel and gas performance parts. The company has an online catalog with a large selection of diesel and gas performance parts that can be searched through various filters like part name, manufacturing year, make and model. The company also provides relevant services like diesel truck service, custom welding, full engine repairs, fuel filters and transmission services.
Tri Component, founded in 1967 and based in New York, USA, is a supplier of various torque converters and transmission replacement parts. The company's range of torque converter and transmission rebuilding parts include impeller hubs, turbine hubs, clutch plates, lockup friction linings, bearings races and more. It provides various resources like catalogs and search facilities on the website to help the customer find the needed part with required brand and specifications.
Ono Sokki Co. Ltd., founded in 1954 and based in Yokohama, Japan, is a manufacturer, distributor, and supplier of electronic measuring instruments and control systems. Its products include sound level meters, vibration meters, and FFT analyzers, utilized in research and development, quality control, and by production line engineers, particularly in the automotive industry. The company was the first to be designated by the government as a producer of sound level meters in Japan and also obtained ISO 14001 certification in 1997.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | BTE Racing |
36.8%
|
2 | Champ Converters, Inc. |
20.0%
|
3 | K&L Clutch |
12.2%
|
4 | Sonnax |
9.7%
|
5 | Wholesale Industrial Parts |
6.9%
|
6 | Tri Component |
5.8%
|
7 | DKDiesel Performance & Offroad |
3.5%
|
8 | Utaka Giken Co., Ltd. |
3.4%
|
9 | Ono Sokki |
1.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the torque converter page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 7 | 77.8% |
Japan | 2 | 22.2% |
1 product is listed.
Utaka Giken Co., Ltd.
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