
232 LIGHT AND HEAVY VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
fuel consumption. Second, the reduction in engine
speed during cruising contributes to quieter running.
And third, the absence of rotary flow in the converter
when the lock-up clutch is in operation serves to lower
the working temperature of the fluid.
The lock-up clutch is built into the torque converter.
In passenger car applications it comprises a hydraulically
operated piston, one side of which engages the turbine
through a series of cushioning springs. The other side of
the piston has a machined friction track, which can be
brought into contact with a friction liner bonded to the
inside of the torqu ...