A wave plate is an electronic module that is placed in the transmission housing and replaces a conventional spring or retainer. The term wave plate refers to the shape of the replacement piece, called a dynaplate.
When installed correctly, a dynaplate can increase horsepower by up to 5%. It can also decrease torque when needed and increase shift point when desired.
There are two types of dynaplates: wet-and-dry type. A wet type does not require external power to change gears. A dry type must be charged before installation and must be mounted on an axis with the other parts of the transmission.
This article will talk about how to install a wet type in an automatic transmission.
Contents:
Function of a wave plate
A wave plate is an integral part of an automatic transmission. It changes the shape of a transmission hole to alter gear ratios. This affects how much engine speed you have while in third and fourth gears.
When a vehicle is going at higher speeds, such as when driving up hills or through curves, the gear ratios need to be changed more rapidly. With a conventional shift knob, you have to hold down the shift button for a few seconds before the next gear is shifted.
With a wave plate in place, you can have faster shifts! This is useful if you drive in traffic or need another level of confidence during driving. You can also change gears more easily which affects how fast your vehicle can go.
These waves change depending on what gear you are in. The one behind the front tire acts as a back-up band and the one behind the front goes from side-to-side to act as a front-and-rear band.
Wave plates for auto transmissions
A wave plate is an electronic device that is placed in the transmission where it changes the surface of the transmission to change speed. There are two types of wave plates used in transmissions: active and passive.
Today, most cars have a passive wave plate in the transmission. This one works by being plugged into a power source. When the car is driving, the power from the vehicle’s electrical system moves through the plate and speeds up or slows down the gearshift process.
If having a trans computerized or not, there are two different ways to place a transwave plate into an auto: active or passive. In an active trans, you use an external device that sends power and data to the new trans via plugging in a new box or switch. In a non-tranny car, you still use an external device to send power and data to the new trans via plugging in a new box or switch.
They help convert the torque
When you rotate the transmission, it converts some of the power from the wheels to inertial (and rotational) torque. A wave plate replaces parts of the transmission housing that need to be engaged to convert power to torque.
These wave plates are typically located in the top left or right hand corner of a transmission housing. When rotated, these plates move together and change their shape, resulting in a dramatic increase in torque and speed.
They are activated when a vehicle is mounted on them and engaged by a security system or key fob. Once they are switched on, they remain that way for life!
There are two types of wave plates: positive and negative. The ones with positive waves use positive and negative angles, while those with no waves use only positive angles.
What is the function of the gear box?
In an automatic transmission, the ring gear and pinion are mounted in the transmission case. This increases durability and saves money in replacement parts.
When the engine is not running, the gears are housed in a lightweight steel case that protects them while they are inactive.
The case can be removed for servicing or replacement, depending on what service it needs. Most cases have a proprietary protocol for changing gears, including how fast the gears turn, whether or not there is a cam lobes on the ring gear, and whether or not there is a pinion.
Pinion-type transmissions have their rings mounted on one side of the case and have their rings on the other. In this article, we will talk about how to change gears in an implication-type automatic transmission.
What are the characteristics of a good wave plate?
A good wave plate must have a natural ability to retain its shape, must be easy to install, and must not reduce transmission speed. All of these characteristics must be met for a wave plate to be successful.
Transmissions use hollow metal disks that are pressed against the gear train and then machine rolled or punched to create the desired shape. After this process, the disk must be re-pressed against the gear train and then machine rolled or punched again to create the final disc.
If a disk looks odd or has strange features, it will not retain its shape well. Also, if the disk has to be replaced sooner, it will reduce transmission speed. Both of these can affect vehicle performance and safety, so it is important to know what ones you have!
There are two main types of wave plates currently: linear and nonlinear. Linear wave plates work in a straight line and are typically installed in between gears where there is less space for water or ice to pass through.
What are the materials used to make wave plates?
A wave plate is a flat, thin disk that is placed in between the gears of an automatic transmission. When this disk is moved into place, it changes the shape of the gears to match up with the rotating shaft.
When this occurs, it makes a loud sound and change in pitch. This is what creates the name wave, as it refers to the appearance of the plate as it shifts in place.
There are two types of wave plates: U-shaped and W-shaped. The U-shaped ones are used on manual transmissions, while w-shaped ones are used on automatic transmissions. Both types require special tools and procedures to install and remove them.
U-shaped waves can be installed from side to side or downsize/upend onto their base.
Do I need to replace my wave plate?
Not necessarily. A wave plate can be damaged or neglected which can result in poor transmission shifting or no change at all. This is not the case for every automatic transmission system.
The wave plate is a small part that shifts gears when the driver applies pressure to the clutch pedal. The plastic part that holds the paper tape is what changes with each shift.
When it is missing or broken, there will be no change in gear selection, shifting, or braking. There may be a slight increase or decrease in engine speed, but no movement of the car whatsoever!
It is very important to have a wave plate on your transmission because it works as a scale for adjusting torque converter bias into and out of the engine. If it does not shift correctly, then this will result in poor fuel efficiency or none at all.
How do I know if I need to replace my wave plate?
When your transmission starts to rattle or slip when you take a turn in the rain, snow, or at high speed it is time to replace your wave plate.
The wave plate helps maintain proper gear shift torque on the Throttle Body Stabilization (TB S) Pump. When this pump fails or becomes disconnected, the transmission no longer maintains proper gear shift torque on the TB S Pump.
This can happen when the owner installs a lift kit or tire pressure sensor replacement is not offered by General Motors. Without this part being present, there is no wave plate to maintain and it can break.