Planetary gear systems are found in automatic transmissions because of their versatility, efficient power transfer, and high torque capacity–all things that make them ideal for efficient operation in a small space. Unfortunately, they’re also much more susceptible to failure than other gearsets because of how they operate. Unfortunately, if you are searching for information on planetary gears, your car may already have problems with its planetary gear set. Read on to learn how this system works, the signs of failure, and what you can do to prevent a hefty repair bill.
What Are Planetary Gears?
A planetary gear set is a set of several gears arranged to resemble a solar system. The main gear, called the sun gear, is connected to an input shaft. Typically 2 to 3 sets of smaller gears rotate around this sun gear inside an outer ring attached to an output shaft. The sun gear will spin, causing the planet gears to turn the input shaft. These gear sets can work together to produce more significant amounts of torque when needed. In addition, the transmission’s control unit can deactivate these planetary gear sets to shift gears depending on the torque produced by each gear.
How do You Know if Your Car has Planetary Gears?
Many newer vehicles with automatic transmissions will utilize planetary gear systems to save space while producing high amounts of torque. In addition, the planetary gear design allows for efficient power production while minimizing the space needed to house components.
What Causes Planetary Gears to Fail?
While modern transmissions are very durable, there can be problems associated with wear and tear, improper maintenance, or poor design. Problems with planetary gear sets will usually present like typical transmission problems, including vibrations while driving, strange noises while shifting gears, slipping gears, or even total transmission failure. However, damage to the planetary gear set will usually occur due to a lack of lubrication or worn seals.
How Can I Fix It?
Unfortunately, issues with planetary gear sets require diagnosis by an experienced mechanic that is knowledgeable about automatic transmissions. In addition, repairs can be costly as they are very labor-intensive. Therefore, it’s best to follow your recommended maintenance schedule and consult your mechanic if you suspect any issues with your car’s transmission before too much damage is done.
While planetary gear sets are typically not the cause of transmission problems, they can be damaged due to other issues you can usually prevent. If you suspect your car’s transmission isn’t working correctly, see your mechanic immediately to diagnose and fix the problem before you are stuck with an enormous repair bill.
