Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

How does a transbrake work?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 02:32 PM
  #1  
vanillagorilla's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
From: Arizona Bay
Default How does a transbrake work?

I'm pretty sure how it works, but I'm just not sure.

There's a solenoid that's enabled by a switch, that redirects fluid flow in the valve body. The redirected fluid engages both the foward and reverse clutches at the same time. When the button is released, the fluid stops flowing to the reverse clutches and away you go.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

So are the clutches slipping while you're "on the brake"? I've heard that transbrakes create a lot of heat, but is that from the converter slipping or the clutches. Also everyone says they're hard on transmissions and parts, why? Is there any slamming of hard parts internally?

FWIW, I'm think of putting a TH400 with a transbrake in my truck which will probably have a raceweight around 4500lbs with me.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 03:48 PM
  #2  
SLowETz's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,356
Likes: 2
From: Padded cell
Default

That's how it works.
Does generate alot of heat. Try not to be on the brake for more than 2-3 seconds. Trans temps go up about 50* for each second the brake is engaged.

If it's been built w/a brake, it should already have the upgraded hard parts.

As stout as the 400's are, 4500#'s is a LOT of weight for a braked TH400.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 04:16 PM
  #3  
vanillagorilla's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
From: Arizona Bay
Default

Sooo what creates all the heat, the slipping clutches?

I know 4500 is a lot, that's why I'm asking it here first.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2006 | 11:54 AM
  #4  
vanillagorilla's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
From: Arizona Bay
Default

Any one else?
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2006 | 12:22 PM
  #5  
MrDude_1's Avatar
TECH Junkie
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,368
Likes: 5
From: Charleston, SC
Default

Originally Posted by vanillagorilla
Sooo what creates all the heat, the slipping clutches?

I know 4500 is a lot, that's why I'm asking it here first.

the engine is still producing energy.
with the transmission locked still, the entire energy of the motor is going into the hydraulic coupling (aka the torque converter)... and since its not moving, its mostly turning into heat..

so all this heat is going directly into your transmission fluid.

the energy the motor is has to go somewhere... in this case, 90% of it is turned into heat in the ATF...
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2006 | 01:46 PM
  #6  
RK2K2WS6's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Default

I wouldnt worry about a trans break at 4500#
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:40 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE