The valve body is a critical component of any automatic transmission. It serves as the control center for the transmission, directing hydraulic fluid through various channels and ports to engage and disengage clutches, regulate pressure, and shift gears. Without a properly functioning valve body, your transmission would not be able to operate correctly, leading to poor performance and potential damage.
One of the main functions of the valve body is to control the timing and duration of gear changes. This is achieved through a series of solenoids that open and close valves to direct fluid to the appropriate clutches and bands. The solenoids are controlled by the transmission control module (TCM), which uses input from various sensors to determine when and how to shift gears. A properly calibrated valve body is essential to ensuring that gear changes are smooth and timely, without excessive slippage or harsh engagement.
Another important function of the valve body is to regulate hydraulic pressure throughout the transmission. Too much pressure can cause harsh shifts and potential damage to the clutches and bands, while too little pressure can lead to slipping and reduced performance. The valve body contains a series of pressure regulators and accumulators that maintain the proper pressure levels for each gear change and driving condition.
In addition to controlling gear changes and regulating pressure, the valve body also serves as a filter for the transmission fluid. As the fluid passes through the valve body, it is filtered to remove any debris or contaminants that could cause damage to the transmission. Over time, however, the filter can become clogged, leading to reduced fluid flow and potential damage to the transmission. Regular maintenance, including regular fluid and filter changes, is essential to keeping the valve body and transmission in good working order.
How is a RedLine Valve Body Different?
Our transmissions feature a custom RedLine Transmission valve body which is designed for our builds. They need to pass a five-point inspection before they are used in any build. This is what makes our valve bodies stand out from the rest:
- Hand assembled- not build on an assembly line
- Extreme attention to detail
- Blueprinted castings
- Bores are all machined in house
- Flat sand all machined sealing surfaces
- Vacuum testing all important valve bores
- Custom built for customers exact use and application
- RedLine valvebodies are not made from a shift kit
- All RedLine proprietary valves and springs
- Fully tested in a Superflow Valve Body Dyno where all pressures and electronics data are logged
- Clean crisp shift every time
- Built to last
In conclusion, the valve body is a vital component of any automatic transmission. It controls the timing and duration of gear changes, regulates pressure, and filters the transmission fluid. Without a properly functioning valve body, your transmission would not be able to operate correctly, leading to poor performance and potential damage. Regular maintenance and calibration of the valve body is essential to ensuring that your transmission operates smoothly and reliably for years to come.