Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 156

Fig. 45: Identifying Multi-Plate Clutch Location
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Multi-Plate Clutch, Location

Three multi-plate clutches, the front, middle and rear multi-plate clutches K1, K2, and K3, are located in
the planetary gear sets in the transmission housing. See Fig. 45.

Multi-Plate Clutch, Task

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

1998-03 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Complete Transmissions - ML 320 - 722.662

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Produces a non-positive locking connection between two elements of a planetary gear set or between one
element from each of two planetary gear sets in order to transmit the drive torque.

Multi-Plate Clutch, Design

A multi-plate clutch consists of a number of internally toothed discs (10) on an internally toothed disc
carrier and externally toothed discs (9) on an externally toothed disc carrier.

Multi-Plate Clutch, Function

See MULTI-PLATE CLUTCH, FUNCTION.

Multi-Plate Clutch, Function

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

1998-03 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Complete Transmissions - ML 320 - 722.662

me

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

1998-03 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Complete Transmissions - ML 320 - 722.662

me

Fig. 46: Multi-Disc Clutch, Function
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Operation

Front Multiple-Disc Clutch (K1) - If the piston (K1a) on the front multiple-disc clutch (k1) is subjected to oil
pressure, it presses the internal and external discs of the disc set together. See Fig. 46.

The front sun gear (V1) is connected to the front planetary gear carrier (V3) via the external multiple-disc
carrier (K1b) and the internal multiple-disc carrier (k1b) and the internal multiple-disc carrier (K1c). The front
planetary gear set is thus locked and turns as a closed unit.

Center Multiple-Disc Clutch (K2) - If the center multiple-disc clutch (K2) is engaged via the piston (K2a), the
piston compresses the disc set Via the internal multiple-disc carrier (K2b) and the center planetary gear carrier
(M3) on which the internal discs are seated, the front hollow gear (v4) of the front planetary gear set is
connected to the center hollow gear (M4) of the center planetary gear set. The front hollow gear (V4) and the
center hollow gear (M4) move at the same speed as the drive shaft (1).

Rear Multiple-Disc Clutch (K3) - If the rear multiple-disc clutch (K3) is engaged via the piston (K3a), then
this compresses the disc set. The center sun gear (M1) of the center planetary gear set is connected to the rear
sun gear (H1) of the rear planetary gear carrier via the external multiple-disc carrier (K3b) and internal multiple-
disc carrier (K3c). The center sun gear (M1) and the rear sun gear (H1) move at the same speed.

Upshift/Downshift Solenoid Valve, Location/Task/Design/Function

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

1998-03 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Complete Transmissions - ML 320 - 722.662

me