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Mechanical devices that use high rotational force can harm power transmission systems when rotational speed changes rapidly. Heavy machinery often employs the use of hydraulic fluid couplings to prevent this. Hydraulic fluid couplings transmit rotational force between two separate axes and are commonly found in automobiles and large machinery.

How it Works

Hydraulic fluid couplings transfer rotational force from a transmitting axis to a receiving axis. The coupling consists of two toroids -- doughnut-shaped objects -- in a sealed container of hydraulic fluid. One toroid is attached to the driving shaft and spins with the rotational force. The spinning toroid moves the hydraulic fluid around the receiving toroid. The movement of the fluid turns the receiving toroid and thus turns the connected shaft.

Efficiency

Although fluid couplings use hydraulic fluid within their construction, the mechanism loses a portion of its force to friction and results in the creation of heat. No fluid coupling can run at 100 percent efficiency. Excessive heat production from poorly maintained couplings can result in damage to the coupling and surrounding systems.

Applications

Fluid couplings are commonly used in the automobile industry to replace mechanical clutches. The coupling transfers the force from the engine to the transmission to move the vehicle. Torque converters, a type of fluid coupling with additional features, have replaced basic fluid couplings in automobiles. Hydraulic fluid couplings have also found use in marine machinery and heavy industry.

The Ford Puma, manufactured from 1997 to 2001, is a compact sports coupe available in Europe. While the Puma never officially made it to the US, the car shared much of its technology, including the Zetec engine, with many US-branded Ford vehicles. The Puma uses DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid as its sole brake system fluid. This fluid, like many other brake fluids, is non-compressable and has a high resistance to attracting moisture. The brake fluid is filled through a reservoir mounted on top of the brake master cylinder.

Instructions

1

Turn off the engine and pop open the Pumas hood. Support the hood with the hood prop stick.

2

Locate the brake fluid reservoir on top of the master cylinder. It is made from white plastic and sits on the master cylinder that protrudes from the right rear section of the engine firewall.

3

Clean any dust, debris and dirt off of the reservoir cap with a clean shop rag. Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise and set the cap aside.

4

Pour brake fluid into the reservoir until the level becomes even with the MAX mark imprinted on the left side of the reservoir.

5

Replace the cap, clean up any spilled brake fluid, and close the hood.