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

  

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