Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for preloading a thrust bearing disposed for carrying axial loads between a first member and a second member of a torque converter that are rotatable relative to each other about a central axis. The apparatus includes a first race assembly carried by the first member and disposed on one side of the thrust bearing. The first race assembly includes a fixed race having a radial bearing surface adapted to engage the bearing. A second race assembly is carried on the second member and is disposed on the other side of the thrust bearing. The second race assembly includes a floating race, a support ring, and a plurality of coil springs. The support ring has an annual groove with a bottom face disposed toward the thrust bearing and a plurality of apertures opening into the bottom face. The groove is adapted to receive the floating race and the apertures are adapted to receive the coil springs.

Abstract: A vehicular drive train includes a torque converter having a bladed impeller element, a bladed turbine element, and a bladed reactor element defining a toroidal chamber within an engine-driven rotating housing. The impeller element is relatively inaccessible because it is contained within the rotating housing, yet it is desirable to monitor its speed in order to better control the operation of the drive train. A speed sensor apparatus is therefore provided which includes a ring magnet connected to rotate with the impeller element, a sensor unit connected to a stationary carrier assembly close to the ring magnet, an external electrical connector, and a wiring harness interconnecting the sensor unit and the electrical connector. Preferably, the sensor unit delivers two digital pulse signals to an associated microprocessor for precise control of the input clutch assembly. The ring magnet and the sensor unit are located radially inwardly of the toroidal chamber such that no additional space is required.