Which is better, a dry or wet clutch?

When it comes to choosing a truck gearbox, buyers often struggle over whether to choose between a dry dual-clutch gearbox and a wet dual-clutch gearbox. So, which of these two gearboxes is better, and how should you choose when buying a truck? Let's analyze it in detail.

First of all, from the clutch structure, the dry dual-clutch transmission has no oil resistance, which makes its transmission efficiency quite high. In the process of power transmission, the engine power can be transmitted to the wheels more directly, reducing energy loss, so it is more fuel-efficient than the wet dual-clutch transmission. However, the heat dissipation method of the dry dual-clutch transmission mainly relies on air cooling, which may limit the heat dissipation effect under some working conditions of frequent gear shifting and long-term high-load operation.

The wet dual-clutch transmission immerses the clutch in oil and uses oil cooling to dissipate heat. This heat dissipation method has obvious advantages. It can more effectively remove the heat generated by the clutch when it is working, ensuring that the transmission can maintain a relatively stable working state under various working conditions. In terms of heat dissipation performance, the wet dual-clutch transmission is indeed better than the dry dual-clutch transmission. However, the wet dual-clutch also has some shortcomings. Due to the presence of oil, a certain amount of resistance will be generated, which leads to its transmission efficiency being lower than that of the dry dual-clutch, and it will also be slightly inferior in terms of fuel economy.

In terms of gearbox maintenance, the two are also different.

The clutch and valve body of the wet dual-clutch gearbox share the same oil. If the gearbox oil is not replaced in time, a large amount of iron filings will be generated as the clutch wears. Once these iron filings enter the valve body of the electromechanical unit, it is easy to damage the valve body, thereby affecting the normal operation of the gearbox.

The gearbox, valve body and clutch of the dry dual-clutch gearbox are independent of each other and do not affect each other. Theoretically, its valve body oil can be maintenance-free for life, but it is recommended to replace the gear oil regularly.

In addition, it should be noted that the clutch cooling hole of the dry dual-clutch gearbox is generally level with the wheel arch. During driving, it is necessary to avoid wading too deep into the water. When the water level is above the tire, it is likely to cause water to enter the gearbox and cause damage.

In short, dry dual-clutch transmissions and wet dual-clutch transmissions each have their own advantages and disadvantages. When buying a truck, you need to consider a variety of factors such as your actual needs, driving habits, and the purpose of the vehicle to choose the type of transmission that best suits you.