Hopefully this will help those in the "back of the clas
The "fluid drive" on this washer is (generally) similar to a "torque converter" in an automatic transmission. The blow-up diagram below shows an automotive torque converter.
Both the impeller and turbine halves are sealed together as one unit, with the "stator" incased in the middle. The "stator" is completely independent, rotating seperately of the rest of the assembly, is supported by bearings and is connected to an output shaft which drives the transmission.
The entire assembly is filled with fluid (usually oil) and is turned (rotated) by the electric motor. As this assembly turns, the friction from the oil inside causes the "stator" to also turn, which drives the transmission, giving you agitate, spin, etc.
The "fluid drive" also allows for some slippage, since there is no direct link between the motor and transmission, which reduces the motor load and transmission shock when starting.
If this "fluid drive" were empty (no fluid), the motor would run all day long but the washer would never move.
