Which term describes air bubbles in transmission fluid caused by low pressure?

Which term describes air bubbles in transmission fluid caused by low pressure?

• A. Aeration
• B. Cavitation
• C. Contamination
• D. Oxidation

Answer: (B)

Cavitation happens when pressure in the transmission fluid drops low enough that tiny vapor pockets form. In a hydraulic transmission, the pump creates strong suction, and if the inlet pressure falls too far, these vapor bubbles appear as air-like bubbles in the fluid. When pressure rises again, the bubbles collapse with energy, which can damage gears and bearings and disrupt lubrication. This is different from aeration (air entering the fluid from outside), contamination (foreign solids or water), or oxidation (chemical breakdown of the fluid). Cavitation specifically describes the formation of those vapor/air-like bubbles due to a local pressure drop.

Cavitation happens when pressure in the transmission fluid drops low enough that tiny vapor pockets form. In a hydraulic transmission, the pump creates strong suction, and if the inlet pressure falls too far, these vapor bubbles appear as air-like bubbles in the fluid. When pressure rises again, the bubbles collapse with energy, which can damage gears and bearings and disrupt lubrication. This is different from aeration (air entering the fluid from outside), contamination (foreign solids or water), or oxidation (chemical breakdown of the fluid). Cavitation specifically describes the formation of those vapor/air-like bubbles due to a local pressure drop.