Cavitation is the formation of air bubbles in the transmission fluid as a result of what condition?

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

Answer: (D)

Cavitation happens when a local area of the transmission fluid experiences a pressure drop below the fluid’s vapor pressure. That drop causes dissolved gases to come out of solution and vapor bubbles to form. As the fluid pressure rises again, those bubbles collapse violently, which can damage pump parts, gears, and valve surfaces. This is different from aeration (air entering the oil), oxidation (chemical reaction with oxygen), or contamination (foreign particles in the fluid). The described formation of air/vapor bubbles due to a pressure condition is exactly cavitation, which is why that option is the best fit.