Auto trans noise only when warm.

[Hank]

Hello Gang,

I am swinging by the trans shop this week but wanted to get some educated feedback before I throw myself at the mercy of the trans mech.

When the trans gets warm I hear a ticking/slight clank noise when in gear. Seems to be close to the bell housing but it is tough to tell as it radiates everywhere. The rate increases with speed and does not exist when in neutral.

Note that there is no slipage, no fluid loss, and shifting is smooth/firm.


Any thougths would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
hg

 

[Jag]

Sounds like a cracked flexplate. Had one on a older Ranger. Think it used the same trans as your Explorer. Anyway, it cost me about $600. I needed a new flexplate and a rebuilt torque convertor, they replaced the rear main on the engine. I've heard that it is not an uncommon occurance.

 

[Hank]

Torque converter old age.... Also doing seals and rear main. as I know they were weaping.

You know I hate these tranny guys... They just have you by the nuts. (No offense if any of you are one.) But I am sick of knocking them back in line..

Guy calls me up with a 1000.00 estimate. Once I got him to quote the right parts for the right transmission. The estimate quickly dropped down. to 750.00... Then the ******* tries to sell me a muffler, I advise it is under warranty, he tries to sell me one again.... DipF#$k !!

And this is from a good shop.... Go figure.

 

[Jag]

I found a good trans shop here in Omaha, they're locally owned. I took a car to Amaco years ago, never went back!

The $750 estimate sounds about right, especially if your Explorer is a 4x4. The price I quoted was for work done about 2 years ago using a rebuilt torque converter on my 2 wheel drive Ranger.

 

[Hank]

Well, all said and done here is the damage:

Torque converter 289.00
Labor 385.00
Flush/trans svc. 60.00
Ft. Pump Gasket and bushing 46.00
Rear Main (Ford never replaced last yr.) 75.00
"Shop supplies" 5.00
Tax 51.60

Total without tube of K-Y 911.60

Little more than I wanted but figured it was best to do the rear main now vs. later... Shop claims that Ford never replaced it, was just pounded in... and very brittle.

Who knows... Figure I got hosed for about 100.00-150.00 but at least I did not get a social disease or conned into a rebuild... (ie: flush/service and high labor on the rear main.)

 

[Hank]

Well now, this is special.


$911.00 spent, five miles on the tranny and the noise still exists. Interesting also is the fact it looks like the rear main is still leaking but wait.... (following oil trail)..... could it be the oil leaking from the oil level sensor on the engine....

This is going to be fun. Already called the credit card company and flagged the charge. Will be down there first thing in the am Sat or Mon. (first day they are open)