Torque converter question

[sport97]

for the past 30k miles or so I have been having a clunking/shuttering issue with my transmission. I get this thumping shutter anytime I get off the gas when in overdrive. It doesn't clunk if i get off the gas, or on the gas hard so its unlikely to be a u joint, as they also seemed tight last I checked. This clunking also happens between the 2nd and 3rd gear shift. On the 5r55e, if I am not mistaken, the 2nd gear is actually 1st gear, but overdriven. My thinking is that it is the torque converter clunking with that shift as well.

Does this logic make sense? Am I flirting with disaster or is this not a major concern? I have had the fluid changed twice in the past 50k miles.

 

[imp]

Think doubtful T.C. internal noise. I would check for loose T.C. to engine fastening nuts first, easy to do. imp

 

[snoranger]

Torque converters never make noise.

:

 

[sport97]

OK, thanks guys. I'll look into checking those nuts. Maybe a shoddy trans mount or something. It is not a normal thump, something is off somewhere. 102k on the original transmission, and I have not been kind to it the past 52k.

 

[snoranger]

I was only joking about them never making noise. That one pictured was making some horrendous noises, but it still worked somehow. Dont just rule it out because someone said they dont make noise, anything with moving parts can make noise.

 

[sport97]

I was only joking about them never making noise.

Gotcha

So if it is the t.c, if it fails is it a major issue leaving me stranded or is it something that will just make me lose OD, meaning I can still get to my destination? I don't know much about the inner workings of an auto transmission. I hope this bad boy lasts until the trans needs yanked, this clunk hasn't gotten worse in the past 30k, I'm just curious what it could be. I Figure with the 5r55e, the trans will need redone by 125k or so... only a year or two away

 

[snoranger]

Check everything else you can before you condemn the converter.

 

[sport97]

Check everything else you can before you condemn the converter.

I agree, thanks. Once I get a halfway decent day I will check the mounts and the converters bolts. I'm due for an inspection in feb anyway, so i'll look this stuff over when I check it over to see if I need anything to pass.

 

[LONO100]

ill be subscribing to this one. ive been having a similar thump whenever i get off the gas doing freeway speed.

 

[Sedition]

What does the oil look like on the Trans dip stick? Also does it smell normal, not burned? Does the TC slip at all, especially in Reverse when cold?

 

[sport97]

What does the oil look like on the Trans dip stick? Also does it smell normal, not burned? Does the TC slip at all, especially in Reverse when cold?

Fluid looks new and full. I had it changed last year, which was the 2nd time in 50k. Not sure if it "slips" but when its cold its a bit slower shifting from R to D.

 

[imp]

Check everything else you can before you condemn the converter.

One of the worst noise situations I ever had, was from a used torque converter the bone yard gave me when I bought an engine and trans from them. The noise was very loud, and began as soon as the engine was started. It was so loud and scary, I never revved the engine, or drove the car at all.

They gladly replaced the TC with another. 'Course, I was pleased as punch at having to yank that old, cast-iron Cruise-O-Matic out of there on my chest, lying on the floor. Early days, no trans. jack, strong as a bull, just as stupid!

imp

 

[snoranger]

They gladly replaced the TC with another. 'Course, I was pleased as punch at having to yank that old, cast-iron Cruise-O-Matic out of there on my chest, lying on the floor. Early days, no trans. jack, strong as a bull, just as stupid!

imp

Thats exactly why I said check everything else first.