Buzz from transmission (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

sounds like either the torque converter or the front pump in the trans starting to go. are you getting any abnormal operation from the trans while driving other than the noise

Those were my two other fears. No abnormal trans operation.

I am assuming the pump can't be replaced without a total overhaul. Cheaper to just throw in a used tranny?
 
Those were my two other fears. No abnormal trans operation.

I am assuming the pump can't be replaced without a total overhaul. Cheaper to just throw in a used tranny?

Before you throw money at it, I would just set up an appointment with Slee so they can diagnosed the issue...then go from there
 
Before you throw money at it, I would just set up an appointment with Slee so they can diagnosed the issue...then go from there

Yeah that's the plan at this point. Passed my skill level. If it needs a new transmission I will probably have them do the swap, but if I need to source a new one might as well start looking early. The 80 is my DD currently.
 
Those were my two other fears. No abnormal trans operation.

I am assuming the pump can't be replaced without a total overhaul. Cheaper to just throw in a used tranny?


you can replace just the pump, you would have to remove the trans and torque converter then the pump is right there. you could go with a used trans but then your taking the risk that the used one is no better than the one currently in the truck
 
Well looks like Slee is booked through August, no surprise there.

Anyone in Denver know any good transmission shops / mechanics they can recommend?
 
Update!

Yesterday afternoon I decided it was worth attempting a full flush of the transmission. I used the oil cooler method per multiple mud threads. Easy job. I decided to go with Castrol Transmax fluid.

I did the flush in 3 quart intervals until the fluid coming out of the cooler lines was clean. During a few of the cycles I ran through all the gears as well. Took about 16 quarts in total. Even after the drain and fill last week the fluid looked very old, perhaps even factory. I am sending a sample out to Blackstone for analysis (from the 1st drain and fill before new fluid was mixed in).


Woke up this morning poured a big cup of coffee and went outside for a cold start. 90% of the noise is now gone and I believe the little bit I am still hearing is due to bad exhaust gaskets between the y pipe and manifolds. Comparing the old fluid to new, the old it seems to have a higher viscosity.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that this was the problem, but I still can't wrap my head around bad fluid causing such a prominent noise. The wizardry of automatic transmissions is beyond my understanding. Shifting also appears to be much smoother

I will tackle the manifold gaskets this week and see if that gets it back to 100%.

Any thoughts on this? I'm curious what the oil analysis will reveal.
 
Figured it was time to follow up / close this thread.

I got the oil analysis back from Blackstone. Nothing out of normal other than a slightly high insoluble %. Attached for those with experience to review. Perhaps that was causing some noises.

As it would turn out I was chasing three noises at once. The wrench, the transmission, and an exhaust leak between the manifold and y pipe. I have also noticed I now have the start of a rear main leak (definitely motor oil easy to tell since trans fluid is new). It's pretty minor so I am not going to worry about it for the time being.

Since the flush the noise from the transmission is gone. Y pipe related noise goes away after a minute or two once it warms up.

For anyone concerned with performing an at home flush, it's really an easy job and nothing to stress about.
 
Last edited:
Time for a thread revival.

It turns out I was incorrect thinking the issue was exhaust related. The trans died right before Christmas and has been replaced with a lower mileage (140k) unit out of a lx450. Shifting is improved and the noise is GONE. In retrospect I should have forked out the cash to have a transmission specialist diagnose the old unit. I am leaning toward an issue somewhere in the valve body, likely an internal seal based on MUD suggestions. It did get down to -20 the night before it finally died, so I wonder if the cold temps helped a failing seal to finally die.

Final issue was excessive shuddering at speed, slippage, delayed gear engagement, and finally no movement in any gear. The unit went from functioning to dead in under 5 miles.

For anyone curious here is the cost breakdown of the swap. I wish I had this info available when I was considering options. It seems like some people here do not want to disclose how much they spend on their trucks, but I think having that info around is helpful to the community.

Used Transmission from Yota Yard in Denver. $500 and $50 core charge
Labor for the swap - $942 (@ $105 and hr)
Fluid, new trans seals (input & output) and a new rear main - $212
I had them hold off on cleaning / replacing the filter since that is something I can do in the driveway.

Overall cost - $1652

I will be keeping the old transmission and will tear into it in the summer once my work space is warm. If the issue is discovered I will post back here with an update.
 
Time for a thread revival.

It turns out I was incorrect thinking the issue was exhaust related. The trans died right before Christmas and has been replaced with a lower mileage (140k) unit out of a lx450. Shifting is improved and the noise is GONE. In retrospect I should have forked out the cash to have a transmission specialist diagnose the old unit. I am leaning toward an issue somewhere in the valve body, likely an internal seal based on MUD suggestions. It did get down to -20 the night before it finally died, so I wonder if the cold temps helped a failing seal to finally die.

Final issue was excessive shuddering at speed, slippage, delayed gear engagement, and finally no movement in any gear. The unit went from functioning to dead in under 5 miles.

For anyone curious here is the cost breakdown of the swap. I wish I had this info available when I was considering options. It seems like some people here do not want to disclose how much they spend on their trucks, but I think having that info around is helpful to the community.

Used Transmission from Yota Yard in Denver. $500 and $50 core charge
Labor for the swap - $942 (@ $105 and hr)
Fluid, new trans seals (input & output) and a new rear main - $212
I had them hold off on cleaning / replacing the filter since that is something I can do in the driveway.

Overall cost - $1652

I will be keeping the old transmission and will tear into it in the summer once my work space is warm. If the issue is discovered I will post back here with an update.
Whelp that was a very nice read. I tried to capture my noise in this video. I think I got it. Sound anything like what you had?? It's the ticking


and more-better noise :) but you don't hear it nearly as well on YouTube as you do on the phone's video

 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom