I put in a Trailblazer Torque converter in my 00 silverado with a 4L60E and ever since then there is a knocking and metal grinding noise when in all of the gears and even at idle. I have checked the bolts and the flywheel and both appear fine. No cracks in the flywheel or any defects. The noise is coming right from the torque converter and the transmission shifts like it should. I pull the cover from below the torque converter and you can hear it coming from the torque converter. Similar to a rod knock, just much louder and gets louder as the rpms pick up.

I was told it could be the stator inside the torque converter itself but would like to hear others opinions. I did check the fluid and the fluid was clean of any metal flakes. Also flushed the entire transmission and replaced filter about 500miles ago.

I plan on pulling the torque converter and putting in a different converter this weekend if weather permits but would like to hear what others think. No CEL, and like I said, the transmission itself still shifts great and as it should, no slipping or anything.

 

When you swapped it did you check your clearances? Could be as simple as a bolt tapping something it shouldn't.

 

I wouldn't drive it if the noise is that bad. Last thing you want is to lose your tranny nap because of a POS converter.

 

Yeah. All clearances were good. I have the truck parked now until saturday when I plan to swap the converter.

 

Suburb - is the stator bearing in the converter or part of the transmission ? This noise only appeared when I put the trailblazer converter in.

 

The most common failure we see in a TB I6(278mm) converter is the rear bearing. The converter can flex internally and with to much internal clearance the bearing comes off it's shoulder on the stator and it goes boom. Causing some nasty noises, lots of metal and poor efficiency. Assuming this is the case, you are correct in not driving it. When you get the converter out you can drain it and you will see considerable metal contamination in the fluid. This could of already damaged your transmission pump. I would suggest to also pull the pan and inspect the fluid and filter. Hopefully it is not too bad.

Chris

 

Hey circle d. Glad you gave some input. I checked the fluid last weekend and I've only driven 10miles maybe. It was clean then. I'll take a video and post it to see if im correct in thinking its the converter.

 

Got around to uploading a video - Video - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

There is water dripping from under the truck but that is because I took it around the block. The noise sounds similar to a rod knock, but its coming directly from the torque converter. Still believe its the bearing in the converter ?

Saturday I still plan on removing it and seeing how the fluid looks. With any luck I will be able to put another converter in and nothing is too damaged. I have a 4L60E that is in pieces and needs to be assembled so I may tackle that and swap transmission Saturday and flush the lines/cooler.

 

If the clearances were good, I'd say dead torque converter bearing. Or someone dropped a bolt/nut/rock into the converter when it was laying around loose.

 

Is there any change in noise from park to Drive with your foot on the break?

Chris