The transmission/torque converter noise source is identified and part is replaced; th

[Doctor J]

Auto Repair and Diagnostic news: The transmission/torque converter noise source is identified and part is replaced; the initial cause of part failure is under investigation
Posted on in Oct, 07:
On the car I tested (88 Camry Wagon 128 kmi), the original TC was replaced with the rebuild one to cure the noise complaint AND the unsatisfactory low stall speed (1400 rpm vs. 2200). The replacement did not make improvements. There were no broken metal chips in the pan and fluid was bright red after 20000 mi. of service. The transmission shifts fine, however the car starts to move from the stand still like “overloaded”. The noise briefly intensifies (screams) then goes away. The transmission input and stator shafts are in the good condition (radial and axial play within the specs) The removed TC had no contamination either!Based on the diagnostic article by L.Carley, the whining noise is pointing to the TC roller thrust bearings.I am personally suspecting several reasons for the noise:
· The TC lock up clutch is not fully releasing (however It applies at 50 mph as confirmed by test light on the solenoid and RPM drop on the tach).
· The engine (3SFE) thrust bearing is badly worn, transferring the thrust load to the TC bearings (but the drained engine oil was clean)
· The rebuild TC is bad
· There is misalignment between engine and transmission.
· Defects in lock-up relay valve (allows bleeding of lock up pressure, that allows TC clutch to drag )

The actual problem was the destruction of the splines on the transmission front pump stator support shaft, all splines at this area were gone. Instead a smooth machined like surface about ¾ inch long was left in place of splines. This is the reason why the general repair shop failed to recognize this “feature” as the problem and just put in the rebuild torque converter.
As a result the new converter stator splines were just riding on the splineless surface without doing its job, mimicking the torque converter problems.
Sopecial thanks to Transteam parts distributor and Crescent Transmission in Hawaiian Gardens Ca, for their outstanding support !

[Doctor J]

The old pump...




The new pump.Note the splines are extending all way to the stator support shaft end

[Kep]

Thanks Dr. J.

Kep