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transmission rattle


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saint056
User

Jul 10, 2009, 10:17 AM

Post #1 of 14 (7040 views)
post icon transmission rattle Sign In

I have a 2004 Buick Rainier that has a rattle from the torque converter area and the vehicle loses foward momentum after a few minutes. If I turn off the engine and let it sit for a minute then start it up and it will drive fine for a few minutes then rattle and lose power. Is this a torque converter issue or something much worse?


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jul 10, 2009, 10:21 AM

Post #2 of 14 (7032 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

saint; Probably should try to get this up on a lift to determine where the rattle is coming from. Could be a catalytic converter that has broken up and plugging off the exhaust. Torque converters very seldom make noise. Flex-plates can crack and make noise and vibration, but won't affect 'power'.
Loren
SW Washington


saint056
User

Jul 10, 2009, 10:23 AM

Post #3 of 14 (7031 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

Already done that. the rattle is comming from the torque converter area. When I called the dealer about pricing one, he said they never have problems with the converters. Not to mention the car would not loose power from the tranny is something was loose on ther car.


saint056
User

Jul 10, 2009, 10:25 AM

Post #4 of 14 (7028 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

thanks though


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jul 10, 2009, 10:26 AM

Post #5 of 14 (7027 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

saint; When you say "loose forward momentum", please be more specific. Does the engine speed up, but the vehicle doesn't? Can you 'floor' it and not accelerate? Any vibration noticed with the engine idling?
Loren
SW Washington


saint056
User

Jul 10, 2009, 11:48 AM

Post #6 of 14 (7024 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

Sorry I wasn't describing it well enough. It acts like a car with a manual transmission does when the clutch goes out. It revs to high RPMs when the throttle is depressed, but goes nowhere. I looked up the M30 transmission and it says that it has a torque clutch converter. I have never heard the term before. Anyway, the sound is definately comming from the very front where the torque converter is and is sounds like there is something lose in there. But it only happens after the car has been running for a few minutes. Any suggestions? And by the way, I think getting it out is going to be crazy hard, as there is almost no room to get to the top bolts of the tranny. And there is no vibration. Thanks for any help.

Thomas


(This post was edited by saint056 on Jul 10, 2009, 11:49 AM)


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jul 10, 2009, 12:00 PM

Post #7 of 14 (7019 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

Thomas; This doesn't sound good. Sounds like you have nailed it right on the head. Really rare for this to happen, as far as I know. Maybe, one of the guys in forum more familiar with automatics can help? Good luck to you.
Loren
SW Washington


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jul 10, 2009, 12:07 PM

Post #8 of 14 (7016 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

We have a new tech that's pretty good with transmissions. He may see it quicker if you move it to the trans category Loren.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jul 10, 2009, 12:19 PM

Post #9 of 14 (7009 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

Duh! Why didn't I think of that!Smile Done.
Loren
SW Washington


saint056
User

Jul 10, 2009, 9:09 PM

Post #10 of 14 (6997 views)
post icon Re: transmission rattle Sign In

OK. This is what I found out. The tranny has gunk and build-up sediment in the pan. About 1/8 inch silver shaving build-up on the magnet. So I'm now inclined to thing the converter was starving for fluid due to a clogged filter or something in the tranny itself. Could this be causing the rattle? Now, with this happening, should I just clean it all out and replace with new fluid, or just get it rebuilt. I think it is too complicated for me to do myself. I only know how to rebuild engines, and the basics at that. Not too much to an engine, but a tranny.... whoa! And if a rebuild is in order, what is a fair cost for a rebuild if I brought it into a shop? What do you guys say? Thanks for all the help thus far!


(This post was edited by saint056 on Jul 11, 2009, 11:14 AM)


superbob
User

Jul 15, 2009, 7:32 PM

Post #11 of 14 (6959 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

I worked at buick gmc last 8 years and have repaired many of these transmissions! 4.2 engine then the trans is easy to take out. 5.3 v-8 AWD model and you will hate the front exhaust pipe. The job goes from easy to crazy with the v-8 motor. The filter gets clogged and then won't move. Probably gear failure, but bottom line is the tans must come out. Factory reman is best if you can afford it. Anyone can install it and Obama will warranty it at any gm dealer that is honest or still in business. Good luck
Bob


saint056
User

Jul 15, 2009, 7:52 PM

Post #12 of 14 (6956 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

Thanks Bob. I actually found one in a junk yard for 350.00 with about 32,000 miles on it and it took 2 days do do it on my back. If I would have just removed the transfer case FIRST, I could have easily done it in a day, but removing all the cross members, exhaust, and getting to the top 2 bolts (with the transfer case on - I'm such a dumb-ass!) on the tranny, it was a pain! But your correct, the filter was clogged, starving the torque converter, thus creating the issue. But, there was about 3/16 build-up of silver powder shavings on the magnet in the pan and nasty fluid to boot. The new tranny was the way to go here for such a cheap cost! Thanks for the input. Now if you could just tell me how to fix the speedometer... Thats an expensive one to buy!

I also have a rear end question in the car engines and noises section regarding my rear end differential whining I am currently looking at fixing if you have any input.

Thanks again - Thomas


superbob
User

Jul 16, 2009, 2:11 AM

Post #13 of 14 (6953 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

good deal! Speedometer work before you did the trans? Rear diff making a constant noise or just on and off the gas? If constant you may just need a bearing. Pull the rear cover and you will see the metal. Not to hard to replace a bearing or two
Bob


saint056
User

Jul 16, 2009, 5:25 AM

Post #14 of 14 (6950 views)
Re: transmission rattle Sign In

Speedometer did not work before. The rear end is well explained in the Car and engine noises section. It whines up as it accelerates and down as it decelerates.






 
 
 






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