Can a torque converter make a knocking sound?

Q: Will a bad torque converter make a knocking sound? A bad TC will make an odd sound like a piston slap or a knock con-rod if you have loose torque converter bolts. But it's just the torque converter hitting the flex plate.

Why does my torque converter make a noise?

Whining Torque Converter

The most common issue with torque converters is damaged or worn out needle bearings, which arises due to low transmission fluid levels. If these needle bearings need to be serviced you will often hear a loud whizzing or grinding noise while your vehicle is in gear, but not when in neutral.

Can a transmission make a knocking noise?

The sensors in the transmission are incorrectly regulating shifting information or your speed… Many transmissions in cars nowadays are controlled by computerized sensors. Often clunking noises can occur because the sensors send incorrect shifting or speed information, creating a problem due to incorrect regulation.

What are the signs of a torque converter going out?

What are the symptoms of a loose torque converter bolt?

When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel shuddering and even slipping in overdrive. You usually notice your car shuddering because it feels like it's vibrating. Your car will vibrate even when you're not going very fast. The shuddering makes the car lag and is very noticeable.

How Does a Torque Converter Work?

What does a loose flywheel sound like?

Loose flywheel or flexplate bolts make a rattling or knocking sound that changes with engine speed. It's heard behind the engine, where it mounts to the transmission bellhousing.

How do I test my torque converter?

Put the pedal to the metal While pressing on the brake pedal, press the accelerator to the floor for two to three seconds. Don't exceed five seconds, or you risk blowing out the transmission. The RPM the engine maxes out at is the stall speed.

Will a torque converter throw a code?

Will a bad torque converter throw a code? Sometimes, but not always. Most torque converter-related codes have to do with the torque converter clutch. Other issues with the converter are less likely to set a code.

How much does it cost to fix a torque converter?

Most auto repair shops will charge someone anywhere from $600 to $1000 for a torque converter replacement job. If you would rather do the replacement job yourself, then a new torque converter will cost anywhere from $150 to $500. The exact cost depends on the make and model of your vehicle.

Why do I hear a knocking sound when I accelerate?

This is a common experience for most drivers, and it is known as engine knocking (detonation). Engine knocking happens when some fuel in the cylinder detonates before the other fuel. During normal operation, the spark plug starts the combustion process and burns all fuel in the cylinder, thus controlling the explosion.

What is that knocking sound when I accelerate?

If you're hearing a knocking noise when accelerating your car, there are a few possible causes. The most common cause is low octane gasoline, but other potential causes include dirty or clogged injectors, defective spark plugs, and worn-out engine parts.

Why does my car sound like it's knocking?

Many things can cause engine knocking or banging. Common causes are: carbon buildup in the combustion chambers or on cylinder walls, lifters or connecting rods, combustion timing out of sync, overheated engine, back pressure from the exhaust, vacuum leaks, fuel octane or quality, spark plugs, or knock sensors failing.

What does torque converter noise sound like?

Whining or rattling noise

Likewise, when a vehicle torque converter fails, the car will give a bad torque converter noise–a whining or whining sounds like a power steering pump with little or no fluid in it.

What does torque converter shudder sound like?

Initially, you may notice a whine, or a light rattle while idle. If you feel a tremble when driving around 30 to 45 miles an hour this could be an indication that your torque converter is going bad. A torque shudder, especially on smooth surfaces can be another symptom.

Will a torque converter make noise in park?

The torque converter turns while the transmission is in park and neutral, therefore, any noise from the torque converter will occur while the vehicle is in gear. If the torque converter has damaged needle bearings, noises will be heard from the transmission while you're driving.

What does a bad torque converter do?

Bad torque converters can cause overheating, friction damage, and transmission fluid degradation. The longer these problems continue, the more damaged your transmission will get.

Will check engine light come on for torque converter?

signs of a failing torque converter

your check engine light is on: the car's computer monitors and controls the operation of the torque converter. if it senses a problem, it will turn on the check engine light and log a trouble code or codes.

Is it hard to change a torque converter?

The torque converter itself is relatively inexpensive (between $150 and $350, depending on the vehicle), but 5-10 hours of labor is involved since the transmission must be removed in order to replace the torque converter.

Can a bad torque converter cause engine to stall?

If the torque converter fails, the engine can stall. There are several reasons why the converter could fail, such as overheating or dirty fluid. If you have a manual transmission, the car is more likely to stall from the clutch. When stopping, you may forget to engage the clutch or switch into neutral gear.

What does a warped flexplate sound like?

These features illustrate flexplate is warped, provided starter works in a proper way and can be ruled out. Listen for rhythmic clunking or grinding noise when engine idles in neutral or park, or idles in gear with foot on brake pedal.

How do you know if your flexplate is cracked?

How can you tell if your flywheel is damaged?

What happens if torque converter bolts come out?

If the bolts came out of the TC it will make a ton of noise even out of gear (park/neutral). If the flex plate bolts came out the trans will have to be pulled. I would not be surprised if your TC and/or trans is blown up. Throw down a tarp and take a look.

How much play should a torque converter have?

Converter must be free to move a minimum of 1/8", but not more than 3/16". If converter has no end-play, converter was installed improperly.