Transmission Question

Topic: Transmission Question (Read 758 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission Question

July 21, 2005, 09:14:04 AM

I just got a lead from another website that a loose flexplate could be the source of the knocking sound I've been getting forever. Seems like a simple enough thing to fix. Only thing is the Chilton manual doesn't have a specific procedure for just getting to the torque converter. Can that housing be taken off without draining the fluid?

Re: Transmission Question

Reply #1 – July 21, 2005, 09:15:01 AM

Almost forgot, I have a 4SP Automatic Overdrive.

Re: Transmission Question

Reply #2 – July 21, 2005, 10:30:34 AM

You've got to separate the tranny from the engine to get at the flexplate-to-crank bolts if those are what's loose. First you have to remove the converter-to-flexplate nuts (you can get at them by removing a small cover, then rotate the engine until the nut is accessible, and keep rotating it until you get all four nuts. These nuts could cause the knock too, so if they're loose tighten them and go no further until you test it to see if the knock is gone). You also have to drop the driveshaft so you can pull the tranny back, and undo the rear mount. The linkage will have to be disconnected as well. Then you remove the bellhousing-to-block bolts and pull 'er back. Remember, the tranny is very heavy, so use a tranny jack.

A cracked flexplate can cause a knock too. I had that happen in my first car, a '78 Trans Am.

Re: Transmission Question

Reply #3 – July 21, 2005, 10:39:17 AM

The flexplate to converter nuts are the ones I'm after for the moment. So I guess it shouldn't be a big operation to get at them. If I can determine that the problem is somewhere less accessible than that then I guess I"ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Thanks.

Re: Transmission Question

Reply #4 – July 21, 2005, 11:06:56 AM

Id find out what size they were first and get a extended length wrench, or custom make one to do all that. To hell with dropping the tranny for that!