Torque Converter Noise

[aglinks]

Full disclosure, this isn't on a square body. I have a 4.8L Vortec in my jeep and recently started hearing a loud knocking tick from the bellhousing. I assumed it was the flexplate, so I pulled the trans and inspected the flexplate, finding no cracks. I then re-installed the flexplate and ran the engine without the trans to make sure the noise wasn't coming from the engine. With the trans installed I can probe around with a stethoscope and cannot identify the exact source, which leads me to believe it is the torque converter. Has anyone ever heard of a converter making a noise like that? I recorded a video of the noise (sorry if that isnt helpful):

https://youtu.be/ZejAyxvri4o

 

[Cntymnty77]

I’d be interested to know as well. Mine is making about the same noise.

 

[Blazooki]

http://www.atraonline.com/gears/1997/1997-07/gjul97p50.htm

dont want to retype it... but try this stuff to see if you can pinpoint more and get a better idea

 

[paratrooper307]

90% percent of the time it's a crack, and sometimes they're not obvious. I had one that could barely be seen and was easy to miss, but as soon as it was under a load it would tick. Bolts backing out and contacting can make a similar noise, but I'm sure you've checked that already. That troubleshooting guide is a good one. If you're still having trouble, good used converters should be cheap and easy to find to swap in to test your theory.

 

[aglinks]

I pulled the flexplate off and cleaned it up. I found several cracks like this one. It doesn’t look large enough to make any noise though. I’ll replace it as well as the converter and hopefully be back on the road.

 

[Cntymnty77]

Let me know how it works. I’ve got a new flex plate sitting in my garage, just haven’t had time or tools to do it.

 

[aglinks]

I am still waiting on my new converter, but I noticed that the stator on the old converter wobbles around in the housing. I am assuming that is not normal.