OK, the automatic in my 81 makes some minor noise only when in gear and not moving. It is most noticable when the vehicle is next to hard sound reflective walls.....but you can hear it by opening the door (while still ofcourse!!) and leaning your head out. The tranny has 73K on it.

The transmission operates and shifts flawlessly, and the fluid in clear red and at the correct level. Any thoughts here?? I would guess the torque converter is the only problem, since it would be the only moving part / parts if car is not moving. Maybe the pump??

If it is to be replaced, should one install another lock up unit or something else like a B&M etc.

Also, where does the wire emerge from the unit for the lock up converter? Is it just one wire, and does it need to see positive to lock converter??

Thanks in advance !!

 

i had a problem with mine and come to find out it was the bushing washer on the sway bar that was rattling.....bushing was shot


b

 

Just installed new poly bushings and hardware on sway bars....so I doubt thats it. It is sort a rattle / bad bearing fluid type noise....for whatever thats worth! The rattle is muffled and sporatic.

 

I have seen a flexplate make a noise while in gear. It cna go away in park and neutral. I just replaced the one on my buddies 69 camaro. When in reverse it would lightly tap the starter gear. I don't know if this is what you have. WHat kind of noise is it?

 

As we all know, noises are difficult to describe verbally. My best shot is a bad bearing race sound, muffled by fluid and trans case...with a little rattle coming and going every 2 to 4 seconds. The noise is not loud...and some might consider faint, but it's very obvious when at the drive thru as the sound reflects off the wall. I am hoping someone will say it's the torque converter hands down....since that would be a fairly straightforward deal and not have to open up trans. The trans works flawlessly all the time.

If it must come out soon....is it best to have rebuilt, or get s new one. What torque converter?? A high stall one...and should we do away with electrical overdrive lockup in the replacement converter.

Thanks again!

 

It's good to get advice for this problem here on the forum, but since a noise can be many things, I would take it to a transmission shop and get it checked out and let them tell you for sure what it is before I tore into it. Once you know for sure what it is you can opt to do it yourself if you want to. Just trying to save you some trouble.

 

sounds like a flexplate

 

The flexplate is probably cracking around the crank bolts. It is common on chevys

 

Thanks guys.....I guess it's a mess if this part goes at speed?

 

Sounds like a water pump to me.