Torque Tube Problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Torque Tube Problem
I have a 2009 Z51 Automatic. I have rattle under the car that is driving me crazy. It seemed to point to the TT so I went ahead and replaced the drive shaft in the TT with a brand new one. Got it all put back together and the sound is still there with zero change. Things that I have ruled out are, the exhaust, does it with or with out the exhaust system on the car. Not the catalytic converters, I pulled them off the car and looked at inside them. I do not see anything obvious in the inspection ports front or rear of the TT. One question that I havent been able to find anywhere is, there are two square head bolts on the engine side bottom of the TT. One is almost all the way in and the other is almost all the way out. Any idea what those are or meant to do? I would hate to spend the money on a new TT just to find out that is not the issue. The driveshaft that I pulled out looked really good except a rubber like film on the front bearing (engine side).
Pro
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 635
Likes: 271
From: Hampton, VA
Torque tube itself is really just a protective casing for the driveshaft inside. If you changed the bearings and put a fresh shaft in with new guibos i wouldn't stress about that. Is the noise RPM or speed dependent? Also, the flex plate is up forward but the torque converter is back aft. did you check for loose flexplate bolts, cracks in the flex plate, etc?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
I did not rebuilt the driveshaft. I put an brand new one in completely assembled from GM. I replaced all torque converter bolts and flex plate bolts. I read on another thread that someone had the same issue and replaced the TT itself after replacing the driveshaft and it fixed the problem. However I would like to get some more input from the group. I really want to know what these two bolts on the bottom front of the TT are and what there purpose is, maybe that has something to do with it. This noise coming from the vehicle is very loud and sounds like metal on metal rubbing. The sound is occurring at idle and with throttle. It's not as noticeable with throttle. I dont hear it at all while driving. Just sitting at idle. Doesnt matter if its in gear or park.
Last edited by MikeSal; Oct 2, 2024 at 01:13 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 635
Likes: 271
From: Hampton, VA
I did not rebuilt the driveshaft. I put an brand new one in completely assembled from GM. I replaced all torque converter bolts and flex plate bolts. I read on another thread that someone had the same issue and replaced the TT itself after replacing the driveshaft and it fixed the problem. However I would like to get some more input from the group. I really want to know what these two bolts on the bottom front of the TT are and what there purpose is, maybe that has something to do with it. This noise coming from the vehicle is very loud and sounds like metal on metal rubbing. The sound is occurring at idle and with throttle. It's not as noticeable with throttle. I dont hear it at all while driving. Just sitting at idle. Doesnt matter if its in gear or park.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 1,163
From: Northern Wisconsin
Then get a three foot length of heater hose. Put one end next to your ear and move the free end of the hose around the suspected area. You should be able to pinpoint the source of the noise with this method.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 53
Likes: 24
From: Tacoma WA
The square head bolts are essentially set screws. Apparently, it's possible to bump the bearings out of place during installation.
I think you want to remove them after installation as they are putting preload onto some part of the tube/bearings.
I think you want to remove them after installation as they are putting preload onto some part of the tube/bearings.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 121
From: Tempe Az
I have a 2009 Z51 Automatic. I have rattle under the car that is driving me crazy. It seemed to point to the TT so I went ahead and replaced the drive shaft in the TT with a brand new one. Got it all put back together and the sound is still there with zero change. Things that I have ruled out are, the exhaust, does it with or with out the exhaust system on the car. Not the catalytic converters, I pulled them off the car and looked at inside them. I do not see anything obvious in the inspection ports front or rear of the TT. One question that I havent been able to find anywhere is, there are two square head bolts on the engine side bottom of the TT. One is almost all the way in and the other is almost all the way out. Any idea what those are or meant to do? I would hate to spend the money on a new TT just to find out that is not the issue. The driveshaft that I pulled out looked really good except a rubber like film on the front bearing (engine side).
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Update
I found the issue and it was not the Torque Tube. After having it diagnosed as the torque tube and rebuilding it with an new drive shaft to only have it still making the noise. Come to find out it was the Flex plate bolts/ collar clamp bolt. Car is back to normal now. Thanks for the input. Hope this helps others. Check the Flex Plate bolts and collar clamp before going through the trouble of replacing the driveshaft in the torque tube.