A8 shutter - toss baby with bath water?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
A8 shutter - toss baby with bath water?
So my C7 is starting the known A8 torque converter shudder issue. Its pretty light but noticeable if going a very steady 50 mph (stops if you speed up or slow down). I went into chevy dealer to see what they thought (expecting they want to triple flush) and they want to put in all new torque converter. I asked if the computer said the torque converter was past the point of no return or is that the simply best route if under after market warrenty?
If they put in a 100% brand new torque converter would it be a updated model to prevent this from happening again in 5-6 years? Is putting a new torque converter in overkill? Are they likely to put in a used one that could be worse than mine? My deductable is $200 I think so if approved I guess thats allot less than triple flush/.
Suggestion?
If they put in a 100% brand new torque converter would it be a updated model to prevent this from happening again in 5-6 years? Is putting a new torque converter in overkill? Are they likely to put in a used one that could be worse than mine? My deductable is $200 I think so if approved I guess thats allot less than triple flush/.
Suggestion?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 1,309
From: Windermere FL
If I understand correctly, a GM dealer is will to do a TC swap and it will be only your $200 aftermarket warranty? Beats paying thousands for this job out-of-pocket! Go for it.
You can search the threads as I seem to remember after-market ones are available and even if your warranty won't pay for it, you might find it worth the peace-of-mind to pay for it yourself.
You can search the threads as I seem to remember after-market ones are available and even if your warranty won't pay for it, you might find it worth the peace-of-mind to pay for it yourself.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
If I understand correctly, a GM dealer is will to do a TC swap and it will be only your $200 aftermarket warranty? Beats paying thousands for this job out-of-pocket! Go for it.
You can search the threads as I seem to remember after-market ones are available and even if your warranty won't pay for it, you might find it worth the peace-of-mind to pay for it yourself.
You can search the threads as I seem to remember after-market ones are available and even if your warranty won't pay for it, you might find it worth the peace-of-mind to pay for it yourself.
Yes it would be a TC swap. They spoke the the warrenty company. I guess they will send an employee to verify before approval. I was just kinda shocked they would suggest replacing it and not just starting with the common cure of triple flush.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 267
Likes: 130
From: Effingham county GA
Hello @mightygreentea
Is your C7 still on the original trans fluid or has the fluid been replaced in the past with the new formula fluid?
Is your C7 still on the original trans fluid or has the fluid been replaced in the past with the new formula fluid?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Hello @mightygreentea
Is your C7 still on the original trans fluid or has the fluid been replaced in the past with the new formula fluid?
Is your C7 still on the original trans fluid or has the fluid been replaced in the past with the new formula fluid?
Last edited by mightygreentea; Yesterday at 03:03 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 267
Likes: 130
From: Effingham county GA
Replacing the torque converter is not a trivial task, and not all GM dealerships have the skillset for such a task. Get it wrong during reassembly and it will damage the thrust bearing. The damage will not be immediate but many months later. See the attached doc.
Oftentimes a simple prescription from the drug store will mend you. But if you go to a surgeon with an ailment, the surgeon will most likely prescribe surgery in lieu of a pill.
Last edited by dcova; Yesterday at 11:25 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,186
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From: Athens AL
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Let them do the TC swap and the flush with the newer fluid, then buy a Range device and never let it go into V4 mode again and you should never have another issue.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,521
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From: Hartford WI
My guess is that YOU are going to end up with a $1200 bill with the triple flush. With a TC, warranty pays for it and you pay $200. Which is an easier sell to the customer? Triple flush isn't without risk. You waited this long for it to pick up moisture and display symptoms and it might already be too late. With a TC change, all the fluid will be replaced with fresh fluid that isn't as hygroscopic. For $200, I'd definitely do it. No brainer.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
Isn't the issue that the fluid picks up moisture and when it hits a certain critical mass the symptoms are more prominent? When they drop the trans and take the TC out, isn't most of the fluid going to be out so why do the triple flush or any flush?
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Pittsburgh
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I would think that as part of the torque converter swap, the new GM trans fluid would be part of the repair, ask your dealer to be sure
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 1,067
From: North Texas
I'd just do the triple flush first since the problem just appeared. I'll bet that just this will repair the issue.
Removing the whole back end to replace a TC is very involved. Being an A8 (the only trans that has a TC) if you don't get the drive shaft clearance just right you'll take out the engines thrust bearing and will be replacing the complete engine.
Removing the whole back end to replace a TC is very involved. Being an A8 (the only trans that has a TC) if you don't get the drive shaft clearance just right you'll take out the engines thrust bearing and will be replacing the complete engine.