Ok, getting worried about this noise I have heard since a year ago, trying to pin it down and since I am having other work done on the D I might as well try and get this figured out and resolved before the Warranty runs out.

I got this 06 Durango SLT in January of last year, had 9200 miles on it. We got it in Fla and drove it to Columbia, SC. towing our Impala on a Dolly. Everything was fine and mileage was impressive, 19.5 on the Interstate towing the car (4000Lbs). 6000 is limit.

Next day we hit the road again and I get out on the Interstate and I start hearing this noise intermittently. Only occurred under Slight Acceleration or Load like a slight grade while running in Overdrive. (It has the 545RFE 5 Speed with the 4.7L engine.) Seemed to get louder as the engine is starting to lug right before Downshifting out of OD.

It sounds like a bad bearing catching or a valve (maybe Solenoid) rapidly pulsing in short bursts, (sounds like a Mini-Gun on an A-10 Warthog), but not that loud, subtle. Only can hear it sitting in the Driver's seat. Sounds like is is right in front of me, but if I lean over to center I can hear it good there. It Only does this when in OD and engine lugging just under a shift point.

Year later still hearing it. I am driving it everyday now breaking in a new 4.10 Ring and Pinion I just had installed by dealer, so I hear it all the time under these conditions, slight grade or hill, usually around 45 mph in OD, but like I said this has been there since just after we drove that first 450 miles.

Had a TSB done on a Drain Valve last Spring, no difference, sound still there. I did some reading here about Torque Converters going bad and the Solenoid Packs, Transducers and Bellcranks. I think it is in the Torque Converter, or an output bearing, or maybe I am hearing the Solenoids Chattering?? It Definitely is Not Normal.

Any ideas?? I am taking it back in next week to have a Throttle Body Spacer installed to go with my CIT and to have a seatbelt latch replaced under warranty. Since I just got the rear end redone and in good shape, I am wanting to get this problem fixed so I don't have any breakdowns this season pulling the camper.

Warren

 

Update:

Took it into dealer today for a test ride with my good mechanic. I had typed out all the details and latest info I found even at lower speeds/RPM's. Took about 2 min. and I got on smooth road and I made it make the noise multiple times, He heard it right away even on the passenger side. After 5 minutes of driving and making it do it over and over he wasconvinced also that it is the Torque Converter.

Ordered a new one on Warranty, going in the shop first AM tomorrow. In for 1-2 days.
We'll see if this is it.

 

Expensive job, good thing it's covered. Let us know if that's the fix!

 

I'm curious though. If it is/was your torque converter, wouldn't it be all the time not just in OD? I had a 97 Z28 with a bad TC and it was noisy all the time and the car shook. Just curious.

MrN

 

Not sure, mechanic said same thing I was, only when in OD when it locks up the
Torque Converter. It's like it is not using the Torque Converter until it goes into OD??

Dealer called today after the Tranny was torn down and confirmed it is a Bad Torque Converter and ordered a new one under Warranty, will be in AM. Should have the D back in afternoon.

 

Hi Warren:

Are they replacing the whole tranny, orjust the convertor?? I have heard that many times when the convertor dies, it sends pieces into the tranny which inturn shortens its life.

Speaking of the convertor, I bet it is the TCC or torque convertor clutch that has gone awry. The TCC usually is only engaged in the 3-4th or in your case 4th-5th gear. That would explain why you are only hearing the noise in "OD" as you say.

My 01 has the 4 speed 45rfe, and its TCC will engage in both 3rd and 4th gears.

Don

 

Yes, he was talking about the Clutch inside and the Solenoid Pack. I'm going to get to look at the old one, wondering if you roll it over or shake it you here pieces parts rolling around in there. Hethought it wasjust Glazed. Will find out later today.

Totally makes sense on the 4-5 TCC engagement, matches to what was happening.