2004 Durango 4.7 Limited with about 78,000 miles. My durango has started making a thud noise when i push in/let off the gas. It also makes the thud when its up-shifting. I bought used with about 65,000 miles on it and assume that the trans fluid and filter have never been changed. Could this problem be as simple as getting trans fluid flush and filter? Also i was wondering if putting an additive like Lucas Trans. Fluid cleaner is ok? Does anybody use any kind of additives?

 

Ski:

Could be a worn U joint.

As a preventative measure either DIY or have done a drain/refill and filter change on the trans with Mopar or Valvoline ATF+4.

DO NOT have it flushed, or put anything other than ATF+ 4 in there.

Trans should be serviced this way at least every 50k, and more like 40k if you tow a lot.

This is a good place to start, and while they/you are down there you can check the joints.

Don

 

Hey there;

I have been having the Thud issue for years now,started in 06, it's been to the dealership numerous times and sometimes was left for a couple days, and nothing.
they said they changed and checked everything and could find nothing wrong.
I took it to my local transmission guy and had him change out fluid in the transmission, gear box and both diff's. and still same thud, it gets real annoying when in traffic. But nothing has fallen off yet.

 

thanks for the replies. n8ech--Is there a reason i shouldn't flush the tranny fluid rather than just drain it? in case i take it somewhere. I know some mechanics have a "flushing" machine when changing the fluid.

 

Chrysler transmissions don't take flushes as well as other transmissions. Sometimes there is junk in part of the lines that gets flushed into a smaller section, and clogs up the whole system. That, my friend, would equal a transmission rebuild in the near future.

It doesn't happen every time it gets flushed, but the chance is always there. Unless the fluid is just completely filthy, I wouldn't recommend even thinking about flushing. Fluid and filter change in the pan is fine.

+1 for nothing but ATF+4. No additives, nothing else. If you have a shop do it, make sure they use ATF+4. A lot of shops love to use a cheaper alternative and then use an additive to "make it just like ATF+4." That is a big no-no.