Hey, I have searched around a bit and cant seem to find anyone having the same problem as mine. All of a sudden my torque converter in my 98 1500 4x4 with the 5.2 eng started to make a grinding noise when going into lock up. The noise usually last for less than 1 second each time it does it. It only does it when it is cold and once it does it 2, 3, 4 times it stops for the rest of the day (once the oil is warm). I took it to a trans shop and he said it is "torque converter shudder". I dont doubt this, but does "shudder" make a grinding noise and only when going into lock up? He changed my fluid and added "shudder" treatment to my oil, did nothing. I have been avoiding the problem for the past couple of weeks by clicking the o/d off button. If I turn the o/d off there is no grind, just worse gas mileage. The shop said to pull the tranny and bring it to him to have it rebuilt and have the valve sent out for testing. Possibly $2000 repair. I dont have the money right now, especially with christmas around the corner. Has anyone had experience with this same grinding problem im having and can maybe point me in the right direction? In my opinion, I need to put a torque converter in it. I just dont know what else is in the system that could cause this grind when locking up. I very well may need to pull it and have it rebuilt, but I just hate to do that if thats not exactly what it needs. thankx

 

I take it no one has any ideas on this one?

 

Your TC is still gonna lock up even with the O/D off. If it's not doing it with the O/D locked out, sound to me like it has something to do with your O/D and not the TC. Probably time for a rebuild. Sorry, know that's not what you wanted to hear.

 

I was under the impression that there was no lock up with od off. Miss-informed, thanks for the tip.

 

While driving at a constant speed w/ O/D off, maintain throttle pressure and use your left foot to push the brake just enough for your brake lights to come on. If your rpms jump a couple hundred then your TC is locking fine.

 

Yes, torque converter shudder can feel/sound like a grinding.

Try what was said in the post above this one and see if the shudder happens.

 

i have done that and the shudder does not occur/ goes away when it is happening

 

Sounds to me like its rebuild time.

 

Sound to me like it's the O/D clutch pak or band, whatever they use in the 46RE.

 

One more thing to check is the OD: when traveling at highway speed (55 to 60) press the OD switch on the end of your column shifter to downshift out of OD and into 3rd. Wait a few seconds and then press the switch again to go back into OD. Listen/feel for the grinding.