Looking for help diagnosing a new noise my truck started making. There is an intermittent squeal/squeak which sounds like it’s coming from where the transmission mates up to the engine. The only way I can describe it is it sounds like a belt or pulley/bearing, but the noise is present with the accessory belt removed and only does it when the truck is in gear (both drive and reverse). To be clear, the noise completely goes away when in park or neutral. Transmission temp. is normal both driving and at idle (around 180F) and fluid level is good. Like I said, it sounds like it’s coming from where the transmission meets with the motor (louder when laying underneath truck). I have also noticed the truck seems to stay in 2nd gear when coming to a stop and then shifting down to first when accelerating from a stop. I have also noticed a slight popping noise when accelerating from a stop at low speeds (sounds like someone is tapping from under the floorboards 3 or 4 times. I can feel it in my left foot if I place it flat in the floor when driving - not sure if this has any relation to the noise.

The noise is not there all the time, it will go quiet and get progressively louder and then quiet down again if I let it idle in drive.

Anyone know what it could be? Maybe the torque converter? Trying to narrow down what it could be before taking it to the transmission guy as money is tight.

Thanks in advance for any help.

2000 Ram 1500
5.9 Magnum
Automatic transmission
74,xxx miles

 

Probably the Torque converter, as that is what is right there. Might be pump as well. See what your trans guy has to say. But, expect him to want to rebuild it for a couple thousand dollars.....

 

That’s what I’m thinking. It also appears to have sprung a leak after parking it in the driveway today. Can a TC be easily replaced? Or would other transmission components be damaged from a failed/failing TC? In any case I’ll have the transmission guy take a look at it.

Thanks very much for the reply.

 

You have to drop the transmission off the back of the motor to replace the torque converter. If the transmission fluid is really low, you might get noise like what you're describing. Before dropping the transmission, check the transmission fluid level and add if needed. Also, best to drop the transmission pan to see what condition the fluid is in and how much metal might be in the bottom of the pan. Given all of the work to remove the transmission and given it's age, it will likely need a reseal job, at a minimum, as it sounds like the front pump seal is going bad, causing your leak.

 

Gotcha, after seeing it leaking fluid I figured it was most likely the torque converter — oh well, always something. What’s weird is it wasn’t low on fluid when the noise started, nor was it leaking. I’ve never heard of a torque converter squealing like this. I’ll post an update when the transmission guy takes a look at it.

Thanks for the reply👍

 

I am thinkin', given your symptoms, and the leak.... probably the front pump......