I took it to a transmission shop for what I thought would be a routine service. I've put about 15,000 on it since buying it and the previous owner claimed all had recently been serviced. When they dropped the pan it was loaded with metal powder. The magnet was quite a sight. The recommendation was to completely rebuild the trans. They claim that their rebuild will be far superior to the origional. Only 65,000 miles on it, certainly hope that the next one does better.

 

It was working properly, and they want to oh assy.
It would not be abnormal for a metal puddle about the size of a quarter to be present in pan if not serviced since new. The magnet could have a 1/4 inch of black stuff on it also.
If magnet looked like a black Krispy kreme donut and metal everywhere in pan with flakes 1/8" or larger. Another story.
good luck

 

Did you actually witness the removal of the pan? Sounds a little fishy to me .

 

If it has metal hair on magnet, most likely a planetary is coming apart. Torque convertor material don't stick to magnet. Seems like low mileage to be having problems.

 

Drive it till it goes...sounds like you got the money can I have your old one...I don't mind metal shavings....

 

PV jimmey, If you have shiney metal shavings and little bits of metal like thin fingernail clipings.

It would be a good Idea to rebuild it.

Your planets are probably shot

There are many Honest trans shops out there.

If you continue to run it you can destroy other parts in the trans, even the case and your going to have the trans coolers full of metal and that cost a hell of alot more to replace those too.

 

Unless there are chunks of metal, the rest is relatively normal. I'd demand to see the debris they found, and find another opinion, particularly if the trans was working properly.

 

u brought it in for service not failure right ? so service it and off u go...that kind of debris is normal and shouldn't scare u into a new tranny, as long as its shiften keep it status quo

 

Thanks for the input. The metal was mostly like lapping compound with a few larger shiny flakes. I did see it removed and have had previous work on other vehicles done at this shop. They have an excellent reputation. I tow a 30 foot fifthwheel and would much rather fix it now than be at the mercy of some one unkown in the middle of a vacation. Unfortunately trips will be much more limited due to the lack of funds after a complete rebuild. Costs $2800, include three year warranty.

 

I retrieved the truck today, runs great. The primary source of the metal was the TC. I am not quite sure what the mechanic means by balooned but he explained that the TC was swelled out of shape. The replacement is quite a bit heavier.

 

The TC can, under load, push out of shape. Essentially, the axis where the input shaft goes elongates, allowing the "snout" to push away from the front (engine) side of the TC. This can result in failed beaings in the TC, and can damage the pump.

I'm a bit surprised that no chunks of metal were present in the pan if this happened. However, if the flakes were from the bearing races, that would explain it.

 

Its unlikely to see chunks as the result of a TC clutch failure. After oil leaves the TC it goes through the coolers and goes to the rear of the trans which is the lubrication system. It usually packs the overdrive full of metal and clutch material and whatever makes it out of there goes to the pan and the magnet.

 

Thanks for the input. It will take time to know if I made a mistake. I have already taken a couple of trips and all is working well. Don't know if it is related but my in town mileage increased to 16.5 MPG from 15 MPG.

 

I see that you are not in the transmission business. that statement is Wrong in that when the converter is in lockup it reverses oil input direction and lube oil is NOT converter out oil. I have seen MANY failed converters fill the pan with its remains. but you MUST also check all the coolers for the trash and sometime you must replace them also. you were correct in that cooler oil is lube oil though.

bill

 

I gotta ask the question, but why not spend the extra ~$800 and get a trans like goerend who has a reptuation for building high HP transmissions, and has a lifetime warranty converter?

It's your money though. To each his own. Good luck and hope it works out!