transmission shudder

adoubu77 · **Joined:** Fri May 06, 2011 2:31 am **Posts:** 23

Well....just as the title says. Getting tranny shudder around 45-60mph. I had a Suncoast put in about three years ago and have never had a problem. This fall she started off and on and now it's just about everyday. I just dropped her off to get fluid and filter change. Hoping for the best. If this doesn't work what should my next step be? Don't know what I would do if my Suncoast failed on me....

gmctd · **Posted:** Mon Dec 01, 2014 1:16 pm

Need more info - '05? '06? Front pump replaced?

'05 and most '06 require new front pump to upgrade sealing method, plus would replaced deteriorated valving in front pump, which can cause shudder with any TC: oem, Euro, Hemi, Suncoast

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Dec 01, 2014 1:17 pm

Contact Suncoast, they guarantee their TC's.
Also, did you replace the front pump assembly when you replaced the TC, if you did not, you may have a problem in the front pump / and / or housing. Several plungers in the front pump housing that wear or their bores get worn out over time. When this happens, it can cause low line pressure issues in the tranny and that is what maintains pressure against the lockup clutches when engaged. :roll:

Have you installed a Trango Kit? If not, you may want to consider doing so as a Trasgo Kit properly installed will increase line pressure somewhat...
Let us know what you find!!! :wink:

adoubu77 · **Joined:** Fri May 06, 2011 2:31 am **Posts:** 23

06 and not sure about the pump. I'll have to do some digging to find out if it was done or not. Is the pump and easy fix or costly? And is the trans go kit worthwhile? I only tow a 14' duck boat a few times a monthird during duck season.

gmctd · **Posted:** Mon Dec 01, 2014 3:29 pm

Labor involves dropping the trans, pulling the TC, so costs would be similar plus cost of new-style front pump\seals\etc

The 545RFE actually has two front pumps, using one for normal driving, valving second pump in when additional pressure is required, such as for towing
- this was done to improve fuel economy by reducing engine loading: reduced pressure requires less horsepower
- switching back and forth between pumps can cause shudder as transmission mechanical systems wear
- this can result in pressure variations on the Torque Convertor Clutch apply piston: shudder

New-style front pump reduces this shudder, as can upgrade valving kits for previously-installed new-style pump

TRANSGO installation in valve-body may help to reduce this type shudder, and some options may include revised springs for the pump, IIRC - I've slept some since doing mine back in ought 7

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Dec 01, 2014 5:41 pm

adoubu77 - I like to look for simple things first so adoubu77 what exactly is happening that makes you think you have shudder. Engine temp, road grade, under acceleration, does dropping OD or backing off throttle stop problem, etc? I ask because several things can cause shudder "like" feelings and the fact that you have the Suncoast and only occasionally tow a, presumably light, duck boat does not suggest the type of load on the system that would cause shudder.

I"ve experienced shudder twice. Episode 1 massive very obvious almost like a newby manual transmission shift gone bad; cause stomp go pedal after installing GDE Stage II turbo on OEM torque converter; how soon after stomp = like immediate; drove for ca. 2 months on that setup with no further shudder by staying light on the throttle until I got my Suncoast. Episode 2 very subtle pedal vibration twice on stoutdog's 06 with GDE EcoTune BUT pulling up a bit of a grade within 25 miles of starting a trip (2 in vehicle packed to the ceiling and pulling a fully loaded 5X8 U Haul trailer); barely backing off go pedal stopped that vibration immediately and it never happened again on the rest of the 1,400 mile drive from Tallahassee, FL to Kearney, NE including much steeper grades.

If you do have shudder I'd consider 1) adding the valve body parts of the transgo kit when the tranny is serviced (won't hurt and won't add much to the cost beyond parts as the pan will be open, and 2) use only name brand filters and quality ATF+F being sure to really fill the tranny full of fluid. The 545RFE does not "like" other fluids or being low on fluid and it's not at all uncommon for service to result in underfill.

Talking to Ron at Suncoast won't hurt.

adoubu77 · **Joined:** Fri May 06, 2011 2:31 am **Posts:** 23

After the fluid/filter change there no difference...maybe even worse. I'll find out if the pump was ever fixed. Since it was a recall would they still fix it if it was (possibly) not ever fixed? Or would I be SOL??

adoubu77 · **Joined:** Fri May 06, 2011 2:31 am **Posts:** 23

Papaindigo- feels like it needs to be aligned. Steering wheel shakes pretty bad so much so you have to turn up the radio to hear over the keys shaking. Once you let off the gas it stops instantly. Also it really only happens when maintaining speed or increasing speed from 40ish mph to 60ish mph.

gmctd · **Posted:** Mon Dec 01, 2014 11:47 pm

The recall included the revised TC and revised front pump - some have indicated they got the TC but not the pump, according to the work order - there was an official DCJ website where you could plug in your VIN for a complete listing of all performed upgrades - haven't used it since ~ ought 9, and that hard-drive crashed, so don't remember the details, but surely someone on here remembers it, maybe geordi, catcrd, etc...........................

Drivetrain shudder affects steering wheel vibrationally in up-down plane, no steering rotation

Front suspension balance\alignment usually affects steering wheel rotationally

dirtmover · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2014 8:56 am

adoubu77 wrote:

Since it was a recall would they still fix it if it was (possibly) not ever fixed? Or would I be SOL??

If wasn't done then you would normally still be able to get it fixed under the recall. Your vehicle is not stock however. Don't be surprised if they use the Suncoast as an excuse to weasel out of it.

adoubu77 wrote:

Papaindigo- feels like it needs to be aligned. Steering wheel shakes pretty bad so much so you have to turn up the radio to hear over the keys shaking. Once you let off the gas it stops instantly. Also it really only happens when maintaining speed or increasing speed from 40ish mph to 60ish mph.

...but are you sure it's the transmission? From the symptoms you describe it sounds like it's certainly coming from the drivetrain but it could be as minor as one of the u-joints on your prop shaft causing this sort of vibration.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:36 am

adoubu77 wrote:

Papaindigo- feels like it needs to be aligned. Steering wheel shakes pretty bad so much so you have to turn up the radio to hear over the keys shaking. Once you let off the gas it stops instantly. Also it really only happens when maintaining speed or increasing speed from 40ish mph to 60ish mph.

Seeing that you feel the in the steering wheel, that points to something in the front wheels or suspension. Could be wheel balance, bent wheel, bent hub, mis-shapen tire, or front drive shaft. Or any other rotating item up front.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2014 12:19 pm

I would concur that this does not sound like torque converter shudder which at least for me is felt mostly in the "pants" so to speak (e.g. feels a bit like general vehicle vibration sort of like light rumble strips in the road - I don't recall any steering wheel issues). What you are describing could be - out of balance tire(s); tire separation (can be invisible and causes really disturbing vibrations at specific speeds or speed ranges); CV joints; drive shaft "U" joints which should be inspected off the vehicle; or alignment.

thermorex · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2014 12:24 pm

I'd start by inspecting the axle u-joint, if they are trashed, you can see the play by moving the axle up-down while under the jeep. If they are stuck, you may need to take them out to inspect them, but you can also try spraying some pb blaster over the joints, it may work well enough to clean that rust and dirt and let you check for play later on.

As preventive maintenance, where the joint between u-joint and axle, use some white Grease after you clean them well or replace with new, that would keep the water away. Then put some Grease all over. Do this every couple months and you'll have ujoints lasting more than your jeep. Getting greasable ujoints (Napa premium for about 25-35 bucks and also made in usa) is a good idea.

adoubu77 · **Joined:** Fri May 06, 2011 2:31 am **Posts:** 23

I'll try to get under the jeep today and see if I can see anything wrong.

I don't remember if I felt the vibration just in the steering wheel or in the whole jeep or my "pants". I think I was just focused of the wheel more than anything.

transmission shudder

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