First Time, Dreaded TC Shudder

jeepdan · **Posted:** Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:03 am

While cruising along in econo-mode at 58mph with five passengers in the libby, the jeep let out a harsh 'rumble strip' type of shudder at the start of climbing a steep grade. This happened right before the down shift when the cruise control was trying to add more fuel. Knowing the weakness of the TC from reading this forum, I have always tried to let off of the throttle to let the trans shift out of six gear below 59mph. At 90,000 trouble free miles, I think this strategy has worked. Is TC failure in my near future? I hope not, as I'm trying to save and buy parts for the big 100,000 mile engine service, as my budget allows.

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:46 am

The TC shudder should not keep the Jeep from driving normally for many more miles. Just try to keep the accelerator from loading the engine in 5th gear and it'll be OK. You should have plenty of time to save up for the new updated TC and then get it installed as time/money allows.

jeepdan · **Posted:** Wed Nov 24, 2010 11:06 am

Thanks, I'm still a little concerned about hitting the interstate next spring with my army jeep in tow on my trailer.

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 24, 2010 11:50 am

Before i did any long distance heavy towing i might look into changing it or the pump. Or in my case i did them both.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Wed Nov 24, 2010 9:11 pm

The front pump has a valve that can go bad and cause shudder in any torque converter.
Options to fix the front pump are kits from Transgo, the fix valve from Sonax, or a new pump.

Some have had luck just swapping out the converter others have not.
Since I do not gamble, I put in the Transgo kit including the replacement pump check valve and a SunCoast converter.
You get to choose what fix you want to go for.

orionpps · **Joined:** Wed Sep 08, 2010 4:31 pm **Posts:** 54

hmmm I to have this sound..but mine seems like the sound you get from oversized tires rubbing on the wheel well flares.. but my tires are not oversized..

jmoomaw · **Posted:** Thu Nov 25, 2010 7:44 am

I am taking my jeep in for transmission services in hopes of taking care of the stutter. I would prefer to try other fixes with the scheduled maintenance to see if that takes care of the stutter.
I may have a bad filter only....I do have to do some hauling next year and would like to get things in shape before then.

If I replace the pump valve noted above, will I waste my money if I need a new TC?..Is the labor cost prohibitive on this little fix?

thanks,

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:02 am

jmoomaw

If I replace the pump valve noted above, will I waste my money if I need a new TC?..Is the labor cost prohibitive on this little fix?

My understanding to replace/repair the valve the transmission has to come out and the majority of the work is removing the transmission. When your that far it's simple to replace the torque converter too. You have several options on replacement torque converters. SunCoast seems to be the top contender with another close behind with a billet cover. Mine was covered under the extended warranty so I have the improved mopar unit designed for the newer more powerfull VM engine and it has not exhibited any bad habbits :-)r

Warp is talking about the valve being worn. That said mine shuddered the day I bought it new in 06 with 9 miles on the clock so I don't think it was a matter of ware. At 32k miles the dealer replaced the torque converter and front pump and found clutch material from the TC in my transmissionl pan :dead:

My vote is the torque converter. With a new torque converter you can unleash the power your engine originally had and make your towing experience much better. I suspect the detuned engine plays a vital part in the demise of the tc while towing with constant shifting up and down :2cents:

If your going to the dealer for repair they most likely will replace the front pump that contains the valve with the redesigned pump and cover.

jmoomaw · **Posted:** Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:17 am

Thanks Joe...I had a feeling that would be the case by the location of the valve on the diagram.

I will be plowing this winter (2 small parking lots) I will plan on replacing the TC in the near future. My mechanic thinks I may need to rebuild my tranni soon also. My CRD had better last another 200,000 miles....*S*

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:46 am

Jim.

In my opinion the transmission is one of the stronger links in the CRD assuming it's kept within operating temperatures and even then there's safe guards built in that reduce engine power. For plowing you might think about a additional cooler.

Joe

jeepdan · **Posted:** Thu Nov 25, 2010 2:54 pm

jmoomaw, Scheduled transmission service is always a good idea. One, that a lot of cars never see. But it might not fix the shudder. I serviced my transmission myself this summer at 82,000miles with Mopar filters and fluid. I was very pleased to find that the old fluid and the pan was really clean. Pulling a trailer, I was concerned about going over the 60,000mile mark until I found a 7/2006 date on the old OEM return filter, telling me that it must have been serviced shortly before I bought it at 30,000 miles. As for my own jeep, I am going to keep glued to this website, and take a wait and see attitude until spring. I can see a new and hopefully stronger TC in the near future. By waiting, I hope that I don't to contaminate the transmission if the TC starts getting worse.

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Thu Nov 25, 2010 11:59 pm

I occasionally get shudder with my Suncoast. After shifting into 5th and around 57 mph on some hills. Is the fix expensive?

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:22 am

Sounds like you have a pump issue but i would try and fluid and filter change first.

First Time, Dreaded TC Shudder

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