Transmission Suggestions

Hello all!

I recently started experiencing a drive-line vibration around 30-40 mph. I took my truck (2009 sport) into the dealership and they said that the transmission is done for and needs to be replaced/repaired. I was quoted $6,500 to replace/repair (I cant remember if they said replace or rebuild the trans). My question is at this point is it worth fixing? The truck has 250K miles but I imagine it should last many more years if I get the trans fixed. This is my first vehicle that I have owned since I was 18 so it does have a hint of sentimental value. My first step is going to be to ask the dealer to do a transmission fluid flush (it has been at least 4 years since it has been done) and hope that it fixes the issue. If not should I get the trans fixed at the dealership or take to a place like AAMCO?

Thanks!
Collin

 

Always heard a flush was bad for newer transmissions because it forces things in directions they are not designed to go or something like that. Ive done a couple pan drains and refills on mine and it has similar miles and the only issue I ever had was the first time I did it, I filled it when it was cold and it became overfilled because the fluid is supposed to like 120° when you check the level. I imagine the techs would check it properly, but before I dropped that kind of cash, I would let it warm up and park on a level surface and make sure the right amount of fluid was in it first

 

The dealership and aamco are the worst possible choices. Find a reputable local shop for another opinion.

 

Also, here is some light reading.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

I would definitely get a second opinion. I would also do more research on here about driveline vibrations. A lot of the time it is the center bearing support that goes bad. It would suck to spend that kind of money on your transmission to only have the problem still there.

 

I have skimmed over this article before but I am definitely not confident enough to do such a repair.

 

I like in the DMV metro area and dont have a lot of great options for shops. I searched by the highest rated and AAMCO was the highest rated with the most reviews within 30 miles of where I live.

 

I told the dealership I thought it may have been the carrier bearing. I even went as far as to purchase a new one and offer it when I took it in for the diagnosis but they are dead set that it is a transmission issue. If I took the truck to a local transmission shop would they be able to tell me if the carrier bearing is what is wrong? I have a really hard time trusting dealerships around where I live. Before they even inspected the vehicle they recommended $1,000 worth of fluid changes/flushes based on me telling them there was a drive line vibration.

 

So would it be worth attempting the transmission flush at the dealership or just taking it to another shop to get a second opinion first? (I am thinking of doing the transmission flush at the dealer because I already paid them $140 for the inspection and that goes toward any repairs I have done)

 

What kind of driveline vibe? Is it just a vibe, or do you notice slipping/shifting issues? I had a driveline vibe on mine at that speed, research on here (went away switching into 4wd on a straight/flat road) pointed me to a known needle bearing issue...$60 fix. Great place for info/resources if you give enough info to the members here to help.

 

The vibration kind of varies. Similar to the thread scocar listed above, I notice it more when the truck is warmed up. It sometimes feels like bucking and other times feels like hitting the rumble strips on the side of the road. The only thing that is consistent is that I only feel it in the 30-40 range. As soon as I feel it happening I let off the gas and then get right back on it and it is gone. It doesnt happen above 40mph.

 

I personally wouldn't trust the dealership. At least find a shop that specializes in drivelines. See if there is a 4x4 shop near you.

 

Yes, you definitely need to find another dealer.

Any shop that recommends fluid changes/flushes based on customer complaint/mileage without diagnosis is just looking to squeeze $$$.

A vibration won't be caused by a fluid being old. Sure, it will impact shifting. Vibration sources are typically bearings/bushings/gears.......something is out of balance due to wear or not engaging fully.

Fluid change/flush likely will not solve the problem.

 

Sounds kinda like the needle bearing issue I had. Search any "ECGS bushing" thread and you'll get schooled up on that subject. You have a 4wd, try switching to 4wd hi when on a straight/flat road and see if the problem goes away. Easy way to test it yourself. Doesn't sound transmission to me, since you have no slipping/shifting issues. Shooting from the hip, I'd think either ECGS or driveshaft carrier bearing...

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll be sure to check it out.

 

Boots on the ground in your regional forum can help for reputable local/regional shops. And just general expertise. And even wrench on the ground, literally.

Ihttps://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/northern-virginia-roll-call.188512/

Get in there and ask for help.

Could be a lot of far more minor things, like worn U joint carrier bearing, a weight falling off the drive shift. Someone in your area might be able to help you solve it in your driveway for parts and beer.

 

Sounds like it could be a torque converter lock-up issue. I guess I'd try some Lubeguard 19610 before I'd do anything else.

$8 Lubegard 19610 Instant Shudder Fix

https://www.amazon.com/Lubegard-19610-Tranny-Instant-Shudder/dp/B0002JMLQU

 

I believe what you're referring to has to do with automatic transmissions in general. If you go too long without changing the fluid, the friction material begins to wear of interior components. You likely won't notice though because it'll remain suspended in the fluid. People then flush the transmission, which in turn removes that material entirely and your transmission will start slipping.

 

$1000 for fluid flush? I fell on the floor and almost died from laughter-induced asphyxiation. They must've mistook you for an odd-smelling old lady with cats and a cane and a rotary phone at home.

 

Interdasting. Having always driven manuals until 2015, I've never even paid attention to AT woes and fixes.