The question “how long does a torque converter last?” has probably crossed your mind if your torque converter has been making weird and unusual noises; you must also be wondering how to fix it.
A bad torque converter can be due to many reasons. This article will share the usual time span a torque converter can last and common issues related to them.
You will also learn how you can fix these issues, so read on!
Contents
How Long Will Your Torque Converter Last?
Your torque converter will last from 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Like other components, a torque converter will need replacement after a set period of time. If you can’t flush it properly or fill it with the right transmission fuel, you will have torque converter problems sooner than expected.
However, how long does a torque converter last might last also depends on how you maintain it. In short, the specific time span a converter can last for you is around 12,000 miles, but if you properly look after it, you can have the same converter work for a lifetime.
The advantages of a torque converter are low noise, smooth clutch management, and less pressure on transmission components. On the other hand, the disadvantages of a torque converter include excess fuel consumption, costly maintenance, and recurring fluid changes.
– Function of a Torque Converter
The function of a torque converter is to transfer engine torque to the driven load so that the vehicle can run successfully. In other words, it can also be defined as the device used to convert the power source to the engine with the load.
Suppose any mishap happens with the torque; you will eventually have transmission problems. As a result, your vehicle will start to have issues running smoothly and changing gears.
You might encounter torque converter failure for a number of reasons. No matter what the reason is, it is advised to fix it as soon as possible to avoid inevitable damage.
What Are the Signs of a Torque Converter Going Bad?
The signs of a bad torque converter vary from overheating transmission to leakage of transmission fuel. Unusual coiling or whining noises in the transmission is also a tell-tale sign, along with unusual shuddering of the vehicle and inability to shift gears.
We will discuss these faulty torque converter symptoms in detail and how to fix them in the section below.
– Transmission Getting Heated
Transmission overheating is one common sign that you need a torque converter replacement. This means that the liquid inside your transmission isn’t adequately cooled. If not treated, this can damage other components of the transmission.
To have this issue fixed, it is mandatory to have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic. He will inspect your car for the potential problem and will be able to fix it right away.
– Slippage of Transmission
Slipping transmission is another common symptom that your converter is bad. It is better to check for the filter and transmission fluid first. If both of them are in perfect condition, the issue might be with the torque.
What causes a converter to fail here is its inability to lock up correctly. Because of this reason, the transmission would slip. To resolve this issue, have your car checked by the nearest professional mechanic.
– Transmission Fluid Overflowing
If your transmission fluid is leaking more than often, understand that the converter is the culprit here.
This can also indicate that the gasket might be broken. A quick fix is replacing the seal or gasket and nothing else.
– Coiling or Whining Noises in Transmission
Another most obvious sign of a damaged torque is that the transmission here makes annoying pitchy noises. This whiny noise usually arises due to worn-out bearings. The repair here is quick, and you can also do it at home.
Things you will need here are a new torque with a transmission jack. Make sure to follow the instructions provided in the manual.
– Unusual Shuddering
Unusual shuddering while driving or even when the car is parked is a possible sign of a faulty torque. However, to ensure the torque is the problem, you should first check the fluid level. Make sure the fluid levels are maintained and the liquid used is appropriate.
– Inability to Shift Gears
Another major symptom of a faulty torque is difficulty in shifting gears. These difficulties can range from rough transmission shifts to partial transmission responses.
The only way to resolve this problem is by increasing the output pressure of the converter.
What Causes a Torque Converter To Fail?
The causes for a torque converter to fail include using inconsistent or incorrect fluids, a damaged torque gasket, worn-out clutches, and improper bearings. When you notice any of these essential signs, you should bring your car to a professional mechanic immediately.
Can a torque converter go bad from sitting in the garage? No, a torque converter cannot go bad from sitting. However, it is recommended to maintain a regular check so the fluid remains at the right level. Below, we will discuss how these issues can damage your car’s torque system.
– Foul Fluid
Contaminated transmission fluid can be a major reason your torque converter works foul. Because the converter relies on the fluid, it might damage the internal components if it is not in the purest form. Due to this reason, it is always advised to use high-quality fluids that are free of additives.
Take noe that you have to flush a torque converter after every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Because the torque doesn’t have any drain, maintenance is sometimes mandatory.
– Damaged Torque Seal
If the seal of your converter is broken or damaged, fuel fumes can leak out of it. This will not only compel you to have additional rounds to the mechanic but will also destroy your torque if not treated.
– Damage to the Solenoid Clutch
Any damage to the clutch solenoid can negatively impact the torque converters. The solenoid is responsible for controlling hydraulic transmission.
Because there is a disturbance in the amount of fluid that will be used, it results in uneven fluid pressures. If this clutch ends up in trouble, you might experience overheating, slippage, and, eventually, a damaged torque.
– Faulty Clutch Converter
With the help of the torque converter clutch, your car can drive by locking the transmission and engine together. But when this clutch is out of work or is worn out, locking the transmission is nearly impossible in this state.
With a faulty clutch converter, you can expect your car to remain in gear even when you are not driving it.
– Improper Bearings
Faulty bearings in your fluid gasket might not initially be a serious issue. However, with time these needle bearings can propose a much more dangerous threat to the torque.
The needle bearings provide cushioning between the various components of the converter. Because of this reason, if any mishap happens between these bearings, it starts to produce an annoying noise.
Which Cars Have Torque Converters?
Cars with automatic transmissions have torque converters, while cars with manual transmissions have clutch. You can think of a torque converter as an automatic gearbox. This automatic transmission gearbox works in place of a clutch that we usually see in manual cars.
Automatic cars don’t have a device to decouple the transmission from the engine. Instead, they have this device known as the torque converter.
– How Far You Can Drive With a Failing Torque Converter
You cannot drive with a failing torque because the transmission would be impossible to manage. If you decide to do so, you might notice some visible shuddering or even start overdriving. A good rule is to immediately tow your car to the nearest repair shop instead of driving it.
How about driving a car with a bad torque converter clutch solenoid? No, you cannot drive a bad torque converter clutch solenoid. A solenoid keeps pressure between the engine and transmission, so any problem here could lead to a direct drive situation.
– Replacing a Torque Converter
It takes about 5-10 hours of labor to replace a torque converter. This time span elongates if you are a beginner and constricted to only 4 or 5 hours if done by a mechanic.
Attempt replacing the torque only if you have prior knowledge and tools required to have the work done. Some important tools might involve a new torque, screw jack, and other necessary drivers.
– Costs of Fixing a Torque Converter
It costs $600 to $1,000 to fix a torque converter. However, if you attempt to do it by yourself in that case, you will only pay for the new torque converter, which will be somewhere between $150 to $500.
No matter where you take your car for repair, ensure the workers there are professionals with enough knowledge to do the work.
– Checking a Torque Converter
To check a torque converter, press the gas pedal all the way. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal and temporarily the accelerator for two to three seconds. Notice the stall speed when the engine reaches its maximum RPM.
Now, if the RPM speed is lower than the one specified by the torque manufacturer, the error is in the converter. In this case, you will have to check the torque for the issue or replace it altogether.
– Installing a New Torque Converter
To install a new torque converter, remove the transmission using a jack. Disconnect the torque converter using a socket set and replace it with the new one. Connect it with the engine first and then reinstall the transmission.
It is not necessary to fuel the torque converter before installing it. Upon starting the engine, the transmission automatically circulates fluid and fills the converter.
Conclusion
The answer to how long does a torque converter last is 80,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on your type of usage.
Hopefully, this article helped you to understand the following:
- The torque converter transforms power from the engine to a moving load.
- Symptoms of torque going bad are transmission overheating, slippage of transmission, fluid leakage, and unusual shuddering with loud noises.
- The replacement cost of a torque converter is somewhere between $600 to $1,000.
- Avoid driving a car with a bad torque converter.
If you are going to fix your torque converter by yourself, make sure you have the right tools. Now that you are clear about everything, boost your car performance now!
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