Torque converter

Hey everyone, I have been doing a ton of research on here and on google. I also contacted 2 very highly rated transmission shops locally. Just looking for suggestions/opinions.

My truck is an 07 prerunner, automatic with a V6.

About 5k miles ago my truck developed a shudder under load between 20-30 mph. At first glance it appeared to be the shudder that is common with Tacoma’s.

About 400 miles ago my truck started to shudder then followed by a fast vibration(felt like rumble strips but no as intense) it last for about 3 seconds then goes away.

My truck has 167k miles on it.

After doing some research on here I have found that a complete flush of the tranny an refill should take care of it. That the issue is likely related to the torque converter.

After contacting the local transmission expert(to ask him how much he would charge to do a flush an refill) he said it sounds like I am experience torque converter shutter, and that likely I need it replaced. He said if it’s not addressed it can lead to the filter being clogged, the tranny starved for oil an a transmission rebuild.

I don’t know if the shudder an vibration go hand in hand or not.

He is $190 to change and fluids, and quoted me $1100 to change the torque converter.

I also seen where people recommended using tranny dr insta shudder fix. And he told me that is a terriable solution because it will ruin rubber seals an create larger problems over times.

So I wanted to ask you 2nd gen guys directly to see what your advice would be.

I appreciate the help very much.

 

My wifes 2011 4runner is experiencing this i tried the shutter stop didnt get better, gonna try changing the fluid next.

 

@gearcruncher

 

I had my torque converter replaced under warranty

 

Similar issue, in for a possible solution

 

What you are experiencing is very common in V6 Tacomas and 4Runners. Do a complete fluid exchange and add some shudder fix. The forums are filled with guys who've done this and it cured the problem long term. I think your guy is just after your wallet.

 

put in 4th, if it shudders then fluid in tranny is possibly low

 

I forgot to mention knottyrope, I did drive it in 4 an all the problems go away.

 

Same issue. '08 Taco Crewcab, V6. Toyota dealer said i need new trans at a cool $4k. Said thanks for your time. Moved on. Went to mechanic i trust and he confirmed its my transmission and said he heard that changing fluid might resolve. Doesn't shudder in 4th. Only in OD and stops as soon as I let off gas or accerlerate thru it. Would appreciate any and all feedback.

 

Low oil in tranny if driving in 4th gear

opps I thought 4x4

ECGS might be what you need

drivers side on diff there is a bearing that fails, I bet your CV joint moves up and down a bit in it

 

If shudder goes away in 4 then it sounds like similar problem, although 20-30 sounds awful slow to be in 5 (OD). I have shudder when in D but am ~40MPH and 1200 RPM. I have done drain and fill 4 times with shudderfix and still have shudder (but not as bad...maybe). Unless I am on the highway I pretty much drive in 4. I ran through @gearcruncher's check list and all other possible causes were negative.

 

loose torque converter bolts maybe?
also MAF being dirty can make it shudder too

 

I’ll check these out this as soon as I have time. Thanks so much for you help!

I’ll keep you guys updated?

 

Take your truck for a drive once its warmed up.
When you feel the shudder , gently tap the brake pedal with your left foot as you maintain throttle with your right foot . Keep your right foot on the gas pedal !!!!
If the shudder goes away as you tap the brakes and comes back shortly after you remove your foot from the brake pedal , you have a converter shudder .
There are a bunch of fixes for this depending on mileage and how long its been happening .
1 - Do a pan drop , cleaning the filter , magnets and then add fresh fluid
2 - Add Lubeguard with fresh fluid
3- increase the pressure of the SLU solenoid
4- Are you sure you have a converter shudder ?
5 - Sonnax makes aftermarket valving to address the problem
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

I am not sure it’s torque converter shudder that’s just what the mechanic I called said it sounds like it is. I will try that when I get off work to better diagnose/isolate the issue.

Thanks!!!

 

You cant just add a bottle of shudder stop and expect the shudder to go away .
There are many things that have to be diagnosed properly
Chances are your transmission fluid has reached its usefull life and needs to be changed out .
A computer scan as well as a pan drop are the first things on the list to try .
Once the pan , filter and magnets are cleaned , add fresh fluid along with Lubeguard

 

Had my local shop drop the pan and clean with filter and replaced that much fluid, wife said it was a little bit better but not completely gone. Not sure what to do next take it to toyota and do a full flush or just do a couple more times of changing the fluid in pan.

 

I’m having this same exact issue in my 06. I know my cv axle on my passenger needs to be replaced since the boot is ripped and the driver side got replaced about 2 years ago. I’m hoping it’s vibrations coming from that but it’s only between 20-35 mph low rpm and when accelerating only.

 

Update, had the tran fluid/filter changed and they added shudderfix. I can say that the shudder is 99% gone and what I do feel, is very minor.

 

How much that cost and did Toyota dealer do it?