How long does it take to replace a torque converter? Replacing a torque converter takes time and effort, and we are tired of waiting.
It is quite annoying as we are in a big hurry. However, we should not push the process.
Determining whether the torque converter causes our car’s troubles is difficult. As a result, confusing the signs of a failed torque converter with others might waste time and money.
Let’s learn how long the torque converter clutch replacement is and its symptoms. Also, we will go through how much to repair torque converters.
What Are Torque Converters?
A torque converter is a mechanism that connects the engine to the gearbox. This system transmits engine power to the gearbox.
Furthermore, it helps increase torque at lower engine RPMs. Thus, the torque converter maintains the engine’s power generation in the optimal range.
Torque converters have mostly replaced the clutch employed in manual transmissions. The distinction is that automatic transmission cars’ power to the gearbox utilizes fluid.
It helps prevent stalling and enables the gearbox to shift gears smoothly.
How A Torque Converter Works?
The rotating torque power is transmitted to the gearbox through this system. This torque converter is mounted and positioned on a flex plate.
It is between the engine and transmission. To provide the conversion effect, the engine crankshaft rotates the flex plate.
A pump with some blades is located below the engine torque converter’s cover. The blades rotate in time with the crankshaft, similar to a propeller.
The result is for fluid from the gearbox to enter the impeller blades.
The blade assembly is linked to the transmission’s input shaft. The hydraulic pressure created by this operation determines the vehicle’s transmission gear and speed.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Torque Converter?
It will take around 5 to 10 hours to complete the task. However, it will depend on our automobile brand and the transmission shop we go to. A torque converter replacement is a big job.
When there are a lot of customers in service, we need to queue for our turn. Thus, the process will be longer. Some reported that they had to wait for 4 days to have their car fixed.
If we have some technical knowledge and want to replace it ourselves, it will also take many hours.
There are many tasks. Even if professional technicians do the torque converter replacement job, they still need at least 4-5 hours.
Now, we know how complicated a torque converter works. You may wonder, “How much does it cost to replace the torque converter?”. Find out here.
How Much Is A Torque Converter Replacement?
The cost of repairing our torque converter is usually more than the cost to replace a torque converter.
Nevertheless, before deciding anything, let a technician or vehicle professional inspect it.
Most services will have a torque converter replacement cost between $600 and $1000. If we choose to handle the change ourselves, a new one will cost between $150 and $500.
The precise cost is determined by the brand, converter, and transmission models. At the very least, doing it ourselves will save us money on labor.
It is a large task since the transmission must be uninstalled. Then, the system is examined and changed. Thus, it is not something we should do as a beginner.
How Hard Is It To Replace A Torque Converter?
It isn’t very easy. That is why even transmission specialists need at least 4 or 5 hours to finish it. Based on the issue and make of the automobile, it is preferable to replace the complete system.
Fixing its components can only help the car temporarily. The old replaced parts can have excessive wear and damage the whole system.
The cost of torque converters is not expensive, but the labor is. Since the process is difficult, the cost to repair torque converters is about $500 to 800.
Since the process is complicated, the labor cost is high. We can think of changing the torque converter ourselves. However, we need technical knowledge and experience.
We will need to remove the transmission for inspection and replace it. It is challenging and time-consuming for beginners, and we may worsen the situation.
Can You Replace Just The Torque Converter In A Transmission?
The good thing is that because this car component is self-contained, We are not required to replace or repair the entire transmission.
Torque converters are maintained and replaced as a single item.
However, we should take our car to auto repair shops for a thorough inspection. Some common symptoms of a faulty torque converter are usually linked to the transmission system.
Torque converter replacement alone may not solve the underlying problem.
What Are The Symptoms of Torque Converter Problems?
Torque converter issues provide indications that are frequently misinterpreted as a failed gearbox. Consumers will spend thousands of dollars merely to repair their transmission.
Let’s find out the common bad torque converter symptoms here.
Slipping
If a torque converter develops difficulties, they become apparent rapidly. It cannot control the fluid level appropriately.
Too little or too much fluid entering the gearbox will make the gears slippery. It will lead to a loss of acceleration.
The vehicle’s fuel efficiency will suffer as well. There might also be a lack of automatic transmission fluid. Therefore we should test the fluid as soon as we discover slippage.
Overheating
Another indicator of a torque converter malfunction is the temperature. Our car’s sensitive temperature gauge becomes overheated.
Then, it will show a transmission control check engine light on the instrument panel. A drop in a faulty solenoid or fluid pressure might cause this signal.
Slipping while traveling might potentially cause this overheating problem. It is bad for our converter because it can cause its internal components to wear out.
Furthermore, the converter will be unable to perform its main job of power transfer to the gearbox.
Contaminated Transmission Fluid
Automatic vehicle gearbox fluid (ATF) flows into a torque converter. This fluid is polluted with dirt, filth, or black sludge, indicating that the transmission is harmed.
Furthermore, dirty transmission fluid can damage torque converter parts such as turbine fins and stator bearings.
To keep either of these from occurring over time, we must always possess high-quality fluid in our gearbox. Remember that just changing the unclean fluid may save us a great deal of money.
Shuddering
If we’re driving between 30 and 45 mph and we notice shudders, vibration, or rattles, the issue might be from the torque converter.
It is supposed to be easy to detect because the sensation is generally similar to driving on a rough road.
The feeling of trembling will occur unexpectedly and disappear abruptly.
However, when we encounter these vibrations for the first time, we need to have our transmission evaluated by a specialist first.
Increased Stall Speed
Engine stall speed is the velocity when the engine’s RPMs are sufficient for the torque converter system to transmit the power to the gearbox.
A faulty torque converter cannot transform the vehicle’s rotational force to hydraulic pressure.
The negative aspect is that the typical stall speed may rise. It will cause the transmission to take longer to engage the vehicle.
The transmission reduces or increases the speed of the converter’s output.
At the same time, the throttle will not change due to variable hydraulic pressure. When this occurs, driving may become hazardous.
Therefore, do not drive our car until the problem has been resolved.
Unusual Sounds
If a torque converter fails, numerous different types of sounds might be produced. First, you may hear whining noises. Rattling noises may be heard if the clutch mechanism fails.
When the car is parked, the noise may be muffled. Yet, when the transmission is in gear, the rate and level of the humming sounds will grow.
It will cause our converter to fail. Besides, the damaged turbine fin or broken bearings will make a clicking sound.
What Are The Causes of Torque Converter Problems?
Whenever our torque converter fails, we should be aware of the possible causes. It will help the repair process quickly.
As a result, we should follow the below, which are some of the reasons for torque converter issues.
Faulty Torque Converter Seals
The fluid inside the bell housing may leak when the converter seal fails. If this occurs, the torque converter fails to give an easy power transfer to the transmission.
As a result, there may be overheating issues, greater stall speeds, and slippage. Some of the signs above are what we can expect.
Defective Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
The clutch solenoid in a torque converter is an electrical part. It helps check fluid pressure and adjust the amount of fluid received by the lockup clutch.
Once the solenoid fails, there will be no exact measurement of the transmission fluid. It may result in unusual fluid pressures.
As a result, unusual issues, including engine stalling and low gas mileage, may occur.
Damaged Needle Bearings
The converter housing, impeller, turbine, and stator are all separated by needle bearings. Alternatively, damaged bearings may cause some strange noises when driving.
It may lead to the buildup of metal fragments in the transmission fluid. This is a result of metal-on-metal contact among these torque converter parts.
Run-down Torque Converter Clutch
Defective torque converter clutch plates can cause slippage and harsh acceleration. Locking the torque converter in idle gear or drive might indicate an issue with one of the clutch plates.
Besides, the converter controls the hydraulic fluid pressure by a clutch solenoid valve. Rough acceleration, overheating, and slippage are all symptoms of a defective solenoid.
Can You Drive With A Bad Torque Converter?
When the torque converter weakens, it will create issues, making the vehicle undrivable. These can involve engine speed fluctuations and even unexpected vehicle stops.
It is extremely risky to drive. Therefore, diagnosing any symptoms quickly is best. We should allow our technician to remedy the issue before it worsens.
There is no specified period for a torque converter to remain functional or be repaired. It can endure for the whole lifetime of an auto, roughly 200,000 miles.
The torque converter may live this long without difficulty, or a problem will arise. Understanding the signs and preventing causes helps extend our torque converter lifespan.
Conclusion
How long does it take to replace a torque converter? Depending on the technician’s skill, it is about 5-10 hours of labor.
While a new torque converter is cheap, the labor rate for replacement is not affordable. It is because the process can be complicated.
We can attempt to replace it ourselves if we have great technical skills and knowledge.