2004 Chevy Malibu torque converter

CSSA

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

I just had the torque converter rebuilt and master overhaul of the transmission but now have vibration starting at 40mph and at 60 and above. I have taken the car back twice but still have the same problem. I have had tires rotated and balanced but no improvement. I have been told by friends it is a problem with the torque converter repair. I plan to take it back to transmission shop again but want your opinion if this is related to transmission repair and want to be more informed to insist they fix the problem. I am a single female and I hate to think they are taking advantage of me.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi cssa,

Thank you for the donation.

Vibrations are into 2 categories.
1. Drivetrains such as CV shafts and road wheels. This would be relative to vehicle speed and if it is CV inner joint out of balance due to lack of lubricants, the vibration would be more pronounced when accelerating slightly and disappears when accelerator is released. Wheel out of balance would cause vibration at certain speed and disappears below or over the speed irrespective of accelerator position and would vibrate even when gears are in neutral at the said speed. Front vibrations due to wheel out of balabce would be felt at the steering wheel.

2. Engine or torque converter. This would be rpm related.

You need to verify if it is engine rpm related or vehicle speed related. The torque converter would be more of a rpm related though it might be more pronounced at higher speeds.