Indexing Torque Converter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban 3500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

To determine and correct a torque converter vibration, the following procedure may have to be performed several times to achieve the best possible torque converter to flexplate balance.

Remove the torque converter bolts.
Rotate the torque converter one bolt position from the original marked position.

Fig 1: Aligning Torque Converter Pilot And Engine Crankshaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION:

When installing the torque converter to the flexplate, make sure to use specified bolts. DO NOT use longer bolts. Using longer bolts will result in deformation of the torque converter cover and cause internal damage.

CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

Align the torque converter pilot (2) in the engine crankshaft (3). Install the torque converter to flexplate bolts, and tighten according to Fastener Specifications (On Vehicle)Fastener Specifications (Off Vehicle) .
Lower the vehicle.
With the engine at idle speed and the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, observe the vibration.
Repeat this procedure until the best possible balance is obtained.
Install the torque converter access cover and bolts (if equipped) and tighten according to Fastener Specifications (On Vehicle)Fastener Specifications (Off Vehicle) .

Torque Converter Replacement Guide

Condition	Action
Transmission Fluid Oxidized/Discolored Clutch Fiber Material	Do not replace the torque converter. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check .
Transmission Fluid Contaminated with Metal Particles	Do not replace the torque converter for clutch system or gearset component damage. Fine metallic debris or clutch plate material that is suspended in the fluid will not cause damage to the internal torque converter components nor any internal transmission components.
Harsh Gear Shifts	Do not replace the torque converter. Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission .
Noise - Whine	Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission . Do not replace the torque converter if noise is present in Neutral/Park. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical.
Vibration - Out of Balance	Refer to Torque Converter Vibration Test in this procedure.
No Drive/Slips in Drive	Do not replace the torque converter until completing all engine and transmission diagnostics.
Idle Surge/Rough Idle	Do not replace the torque converter. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls.
TCC Apply/Release Shudder	Do not replace the torque converter. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Shudder in this procedure.
TCC Chuggle	Do not replace the torque converter. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls.
Transmission Fluid Contaminated with Sludge/Metal Particles as a result of: Engine Coolant/Oil Pump damage Drive sprocket support damage Turbine/stator shaft damage Internal converter damage with no damage found in the transmission	Replace the torque converter.
Poor Acceleration above 48 km/h (30 mph) - Good Launch	Do not replace the torque converter until completing all engine and transmission diagnostics. Refer to Torque Converter Stator in this procedure. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls.
Poor Launch - Good Acceleration above 48 km/h (30 mph)	Do not replace the torque converter until completing all engine and transmission diagnostics. Refer to Torque Converter Stator in this procedure. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls.
Stripped Converter Bolt Holes	Replace the torque converter. Inspect flexplate.
Torque Converter Pilot Damaged	Replace the torque converter.
Torque Converter Hub surface is damaged - scored, raised/transferred metal.	Replace the torque converter.
External Leaks in the weld areas - hub, lug or closure weld.	Replace the torque converter.
Broken/Cracked Flexplate	Replace the torque converter.
Torque Converter Discolored/Overheated	Replace the torque converter.