Loud thud/clunk even shifting between into reverse or drive?

Tiny
METAPINK
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • 160,000 MILES
Is this a symptom of bad mount, or transmission going bad it something else?

I've noticed "hard shifting" for a while, but this is much louder with extra clunk after draining transmission fluid and replacing filter.
Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 9:49 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
MATHGEN
  • MECHANIC
  • 128 POSTS
From your pictures, it looks like you removed one of the band servos. If there is a fluid leak from the servo, it could cause the symptom you are having due to loss of fluid pressure or possible aeration of the fluid. I would make sure there are no damaged o-rings or seals.
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 AT 5:39 AM
Tiny
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In that servo there are two metal rings with holes that are on top of each other. Are they supposed to be connected or not? It kind of looks as if they were two pieces joined by a lip that broke off? But maybe that's how it is supposed to be? The two pieces rotate independently.
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Thursday, July 13th, 2023 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
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Also, do you know how I can tell the exact transmission model? It seems that there are two kinds for my car year-make-model.
4T45-E
4T65-E
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Thursday, July 13th, 2023 AT 11:12 AM
Tiny
MATHGEN
  • MECHANIC
  • 128 POSTS
So, your transaxle is the 4T45-E. The '65' is used with the 3.9l engine. Here is a disassembled view of the Low-Reverse servo. The springs you are referring to were probably joined by that metal tab to make it easier for assembly at the plant. Replacement springs come as two pieces. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but is there any scoring or gouging of the servo pin? It needs to be smooth.
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Thursday, July 13th, 2023 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
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It's 3.5l engine. Are there any annotations to #68?
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Saturday, July 15th, 2023 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I noticed we haven't been in contact with you for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? Also, there is no indication of a change to #68.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
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Yeah, I put everything back together, filled up the oil while it's hot cycling through gears, and closed the plug after it stopped dripping. I then put the wheels on and lowered the car, and now it sounds same as it used to. It's not the loud clunk that I posted on the video, but more of a dull thump. I wonder if more than one thing is going on.

I can feel a kick even shifting into reverse, and sometimes shifts hard even going uphill.
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 10:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,230 POSTS
Hi,

It could be something other. Have you checked the engine and trans mounts? Anything loose as far as the CV joints?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, July 20th, 2023 AT 5:56 PM

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