My family car is an '07 Tahoe that has been incredibly reliable for 197k, but now the tranny feels odd. The only symptom is an abrupt 'slip' or jerk upon initial acceleration from a stop. No MILs, no other problems, just a noticable (like a tire on ice) thunk as you begin to roll forward. It doesn't even 'flare' it just moves a little and then hesitates before 'thunk' and you're gone. Whassup wit' dat? Patrick
4x4 or 2WD? Mine used to make a thunk after stopping moderately quick and then taking off. After I change the fluid in the transfer case it went away. I suspected it had something to do with the rear drive shaft sliding into the transfer case and then unloading when I took off. Might not be the same thing but if the fluids haven't been changed, it will possibly clue you in.
It's 4x4; I had the fluids changed at 100k, but was hesitant to change fluids again at 200k without asking for opinions first (now that it's acting weird). As to the driveshaft, I'll check that out, but there's a definite 'slip' also--it sits still or moves slowly for a fraction of a second then 'thunk' and it goes. (Best I can describe it is the 'patch of ice' feeling). Thanks for the responses! Patrick
Likely time for a full rebuild but easier now than before it gets worse... The 4L60E is a good trans but like anything they need to be rebuilt eventually.
Not what you wanted to hear,but he is probably right. 200k is asking a lot of a 700r4 or 4L60 that is occasionally towing. I just replaced mine after the shell broke while doing some very light towing. If you go that route find someone who can beef it up a little. Shells and planetary gears are a weak spot.
Make sure the shift cable is not out of adjustment as well. My Tahoe is at the 200K mark and had a similar issue. Put fresh fluids in it (had a shop do it and the filter) and needed a slight adjustment of the cable after I suspect they broke the cable. Problem appears to be solved.
Turned 200,000 today, still drives fine in normal daily and highway use. It seems it only acts weird with a full load of passengers and luggage in the mountains ( North Georgia, Southern Tennessee). I can't duplicate the problem without really steep hills; we drove to the S.C. coast for Spring Break with a full load and it acted normal. I guess I'll wait and see. Thanks for all the ideas! Patrick
I'd have it rebuilt just based on the mileage. That would SUCK it crapping out in the mountains with your family on board
Man, I must be living on borrowed time.. I rebuilt the 4L60E in Bucy's 2000 Yukon XL at 225,00, but have not had to touch the one in my 2000 Suburban.. odometer just rolled 330,000. Bought it from the Original owner, and have all the service records. Had a lot of work done, but no trans rebuild. Mike has since bought a newer truck, and gave me his old one, so that rebuilt unit is on hand and ready to go, but I have not needed it yet. I do drive like an old lady, folks have told me. They might be overstating it a bit, I just don't drive with one foot on the floor all the time. I guess I don't understand beating on equipment on a daily basis. After years of being a repair tech, and taking money from folks who abused their vehicles, driving vehicles hard, and incurring the higher maintenance costs, seems silly. A set of brake pads lasts me 5oK miles or more.. all you have to do is let off the gas when you see the light change, instead of driving right up to it and standing on the brakes.. My dad used to do that, drove me nuts. Now, just because I don't floor it at every opportunity, does not mean I drive slow.. got the speeding ticket last week to prove it.. JW
Mine now has 204,000 on it and I've not had any issues with the trans, transfer case or either diff. It was the first time they'd been serviced as far as I could tell. Had to replace the power steering lines, oil cooler lines, intake gasket and the quick disconnect heater hose along with nearly every bulb in the heat/AC controls with the switch being burned up. Still my daily driver with working AC!
