How To Replace A Torque Converter

If you are searching for “how to replace a torque converter,” then this article will provide you with a step-by-step guide.

Steps To Replacing A Torque Converter

Follow these 10 steps to replace your car’s existing torque converter:

Step 1

This one is simple: make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat (and clean) surface.

Step 2

Support the weight of the vehicle onto two jack stands after one end has been lifted off the ground.
After doing so, move to the opposite end of the vehicle from which you began this process.
Lift the vehicle and place it on two more jack stands.
Make sure the two jacks stand at the same height. This will be the vehicle’s resting position.

Step 3

Get under the vehicle to the end of the drive shaft. Find where it is connected to the rear axle.
There is a universal jack that holds the two pieces together – it will stay inside one of the yokes after separation.
Loosen the four U-bolt nuts, and pull the U-bolts free from the yoke.

Step 4

Put the vehicle in neutral so the drive shaft can be turned.
Separate the two yokes by moving the universal joint, causing one of the free ends to be tipped away from the rear axle.
Now you can turn the drive shaft, as well as pulling the shaft away from the rear axle yoke.
Hold the free end of the shaft, which is above the rear axle yoke, then pull on the shaft to separate it from the back of the transmission.

Step 5

Locate the transmission fill tube when opening the hood of the car.
Find the bracket that is used to keep the tube in place.
Remove the bolt that goes through the tube, then pull up to remove this from the transmission.

Step 6

Put the car in park and find where the torque converter is visible – this will be by the front of the transmission.
Remove the bolts that fasten the converter to the fly wheel by loosening them.
The converter features three to four feet, which are all fastened by a nut and bolt. Remove all nuts and bolts used to tighten the converter.

Step 7

Put a floor jack below the transmission pan, then raise the arm up to the pan and put upward pressure on the transmission.
Remove bolts that fasten the transmission to a cross member.
Also remove bolts that secure the cross member to the frame of the vehicle.
Remove the cross member altogether.

Step 8

Loosen the transmission’s bell housing bolts. There should be 6-7 bolts present.
Pull the transmission away from the motor. All the weight will be on the jack at this time.
Pull away the transmission from the motor and lower it down.
This is done so the jack can be removed, and to set the transmission on the ground.

Step 9

Pull away the old converter from off the transmission’s input shaft.
Fill a new converter with a quart of transmission fluid.
Then push onto the transmission’s input shaft.
After the converter is pressed onto the shaft, turn it any way until it meshes with the notch. It should sit completely in place at this time.
Line the converter up with the shaft, pushing on it for a better fit, if needed.

Step 10

Reinstall the transmission in reverse order this time.
Fill the transmission with fluid, checking the level while running the car.

Torque Converter Replacement Cost

Typically, a DIY torque converter replacement costs between $200 and $600, according to Oards.com. Costs for a professional torque converter replacement can vary based on the labor rate at automotive shop locations. Labor costs should run between $400 and $700 at most shops. The total price for parts and labor should range from $600 to around $1,000.

If this seems too costly, doing the replacement yourself remains an option, and cheaper alternative. The average cost for a DIY replacement is $400, while a typical average cost for a professional service is around $850. At the time of a torque converter replacement, a change of the transmission fluid is recommended. Transmission flush costs range from $125-$250.