1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Torque converter replacement

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by fragrancefree123, Sep 21, 2021.

  1. Sep 21, 2021 at 6:48 PM
    #1
    fragrancefree123

    fragrancefree123 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2021
    Member:
    #23452
    Messages:
    2
    First Name:
    alex
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 4WD v6
    Hey everyone, I just bought a 2006 v6 SR5 4WD 4Runner from a non Toyota dealership. I’m experiencing the “rumble strip” issue at around 30 mph. I’ve been reading on this forum, and I see that the fix is typically a torque converter replacement.

    The dealership has given me two weeks to get it looked at by a mechanic and they will pay for the necessary repairs. I have an appointment with my mechanic next week but want to hear about your experiences.

    If it is the torque converter, how long can a car be driven in this condition before causing irreversible damage to the transmission? I’m wondering if I should expect to have to replace the transmission in the near future, in which case i would return the vehicle rather than have the repairs done. In a normal used car market, I think returning it would be the most prudent choice, but these are strange times. I am also hesitant to return a 4Runner with the least amount of rust on its frame that I’ve seen on my hunt (I live in PA).
     
  2. Sep 23, 2021 at 8:47 AM
    #2
    Toy Yoda

    Toy Yoda New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2021
    Member:
    #18859
    Messages:
    97
    Gender:
    Male
    Rumble strip can be the torque converter failing & if they are willing to pay for it then definitely have it replaced. However many times its the fluid being worn out & a full exchange with new ATF can fix it as has been reported many times, there is also an additive called shudder fix that can be used to improve or stop the shudder. But again, if the dealer is going to pay for repair take it to a reputable mechanic or better yet an actual transmission shop that specializes in trans work.

    Rumble strip most likely wont cause other damage to the trans, many people continue to drive without issues as the shudder only happens at a certain speed or in a certain gear, once you are out of that situation it drives like normal, but do get it fixes ASAP. & when it gets replaced they will use new fluid so thats a plus, use toyota WS or one of the synthetic universal fluids that are fully rated for WS use, maxlife, amsoil etc.
     
  3. Sep 23, 2021 at 5:33 PM
    #3
    Roland

    Roland New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2021
    Member:
    #21148
    Messages:
    782
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2019 Toyota 4runner TRD off-road premium
    Welcome to the Forum from Texas,

    If you believe you had a good deal on your purchase and checked the Carfax, look at maintenance intervals, defects, accidents, overall condition & how many previous owners etc. Always try to get as much info about the vehicle as possible. You can give the vehicle back if the above don't check well. How many miles?
     
  4. Oct 1, 2021 at 5:56 PM
    #4
    fragrancefree123

    fragrancefree123 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2021
    Member:
    #23452
    Messages:
    2
    First Name:
    alex
    Vehicle:
    2006 SR5 4WD v6
    Thank you for your responses. I decided to return the 4Runner. I took it to a transmission specialist who said I’d need a torque converter replacement and potential transmission rebuild/ replacement. The dealer seemed to want to do the bare minimum to repair it so I didn’t want to deal with that.
     
    Roland likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top