T40 transaxle popping and skipping

1244 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Voyager6, Aug 7, 2013

SlimJim72

Discussion Starter · Aug 4, 2013

About 2 years ago the transaxle on my L118 started to do the slow dance after it warmed up. After reading a number of threads on this forum and talking to tuff torq I decided to rebuild the tranny. I put in a new pump and motor as the threads and tuff torq service had suggested. The rebuild went very smoothly and I was ecstatic when the L118 started to do the hills on my property with ease again.

About 90 hours later, the same symptoms came back. I called up tuff torq to ask what the deal is with and that I expected more than 90 hours out of the pump and motor. They told me that they NEVER recommend just replacing the pump and motor and that I should have replaced the center case block as well. Given that it was not mentioned on the threads nor by the tuff torq rep originally, this caught me by serious surprise...but I took it on the chin and did round 2 on my tranny, with another pump, motor and center case.

Again the second rebuild went fine and the power output is great again. BUT...you knew it was coming...

Let me back up a little. When the tranny started to slow down again the second time, it also started popping and skipping every now and then. Especially when I would make a sharp turn. Given this, when I opened up the tranny for the second overhaul, I looked over all the gears to make sure none of them had any serious wear. They all looked relatively clean and in good condition. The magnets had been going their job and collected fillings as expected...nothing to crazy. Given that the gears looked good, I had put the popping/jerking and skipping to the motor/pump again. 2 weeks after the rebuild (second time out) the skipping was much more noticeable. At the end of 30 minutes of use I stopped for fear of doing some serious damage (if I have not already done it).

So at this point, I'm at a loss as to what might be happening here. What should I be looking for or what am I missing? Is this tranny a goner? Any thoughts? Has anyone else experienced this kind of popping/jerking/skipping with their T40? Any help appreciated.

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Jim_WV

· #2 · Aug 5, 2013

Intriguing is all I can say.

I have no idea what could be going on in there. But I agree with you, had I known or read about replacing the center case as well when I did my L120's K46 perhaps it would have lasted longer. I got about two years after replacing the motor/pump and filter as well. Wish I had read this on TT's site at the time of repair https://www.tufftorqservices.com/EnvEEdefault/FlatHTML/TechInfo/help/helplosspower.html . Like wise I bet you wish the tech had told you this when you talked to them.

You have indeed come to a decision point and I wish you the best. For me, I chose not to invest anymore money and time in another rebuild and bought new.

:goodl:

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Voyager6

· #3 · Aug 6, 2013

SlimJim72,

What oil did you use?

Popping during a sharp turn sounds like a differential problem. There is a lot of play in the differential and wear could possibly cause it to jump teeth, which wouldn't be good. there is supposed to be a spec for how much play in the axle/pinion gearing, which is adjusted with the shims - but new TT transmissions are often out of spec in that area.

You didn't forget to put one of the C (or U) washers in at the axle or have one fall out. That could cause enough play in the differential to jump teeth.

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SlimJim72

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 6, 2013

Voyager6,

In thinking about this issue I also thought it might be the differential, but can't think of a way to determine that - can you think of a way? Do you think the play would need to be noticeable enough when turning the axle while the tranny is open?

I don't believe I forgot the U washer, but I'll look into it when I open up the tranny in a couple of days.

BTW, If there is enough play going on to make the differential skip, can you think of any remedies?

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Displaced Hokie

· #5 · Aug 7, 2013

Popping would seem to be gear related.

Weird surging can be a slipping input sheave due to worn splines.

Sent from the MTF Free App

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Voyager6

· #6 · Aug 7, 2013

SlimJim72 said:
Voyager6,

In thinking about this issue I also thought it might be the differential, but can't think of a way to determine that - can you think of a way? Do you think the play would need to be noticeable enough when turning the axle while the tranny is open?

I don't believe I forgot the U washer, but I'll look into it when I open up the tranny in a couple of days.

BTW, If there is enough play going on to make the differential skip, can you think of any remedies?

Raise the rear tires off the ground and pull in and out on them. If you missed the washer, it will come out further than it should (likely compare one side versus the other).

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