When you’re putting your automatic transmission back together, then you need to pay attention to the torque converter spacing. Incorrectly reinstalling the torque converter can result in severe transmission damage.
Should There Be Space Between the Torque Converter and Flex Plate?
When the torque converter is bolted to the flex plate, there is no space between the converter and the plate.
The flex plate is bolted at the center to the crankshaft and at its outer edges to the torque converter, which swells slightly as fluid pressure is applied by the pump; lots of square inches in there, so the torque converter needs to be able to flex the plate as it expands.
Sometimes the flywheel teeth (for the starter) are on the converter and sometimes they’re on the flex plate itself. But an automatic transmission doesn’t have a flywheel, per se, like a manual transmission does.
When the torque converter is bolted to the flex plate, there is no space between the converter and the plate.
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
When you’re reinstalling the torque converter into the transmission, you should hold the “button” in the center of the torque converter while spinning the converter with your other hand. The torque converter must engage the turbine shaft, the stator support (not shown in the illustration) on the pump, and the pump gear.
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Pro Tip: You’ll feel and hear three “clunks” when the converter is properly installed. If you don’t hear all three “clunks” and try to install the transmission, you can seriously damage the pump itself and possibly the crankshaft thrust bearings.
Symptoms of Incorrectly Installed Torque Converter
An incorrectly installed torque converter can damage the engine’s thrust bearing. If the torque converter is pushing the flex plate and thrust bearing, the thrust bearing’s surface might not be able to maintain a sufficient oil film. This can cause the part to overheat and be destroyed, which can allow the crankshaft to move and result in severe crank damage.
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