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Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 3:49 pm
by Reddeer
After replacing u-joints at 115,000, I have the same problem at 126,000 (of course 1000 miles from home). At low rpm and low load, the transmission makes a grinding sound and has trouble transferring power. If I back off , then hit the accelerator, the problem stops - something "engages" and power is transferred. At 115,000 I limped back to base (1800 miles) and the transmission guy said it "wasn't the trasmission or torque convertor" and replaced "u-joints". (They looked more like wide bearings to me).He also installed "E-150" joints because the "E-350s did not fit". Strange. I looked on Rock Auto today and found parts for both appear similar for a 1992/3. Either way the problem went away until yesterday. Any one know a good drivetrain shop near San Juan Capistrano/Dana Point/Orange County? I know the 4EOD is a weak link, but it does seem to shift okay under load. Any thoughts are welcome!!!

Re: Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:28 pm
by skater
Sounds like it's slipping to me. I'm no expert, and I hate to argue with a transmission shop, but... (Having said that, a Cottman shop failed to diagnose my slipping transmission/failing torque converter...)

Note, it's the E4OD, in case you're going to mention it to shops when you call them.

Re: Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 9:45 am
by DavidP
Any particular gear? Road speed? Besides U-joints, did the shop do ANY other service? What I am getting at is did the shop service the transmission and mask converter shutter or possibly use cheep u-joints and you need to replace them again. I only use Spicer non-serviceable u-joints.

Re: Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 11:27 am
by Reddeer
Thanks Skater and David P. E4OD, got it. The transmission fluid was changed when the u joints were replaced. You may be right about "masking" the problem. The noise/slipping happens at 35-45 mph under light load or applying light load after a bit of "coasting". It is a whirring noise and feels like it is not engaging until I add more gas. To me it feels like a "slip" but the shop mgr drove it and said the tranny was shifting fine when I did the first repair. It does shift fine most of the time and the overdrive works (on and off).

I had considered replacing it the first time for peace of mind, but the shop said u joints. If it was u joints the first time, could I have driven it 1800 miles back home or would they have failed? Again, this might point to the tranny and torque convertor.

Also, gas mileage has dropped from 10-10.5 to 9-10mpg in the last 20,000 miles. Another symptom of a slipping transmission?

Re: Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 11:25 pm
by DavidP
I hate to say this but is sounds like a transmission may be in your b's future. If you do a lot of traveling I would buy a reman with a good nation wide warranty.

Re: Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 3:47 pm
by Reddeer
Update:

Diagnosis indicates 127k is all I can get from this transmission. Definite slipping and overheating of the ATF. Ordered a new reman with a nationwide warranty. My trans man stated that the first five years of the 4EOD were not its best. The reman has some stronger components and torque convertor. He stated he has seen some later 4EODs that went 200k.

The engine is strong, with no oil usage, so I should be set for a while. Thanks for all the intel.

Re: Universal joints or ?/ 4EOD

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 8:54 pm
by skater
Sorry to hear that, but at least you won't have to worry about it after it's done!