According to the technical service bulletin TC018-07, the 2007 – 2008 Toyota Tundra equipped with the 5.7L V-8 and the AB60E automatic transmission may experience an intermittent shudder feeling when likely accelerating after an upshift between 20 – 45 mph/32 – 72 KM/H. This sensation can also occur before a downshift between 30 – 65/48 – 104 KM/H when the torque converter is in flex lockup.
What Transmission Do I Have?
The job of the torque converter is to transfer engine power to the transmission via fluid dynamics. As the engine’s flywheel turns one side of the torque converter, transmission fluid is forced through turbine blades which then turn turbine blades on the other side of the torque converter in the opposite direction. The engines torque is multiplied because that transmission fluid must first pass through a small turbine in the middle called a stator. This little wheel can then spin the transmission side turbine much faster, increasing the hydraulic pressure coming from the transmission pump.
AB60E torque converter shudder can cause serious damage to other parts of the transmission if problem is left untreated. Toyota says that they had to make design changes to the original torque converter in order to address the issue. Although they failed to specify exactly what they did. Meantime, their engineering department determined that the best way to solve this problem is to replace the torque converter with the new design.
Unfortunately though, fixing Toyota transmission problems is never cheap. Although they will last for a very long time, if they’re done right. That’s why you should consider a remanufactured AB60E transmission from a company like Street Smart Transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
These remanufactured AB60E transmissions are completely reengineered to address all the major design flaws. Then upgrades are made to extend the lifespan of the transmission and get you more miles than the OE gearbox. Once complete, every reman AB60E is dyno tested before it leaves factory, to ensure that it will perform properly right out-of-the-box. And you get a 3-year/unlimited mile nationwide warranty that can even be transferred if you decide to sell your vehicle. If you would like to learn more information about this option, simply click here.
