GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 46409 Torque Converter Lifting Handles


    Object Number: 712977  Size: SH

    Caution: The torque converter dry weight is approximately 29  kg (63 lb). To help avoid personal injury and/or property damage:

       • Use caution when installing, removing, or moving the torque converter.
       • Get help when lifting the torque converter. Assistance from a hoist or another person is required.
       • Make sure J 46409 T-handles are installed securely and that any lifting equipment used can properly support the torque converter.

  1. Position the transmission so that the front of the torque converter is facing up.
  2. If used, remove four bolts and two shipping brackets, or remove other torque converter restraining device.

  3. Object Number: 1200608  Size: SH
  4. Install a J 46409 T-handle into a boss on the front of torque converter (1).
  5. Install the other J 46409 T-handle into a boss on the front of torque converter (1) 180 degrees away from the first T-handle.
  6. Caution: Avoid personal injury or property damage when removing or installing the torque converter by seeking an assistant to help lift the torque converter.

  7. Remove torque converter from converter housing.
  8. Place torque converter on the work table.

Torque Converter Leak Test

Tools Required

    • J 43763 Torque Converter Leak Test Plug
    • J 21369-F Torque Converter Leak Test Fixture

    Object Number: 1217512  Size: SH

    Important: The torque converter leak test requires a large container of water in order to submerge the torque converter.

  1. Position torque converter (6) on the work table so that the pump hub is facing up.
  2. Move nut (3) to the middle of the center body (1) of J 43763 .
  3. Install J 43763 into the torque converter hub.

  4. Object Number: 1217050  Size: SH
  5. Install J 21369-F  (3) onto torque converter (8) and onto J 43763  (4).
  6. Firmly tighten nut (6) in order to seal J 43763 into the torque converter.
  7. Firmly tighten nut (5) in order to securely attach the torque converter to J 21369-F  (3). Connect an air hose to air fitting (1) of J 43763 .
  8. Pressurize the converter to 517 kPa (75 psi) maximum.
  9. Disconnect the air hose. Submerge the torque converter in water.
  10. Closely observe the torque converter for bubbles that indicate leakage. If the torque converter leaks, replace the torque converter.
  11. Caution: All pressure from the torque converter must be exhausted before loosening the test fixture nut. Failure to relieve the pressure could cause personal injury and/or property damage.

  12. Push on pressure relief valve (2) of J 43763 and release the air from the torque converter.
  13. Remove the J tools from the torque converter.

Torque Converter Inspection


    Object Number: 1217051  Size: SH

    Important: Replace the torque converter if it does not meet specifications.

  1. Measure the OD of torque converter hub (1) at dimension A, the bushing wear area.
  2. Torque Converter Hub OD
    Dimension A must equal or exceed 58.250 mm (2.293 in)


    Object Number: 1217066  Size: SH
  3. Measure the distance between the flats of the torque converter hub at dimension A.
  4. Torque Converter Hub Flats
    Dimension A must equal or exceed 51.816 mm (2.040 in).


    Object Number: 1217067  Size: SH
  5. Measure the OD of the torque converter cover pilot at dimension A.
  6. Torque Converter Pilot
    Dimension A must equal or exceed 43.080 mm (1.696 in)

Transmission Fluid Inspection


    Object Number: 1217018  Size: SH
  1. Remove the transmission fluid from torque converter (1).
  2. Examine the transmission fluid for the following.
  3. • Evidence of foreign matter
    • Metal particles
    • Other contaminates
  4. If the torque converter is damaged, replace the torque converter.

Torque Converter End Play Inspection

Tools Required

    • J 43764 Torque Converter End Play Gauge
    • J 5959 Dial Indicator
    • J 5959 Rod 1/4 x 101/2 inches
    • J 7872 Dial Indicator Clamp and Adaptor Rod

    Object Number: 1217507  Size: SH
  1. Position torque converter (3) on the work table so that the pump hub is facing up.
  2. Install J 43764  (2) into the torque converter hub.
  3. Hold J 43764  (2) in the converter hub and rotate the center screw until J 43764 is locked into the converter hub. Do not over tighten J 43764 .

  4. Object Number: 1217507  Size: SH
  5. Assemble the following tools and install the tools onto the torque converter as shown.
  6. • J 5959 Dial indicator (1)
    • Extension rod (7)
    • Clamp (6)
    • J 7872 Magnetic base (4)
    • Adaptor rod (5)
  7. Adjust clamp (6) so that dial indicator (1) firmly contacts the top of J 43764  (2).
  8. Set dial indicator (1) to read zero.
  9. Lift J 43764  (2) upward as far as possible.
  10. Read dial indicator (1) to determine torque converter end play.
  11. Compare the measured end play with the torque converter end play specifications. Refer to End Play Specifications .
  12. If the measured torque converter end play exceeds the value listed, replace the torque converter.
  13. Remove the J tools from the converter housing.