A/T - 1st-2nd Gear Shift Shudder
88buick18Bulletin 87-7440-7A
Date Sept., '88
Ref. No. 87-105A-7440
Corp. Ref. No. 777121R
SUBJECT: 1-2 SHIFT SHUDDER - REPLACING THE 2ND CLUTCH PLATES
MODELS AFFECTED: 1984-87 CENTURY, ELECTRA, LESABRE, AND RIVIERA/REATTA, WITH THM 440-T4 (ME9)
NOTICE: This bulletin supersedes 87-7440-7, dated 5/87, which should be destroyed. The bulletin is being revised to add 1984-86 model years and to clarify when the service parts listed should be ordered.
BULLETIN COVERS
A 1-2 shift shudder on 1984-87 vehicles equipped with a THM 440-T4 transaxle may be caused by out of flat 2nd clutch fiber plates. This condition may be repaired by replacing the 2nd clutch plates with the Service Packages described in the Service Parts Information section below.
FIGURE 1 - THM 440-T4 TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION:
DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE (Figure 1)
April 15, 1987 (Julian date 105), all 1987 THM 440-T4 transaxles were built using the new 2nd clutch fiber plates. The new plates were also used in all Service Replacement Transmission Assembly (SRTA) models starting on April 15, 1987 (Julian date 105).
SERVICE ACTION
When servicing a THM 440-T4 transaxle for a 1-2 shift shudder condition, or when performing a complete overhaul, DO NOT use the 2nd clutch fiber plates from an overhaul package that has a D7 or earlier packaging Julian date stamped on the carton. Refer to the Service Parts Information section below for an additional package to order. Overhaul packages with an E7 and later packaging date contain the new fiber plates and an additional package is not required.
SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: Only order the service package listed below if the overhaul package has a D7 or earlier packaging date. All overhaul packages that have an E7 or later packaging date have the new 2nd clutch fiber plates and there is no need to order the service package listed below.
Service Pkg Contents Application
8662913 2nd Clutch Plate Package 1984-1986 model years
- (5) steel plates
- (5) fiber plates
8662914 2nd Clutch Plate Package 1987 model year
- (6) steel plates
- (6) fiber plates
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE
Refer to the appropriate model year THM 440-T4 (ME9) Automatic Transaxle Unit Repair Table of Contents for 2nd Clutch Assembly service information.