Tranny making a "low power steering fluid" sound!

[H3Spartan117]

Hi,

To start this thread off. I have a '04 F-250 FX4 Lariat. With 6.0 and auto tranny. I do not know much about these transmissions. I know they have a TorqueShift in them, and that is about as much as I know. I do not know what ratio my rear end is.

Here is what happened. We had a lot of rain here in south FL two weeks ago. I went up to get the tag on my truck and the street where the DMV was cover with water drain off from a construction site. People where poking like 5 mph through it. Some dude in a Cummins plowed through it and splashed everyone. To give an example on how deep it was, a police cruiser went through it and the water was barley touching the bottom of his front end. So I am guessing 8 inches deep probably? Well, when the light turned green, I decided to be Cummins and plow through it. I was going probably 25 mph and about 2 seconds into the puddle, I felt what felt like the back tires slipping, like they do when running though mud. I didn't let off the throttle any, what was the point? Let's splash everything Well, after I got my tag and got in the truck and pulled out, I noticed what sounded like the power steering pump was low on fluid when I accelerated. So when the light turned green, I softly accelerated and heard the noise. So i tried it while doing about 40 mph, it still does it when it gears down to speed up. I hear it when I am running down the road at any speed. The only difference is that when you accelerate, it is a lot loader. I'd say it is equivalent to the loudness of a power steering pump that is low when you go to turn, during acceleration.

And now it is getting to the point that when I accel. from a dead stop, the truck shakes real bad in first gear. I know it did this when pulling a load. I was told that that is somewhat normal, the torque converter is causing it. Also, I have had a few times that it will lunge some after being stopped at a light and I let off the brake. It's not from the gas, because it happens before I even have my foot on the gas peddle. And a 3rd thing about it. I know when I bought it (52,000) that when you put it in reverse, it would almost instantly shift with no hesitation. Now, when I go to back up, it takes a second or two for it to shift into reverse.

Why would going through a little bit of water cause so many problems? I have never been off road with this truck. It has only been stuck once, and that was at a flea market, in a small ditch.

Any help well be greatly appreciated!

[H3Spartan117]

Here are some pics of the tranny. Also, any idea why there is oil all over the place. I know my oil pan cap leaks a little, but this looks like it is coming from above or from the seal?

[dcs191919]

That oil is normal. My 06 has had oil on the bellhousing since it was brand new. It just stays there and never drips on the ground.... I also have drips on my oil pan which is normal. Did it shift all the way into 5th gear because it had no traction??? IF so I dont think it could be good to have your wheels spinning 100+ mph...lol I did that an 02 duramax when I was stuck in the mud.. I would start by checking the trans fluid to see if its low.. Low fluidlevel can cause rough shifting,loud noises etc. Warm up your truck by driving for 10 miles(warm up the trans all the way). Leave the engine running and put it in park or neutral. Checking the level while the truck is running will give you an accurate reading.

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Last edited by dcs191919 : 01-08-2008 at 12:20 PM.

[H3Spartan117]

Originally Posted by dcs191919

That oil is normal. My 06 has had oil on the bellhousing since it was brand new. It just stays there and never drips on the ground.... I also have drips on my oil pan which is normal. Did it shift all the way into 5th gear because it had no traction??? IF so I dont think it could be good to have your wheels spinning 100+ mph...lol I did that an 02 duramax when I was stuck in the mud.. I would start by checking the trans fluid to see if its low.. Low fluidlevel can cause rough shifting,loud noises etc. Warm up your truck by driving for 10 miles(warm up the trans all the way). Leave the engine running and put it in park or neutral. Checking the level while the truck is running will give you an accurate reading.

No, I think it stayed in 2nd for the time being, 3rd at the highest. I am not sure that I was even spinning my wheels? It felt like they where slipping some, but not enough to cause a rooster tail of water. I'll try that here in a second on the fluid thing. I actually just got back from a 30 mile run. That should have it nice and warm!

[jgrijalva1]

So, what ever happended with your tranny noise ?