Torque Converter

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 engine and RWD automatic transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent for 6L80/6L90 transmission
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Drain plug washer × 1 — M14 copper washer
• Thread locker (blue) × 1 — Loctite 242 or equivalent

Fluids

• ACDelco Dexron VI ATF — 11.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove front skid plate if equipped
5. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated
6. Mark driveshaft and rear axle yoke orientation for correct reassembly alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan under transmission drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris indicating internal damage. Remove transmission fill plug to allow complete drainage. Install new copper washer on drain plug.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   Remove transmission pan bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). Carefully lower pan and drain remaining fluid. Remove transmission filter by pulling straight down from valve body. Clean pan thoroughly and inspect magnet for excessive metal debris.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect driveshaft and exhaust
   Remove rear driveshaft mounting bolts at rear axle. Support driveshaft and remove bolts at transmission yoke. Slide driveshaft rearward and remove from vehicle. Disconnect exhaust system at catalytic converter flanges and support with wire or hanger to provide clearance for transmission removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connections and cooler lines
   Disconnect transmission electrical connectors including shift position sensor, speed sensors, and solenoid harness. Label each connection for reinstallation reference. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using flare nut wrench. Cap all open lines and ports to prevent contamination. Remove dipstick tube mounting bolt and pull tube from transmission.
   ⚠Use flare nut wrench on cooler lines to prevent rounding of fittings.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove crossmember and support transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan and secure with safety chains. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts. Lower transmission jack slightly to access upper bell housing bolts. Remove transmission mount from crossmember if replacing.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission is securely supported on transmission jack before removing crossmember.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Access torque converter bolts
   Rotate crankshaft using breaker bar on center crankshaft bolt to access torque converter bolts through inspection cover opening at bottom of bell housing. Remove inspection cover bolts if not already removed. There are three torque converter to flexplate bolts spaced 120 degrees apart. Remove each bolt as it rotates into view.
   ℹ️Mark each bolt position if bolts are different lengths or have thread locker applied.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove transmission bell housing bolts
   Remove all bell housing to engine block bolts. Typically there are 6-8 bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note bolt locations and lengths for reinstallation. Remove any ground straps or wiring brackets attached to bell housing bolts.
8. 8

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully slide transmission rearward on transmission jack, ensuring it moves straight back without binding. Keep transmission level to prevent torque converter from sliding forward out of pump. Once input shaft clears bell housing, lower transmission and roll away from vehicle. Install torque converter holding tool or secure with wire to prevent it from falling out during handling.
   ⚠Transmission weighs approximately 200 lbs. Ensure jack is rated for this weight and transmission is securely fastened.
9. 9

   Remove torque converter
   With transmission on bench or suitable work surface, carefully pull torque converter straight out of transmission pump. Torque converter is held in place by pump hub and stator support splines. Rotate slightly while pulling if resistance is felt. Drain remaining fluid from converter into catch pan. Inspect torque converter hub, stator splines, and pump seal surface for wear or damage.
   ⚠Torque converter contains 1-2 quarts of residual fluid. Have drain pan ready.
10. 10

    Inspect and prepare for installation
    Inspect transmission pump seal and bushing for wear. Replace pump seal if damaged or leaking. Inspect flexplate for cracks, especially around bolt holes and between teeth. Check flexplate runout with dial indicator if reusing (maximum 0.030 inch). Clean all mating surfaces on bell housing and engine block. Ensure torque converter pilot hub on new converter matches original.
11. 11

    Install new torque converter
    Pour approximately 1 quart of fresh Dexron VI ATF into new torque converter. Align torque converter splines with transmission pump and carefully slide converter into transmission while rotating. Converter must be installed in three stages: first engage pump drive gear, then turbine shaft splines, then input shaft splines. Measure from bell housing face to converter mounting pad - should be approximately 1.0 inch or more recessed, confirming full engagement.
    ⚠️Torque converter MUST be fully seated before transmission installation. If not fully engaged, transmission installation will damage pump and seal.
12. 12

    Install transmission to engine
    Apply thin coat of high-temperature grease to torque converter pilot hub. Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Ensure torque converter remains fully seated while aligning transmission to engine. Carefully slide transmission forward, aligning dowel pins with engine block. Install bell housing bolts and tighten in star pattern to draw transmission evenly to engine block. Install upper bolts first, then lower bolts.
    ⚠If transmission does not slide easily into position, do NOT force it. Lower and check alignment and torque converter seating.
13. 13

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate. Apply thread locker to torque converter bolt threads. Install bolts through flexplate into torque converter, threading each bolt by hand first. Tighten bolts evenly in star pattern while rotating crankshaft to access each bolt. Verify all three bolts are properly torqued.
    ℹ️Ensure bolt threads engage at least 5 full turns. Short engagement can cause bolt failure.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall crossmember and reconnect components
    Raise transmission into position and install crossmember. Install crossmember mounting bolts and transmission mount bolts. Reconnect transmission cooler lines, tightening fittings with flare nut wrench. Reconnect all electrical connectors to transmission sensors and solenoids. Install dipstick tube with new O-ring if equipped. Reconnect exhaust system and driveshaft, aligning marks made during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install filter, pan, and fill transmission
    Install new transmission filter onto valve body, ensuring it seats fully. Install new pan gasket on transmission pan. Position pan and install bolts finger tight. Torque pan bolts in sequence from center outward in crisscross pattern. Install inspection cover if removed. Fill transmission with approximately 6 quarts of Dexron VI ATF through fill tube. Start engine and add remaining fluid while checking level according to transmission dipstick procedure with engine running and at operating temperature.
    ⚠Overfilling transmission can cause foaming and damage. Add fluid in small increments while checking level.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in order listed in procedure
2. Verify torque converter is fully seated before transmission installation - measure recess depth from bell housing face
3. Apply thread locker to torque converter bolts as specified
4. Align driveshaft marks to prevent driveline vibration
5. Use new drain plug washer and transmission pan gasket
6. Tighten pan bolts in proper sequence to prevent leaks

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan, drain plug, cooler lines, or bell housing
• With engine running and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear ranges and verify smooth engagement
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and in Park on level ground
• Road test vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifts and proper operation
• Recheck fluid level after road test and top off if necessary
• Scan for transmission fault codes with diagnostic scanner to verify all sensors functioning correctly
• Monitor transmission temperature during initial operation to ensure it remains within normal range (180-200°F)

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