Transmission question.

Topic: Transmission question. (Read 1593 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission question.

March 18, 2013, 10:34:10 am

We have been noticing that our Allison 4060R is sounding different. There is a disturbing "thump" that happens ... to me it seems to be when the rig shifts down from 6 to 5 as we go up a slight incline. There is also a jerkier feel when we slow down on more level terrain, but not really when we use the retarder. This is more when we are going down the road under normal power and the tranny has to just do it's job. We are headed to Nac anyway, but this may be an issue for an Allison location. The fluid level is good and we are running with Transynd. Thoughts, anyone?

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #1 – March 18, 2013, 11:02:08 am

The only thing that comes to mind, is check for fault codes on the shifter.

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #2 – March 18, 2013, 11:09:01 am

First check the fault codes, then visible driveline components for attachment security, rust looking dust on U joints, etc, etc.

Read Barry's paper at: U295 Driveline vibration issues

Even though yours is a U320, I would check sooner than later as there is a lot of torque generated by the engine and what might be a simple fix now could turn into more if not taken care of.

You are smart to notice it and ask about it quickly.

Pierce

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #3 – March 18, 2013, 11:34:17 am

Quote from: Carol Savournin – March 18, 2013, 10:34:10 am

We are headed to Nac anyway, but this may be an issue for an Allison location. The fluid level is good and we are running with Transynd. Thoughts, anyone?

Per the link Pamela and Mike posted, there's a Stewart and Stevenson in the Longview area, just up the road from Nac. Other than basic preventative maintenance stuff, we wouldn't use anything but an Allison shop for our transmission.

Transmission service

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #4 – March 18, 2013, 11:43:50 am

Lord, I love this Forum!!! Thanks, everyone!

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #5 – March 18, 2013, 02:12:10 pm

My first look would be at the two U-joints, be careful going under the coach - you could stand near the rear wheels and have someone shift from forward to reverse while holding the brake and listen for the "clunk".

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #6 – March 18, 2013, 02:21:58 pm

Carol, glad Michelle recalls the shop we used. I was very pleased with them. It does though take reservation to get in. The number is 903-758-5562.

It helped I think to reference MOT or FOT sent you in terms of timing. They supply the transmissions for FOT. Last time I was there, they had about 35 of the 3000 series on the shop floor, to be used by commercial customers.

If I can help get you there with driving directions, advise. There is a good way to avoid Kilgore if you going there from Nac.

Mike

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #7 – March 18, 2013, 08:33:49 pm

Yes to all the above Carol. Baby it until it's looked at by the Allison shop. Could be a U-joint or a loose coupling. If not it's probably time to drop the pan. Did you have the second transynd change?

Keith

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #8 – March 20, 2013, 11:12:19 pm

How many gallons needed to change the oil in a 4060R transmission?

best, paul

Quote

We have been noticing that our Allison 4060R is sounding different. There is a disturbing "thump" that happens ... to me it seems to be when the rig shifts down from 6 to 5 as we go up a slight incline. There is also a jerkier feel when we slow down on more level terrain, but not really when we use the retarder. This is more when we are going down the road under normal power and the tranny has to just do it's job. We are headed to Nac anyway, but this may be an issue for an Allison location. The fluid level is good and we are running with Transynd. Thoughts, anyone?

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #9 – March 21, 2013, 12:23:04 am

Quote from: Paul Smith – March 20, 2013, 11:12:19 pm

How many gallons needed to change the oil in a 4060R transmission?

best, paul

7 gallons
cummins-m11-450-belts-hoses-filters 1999

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #10 – March 21, 2013, 09:18:26 am

Hmmmm....

I just found this:

http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadFile?Dir=publications/pubs&FileToGet=SA5429EN.pdf

which says 31 to 39 quarts for REFILL (depending on the sump size 2in or 4in)

On my transmission, the tech refilled with 7 gallons. This turned out later to be 13 quarts low (3.25 gal low) and no evidence of leaks.

39-28 = 11 quarts is close to 13 quarts, which suggests I may have a 4in sump.

What's going on here?

best, paul

Quote

> On: Wed Mar 20, 2013 Paul Smith Wrote:
Quote

How many gallons needed to change the oil in a 4060R transmission?

best, paul

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #11 – March 21, 2013, 09:45:20 am

Quote from: Paul Smith – March 21, 2013, 09:18:26 am

Hmmmm....

I just found this:

http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadFile?Dir=publications/pubs&FileToGet=SA5429EN.pdf

which says 31 to 39 quarts for REFILL (depending on the sump size 2in or 4in)

On my transmission, the tech refilled with 7 gallons. This turned out later to be 13 quarts low (3.25 gal low) and no evidence of leaks.

39-28 = 11 quarts is close to 13 quarts, which suggests I may have a 4in sump.

What's going on here?

best, paul

That is quite a difference compared to your owners manual page "A1"
I looked back on when mine was changed and it took 10 gl.

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #12 – March 21, 2013, 09:48:41 pm

You have the 4 inch sump

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #13 – March 23, 2013, 10:23:30 am

Have you checked fluid level on the shifter display?

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #14 – March 23, 2013, 10:40:31 am

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – March 23, 2013, 10:23:30 am

Have you checked fluid level on the shifter display?

Yes, it's fine.

best, paul

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #15 – March 23, 2013, 04:55:04 pm

My trans also required about 9+gal.

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #16 – March 29, 2013, 10:12:16 pm

Carol, it looks like the Mayor is in her normal spot at Camp FT!
So, what did you find out about your transmission question? U joints sounded like a good possibility.

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #17 – March 30, 2013, 12:53:42 pm

Haha!! Yes ... we turned this corner into "Sanford & Son" while we cleaned out our bays and purged ... set up Monday for our TV remodel to begin. Then, they can take a look at the mechanical items on our list. We got no error code reading in our attempt to decipher the "codes" that appear when you push the buttons (manual in hand, we figured that out ... we think), so we are fairly sure that it may just be the U-joint. Things are pretty quiet here this weekend ...

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #18 – March 30, 2013, 01:16:22 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – March 30, 2013, 12:53:42 pm

so we are fairly sure that it may just be the U-joint. Things are pretty quiet here this weekend ...

It might just need greasing. But they can do lots of damage if they come apart. And don't you dare let them replace with asian u-joints. The bean cutters almost sabotaged the whole fleet where I retired from when they started using the cheap foreign made ones. We had a whole rash of u-joints letting go in the most undesirable places!!! And when they go that way, you sit and wait for a tow. The big boss ordered a whole bunch of them dumped into the recycle bin for melting. All that savings ended up costing the company lots of money.

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #19 – March 30, 2013, 01:22:48 pm

Thanks Pat, great info...

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #20 – March 31, 2013, 05:27:43 am

IF the U Joint IS making the thumping noise, it would be way too late for grease to fix it.

Re: Transmission question.

Reply #21 – March 31, 2013, 12:29:51 pm

Dave hits it on the Easter Egg. That's why NASCAR has a hoop around the driveshaft at the front. If the U joint fails, the end can flail about and damage anything close by. Imagine the pole vault effect if a U joint failed at the front joint and the drive shaft dug into the track especially on dirt.

Pierce

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