RE: [Chevelle-List] Thrust bearing failure

[Bill Vander Werf]

It’s an automatic (TH400). I’ve tried 3 different torque converters and had the trans rebuilt a second time. I checked to make sure the driveshaft wasn’t too long and causing a bind. After the last bearing went out I took the trans to JW Performance Transmissions to have them check it out. They ran it on their test equipment and it checked out good. They tested the torque converter, an ATI unit, and it checked out good too. As a matter of fact they said the ATI converter was an excellent piece of equipment.   Although the crank and block check out good I’ve lost all faith in them at this point. The crank and block have been looked at by two different machine shops. I had the crank Magnafluxed a second time for good measure. The flex plate is a B&M unit. The harmonic balancer is a Fluidamper and they were both balanced with the rotating assembly.   I don’t have a plan B at this time except to start over with a different block and crank. I’m sure there is an answer. It’s probably a simple one. I just want to go racing and my patience has been used up. I haven’t driven this car more than maybe 30 miles since the first bearing episode back in May. When everything checks out good but continues to be a problem what else can you do?     Bill Vander Werf     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Don Sent: Monday, December 30, 2002 8:07 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Thrust bearing failure       If it's only eating up the rear thrust bearing face & you are sure the crank, rods, etc are in good condition, then I'd say it HAS to be a flywheel/clutch-Flexplate/Converter or trans problem.  Is it an automatic or standard? Maybe a VERY slim chance of a Harmonic Balancer problem. I doubt it but I've heard they can do strange things when they get out of balance. Sorry I can't help more but that's all that I can think of. Do you have access to an engine stand that you can run the engine without the trans installed? Don