The attached article text is reprinted with permission from the March, 1998 issue of GEARS magazine.

GEARS is a publication of ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) with a circulation of 23,000. (For further info, call 805-654-1700.)

This article was co-authored by ATRA, AERA Engine Rebuilders Association, ASA and PERA (Production Engine Remanufacturers Association) and is probably the best unbiased information on thrust bearing failure and related causes/problems related to the engine/transmission.

Smack in the middle of these components is the lowly flywheel which must link the crankshaft to the torque converter. Keep this article handy for the next flywheel job that comes in with the center of the flywheel broken out.

Also mentioned in this article was torque converter ballooning caused by excessive pressure. A restricted cooler and/or cooler lines can cause this problem. Remember to flush out the cooler and lines!

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