Torque converter rattle??

I've got an 02 Mountaineer V8 AWD (I know this is the Explorer forum but there's not much action on the Mountaineer one - and heck, they're basically the same vehicles) and my and the Ford dealers first thoughts were that a heat shield was loose. I've got a constant rattle noise whenever the vehicle is running. Sounds like a thin piece of metal shaking against another piece of metal. Ford checked it out and said the noise is coming from the torque converter - which is a whole different story price wise.

Just curious if anyone here has experienced the same thing and what the outcome was.

Thanks a lot.

where is it coming from, the noise?

where is it coming from, the noise?

I haven't been under the vehicle to try to pinpoint it myself. I'll see if I can do that today. But as I said earlier, Ford diagnosed it as coming from the torque converter. Sorry if I'm not able to provide much info on this.

I haven't been under the vehicle to try to pinpoint it myself. I'll see if I can do that today. But as I said earlier, Ford diagnosed it as coming from the torque converter. Sorry if I'm not able to provide much info on this.

I have heard of it - not very often, but it can happen. The inside of the torque converter contains a clutch disc very similar to a clutch disc in a car with a manual tranny. When your torque converter goes into lock-up, this disc is engaged using fluid pressure.

There are some springs which absorb shock when the disc engages - every now and then one breaks.

Do a little searching on the internet, you will find some pictures / explanations.

I have heard of it - not very often, but it can happen. The inside of the torque converter contains a clutch disc very similar to a clutch disc in a car with a manual tranny. When your torque converter goes into lock-up, this disc is engaged using fluid pressure.

There are some springs which absorb shock when the disc engages - every now and then one breaks.

Do a little searching on the internet, you will find some pictures / explanations.

Thanks exploded. I'm going to take it to a transmission shop for a second opinion before committing to spend the money.