Just another “shudder” thread

[bootheel]

Hey everyone. I know there are a ton of “shudder” threads all over the internet, and this site referring to problems with the tranny or tc on these. I have read repairs from tranny mounts, u-joints, complete transmissions, and torque converters. I wanted to start my own thread chronicling my experience with this issue, and document my findings. I own a 2005 Limited V6 that has had the transmission serviced around every 60k since new with Toyota WS. Last service was a full exchange at the 185k mark. As I approached the 240k mark I noticed that I was beginning to feel, what I thought, was the dreaded “shudder” that others had experienced. It progressed into a full blown “shudder” not long after that between 35-40 mph. Mind you, that this tranny has been serviced religiously since new. After reading through countless threads of using “only WS” fluid, or grenading the tranny, I started noticing some people that decided to give Maxlife a shot. At this point, I figured it would be worth a shot since the alternative would be costly repairs not knowing if any of them would actually correct the problem. So, this past weekend I did a full fluid exchange with 16qts of Maxlife, along with new filter and am happy to report that the shudder is completely gone, along with smoother shifts through the gears. I plan to update this thread as time passes to see where things stand, and to possibly help the community remedy this issue. I will say that up until now I have always been an “oem” guy when it comes to transmission fluid, but I might just be changing my opinion on this one.

 

[bootheel]

I will add that the fluid condition, going by color, of the WS was excellent at the 55k (185k-240k) mark with little to no metals in the pan along with no sludge.

 

[luke87gt]

Thanks for sharing...

I wonder if you would report the same results if you flushed it with fresh WS instead of Maxlife after that 55K miles?

 

[AuSeeker]

Hey everyone. I know there are a ton of “shudder” threads all over the internet, and this site referring to problems with the tranny or tc on these. I have read repairs from tranny mounts, u-joints, complete transmissions, and torque converters. I wanted to start my own thread chronicling my experience with this issue, and document my findings. I own a 2005 Limited V6 that has had the transmission serviced around every 60k since new with Toyota WS. Last service was a full exchange at the 185k mark. As I approached the 240k mark I noticed that I was beginning to feel, what I thought, was the dreaded “shudder” that others had experienced. It progressed into a full blown “shudder” not long after that between 35-40 mph. Mind you, that this tranny has been serviced religiously since new. After reading through countless threads of using “only WS” fluid, or grenading the tranny, I started noticing some people that decided to give Maxlife a shot. At this point, I figured it would be worth a shot since the alternative would be costly repairs not knowing if any of them would actually correct the problem. So, this past weekend I did a full fluid exchange with 16qts of Maxlife, along with new filter and am happy to report that the shudder is completely gone, along with smoother shifts through the gears. I plan to update this thread as time passes to see where things stand, and to possibly help the community remedy this issue. I will say that up until now I have always been an “oem” guy when it comes to transmission fluid, but I might just be changing my opinion on this one.

I will add that the fluid condition, going by color, of the WS was excellent at the 55k (185k-240k) mark with little to no metals in the pan along with no sludge.

Have you ever added the additive "Instant Shudder Fixx" when doing the flush?

Instant Shudder Fixx

Thanks for sharing...

I wonder if you would report the same results if you flushed it with fresh WS instead of Maxlife after that 55K miles?

I also wondered the same, most do the trans fluid flush after the first one at 30,000 to 40,000 mile intervals, especially if you tow from time to time.

 

[Lance4Life]

I have the shudder as well, you couldn’t have timed this post more perfectly. My truck does the same thing at the same speeds every time I get on the highway. Can you include a parts list of what you did by chance?


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[bootheel]

Thanks for sharing...

I wonder if you would report the same results if you flushed it with fresh WS instead of Maxlife after that 55K miles?

That’s a good question. Honestly, I don’t have an answer for you. My purpose of this post is not to start a witch hunt, just to possibly find alternative solutions.

 

[bootheel]

Have you ever added the additive "Instant Shudder Fixx" when doing the flush?

Instant Shudder Fixx



I also wondered the same, most do the trans fluid flush after the first one at 30,000 to 40,000 mile intervals, especially if you tow from time to time.

Never added any extra additives during the process. I did save a sample that I will be sending for a uoa when time allows. This vehicle is bone stock with maybe 5% towing over its life. The shorter change intervals is what has me scratching my head about the WS fluid. It was originally advertised as “Lifetime”, so we’ve shortened to 100k, 60k, now 30-40k to stay away from the “shudder”. Something doesn’t add up to me and my simple mind.

 

[bootheel]

I have the shudder as well, you couldn’t have timed this post more perfectly. My truck does the same thing at the same speeds every time I get on the highway. Can you include a parts list of what you did by chance?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Please understand that I am not trying to persuade you to use Maxlife. There is a risk involved in using a “universal” fluid in any application. I was willing to take the risk because I don’t think the WS fluid is as great as advertised. I realize this statement will upset some people, but I’m ok with having the conversation. The parts were just 4 gallon (16qts) Maxlife Multi-Vehicle ATF and a Wix transmission filter. I believe the part number was 58136. Double check that number if you decide to purchase. I won’t list the diy flush process since there are threads here about it.

 

[JeffMerr]

The shudder is something that scares me as there never seems to be a reasoning behind it and is not specific to certain production years.

 

[djkurious]

Please understand that I am not trying to persuade you to use Maxlife. There is a risk involved in using a “universal” fluid in any application. I was willing to take the risk because I don’t think the WS fluid is as great as advertised. I realize this statement will upset some people, but I’m ok with having the conversation. The parts were just 4 gallon (16qts) Maxlife Multi-Vehicle ATF and a Wix transmission filter. I believe the part number was 58136. Double check that number if you decide to purchase. I won’t list the diy flush process since there are threads here about it.

I used the same combo and have not had any issue.

 

[bootheel]

The shudder is something that scares me as there never seems to be a reasoning behind it and is not specific to certain production years.

I totally agree with your statement and that is what has led me to this point. It doesn’t take much research to find that several different models of Toyota have suffered from this problem. One thing that seems to be common in most cases is WS.

 

[bootheel]

I used the same combo and have not had any issue.

That’s great news! Since we are in the minority of people that have made the switch, or at least admitted to it haha, feel free to post updates also. I’m interested in how things are working out for you. I’m only around the 300 mile mark, so definitely not enough miles to give any hard data.

 

[bootheel]

Just a quick update: I am at the 4K mile mark with MaxLife, and everything is still going strong. I haven’t noticed anything negative since making the switch. Shifts are still smooth, and I have noticed on some inclines where the tranny would downshift before, it holds steady now without downshifting. Maybe from fresh fluid. Maybe from better fluid. Regardless, all is well to this point.

 

[cpitti13]

Hey I started noticing the rumble strip issue on my 05 4runner under light acceleration. I've talked to 2 different dealerships who had completely opposing recommendations (one says they'll do a flush, the other says not to ever change trans fluid in my model) so I've decided that the first line of order for me is to add some Shudderfix. Sorry if this question is too basic but I have not found any links to a "how to" add ShudderFix. I'm wondering if the trans is sealed how and where do I add the Shudderfix? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[derekdevasia]

The sealed just means in this case that theres no dipstick. There's a fill port still on the transmission on the passenger side under the car. It's a 24mm bolt. Just loosen it and add your shudderfix and you're good to go.

 

[cpitti13]

Easy enough, thanks!

 

[Bleu62]

What is “WS”.

 

[waypoint]

What is “WS”.

Toyota WS Information

 

[Bleu62]

World standard. ����

 

[Ryan0186]

Did the shudder fix make a difference? I am planning to add it to my 05 TR4 4.0 5spd tomorrow as I am having the same shudder issues. Dealer wanted 275 to change the fluid but I figured I would try the shudder fix addictive first. I also found a great right up for changing the fluid myself so I may go that route instead of paying the dealership.