Max IV - Trans Shucked Again?

[PineWheeler]

I have an 8 year old Max IV.

At 80 hours, 1 of the trans bands shucked (wouldn't turn left). I sent the transmission to RI and they fixed and returned.

They sent the little bottle of fluid that prevents it from making the HORRIBLE grinding noise when turning (I originally was told to put in GM anti-slip fluid). Why they don't do that at RI I have no idea.

I now have put 25 more hours on it (in about 2 years) and the trans is again making that horrible grinding noise when turning and a couple of times it made a high pitched shrieking noise in a turn.

It still turns fine, except for the noise.

Do you suppose it's trashed again? If so, what's causing it? I can't imagine I'm any harder on it than all the rest of you. It does bounce sometimes when climbing hills in the snow, but I try to "work" it so that it's not too hard on it.

Help please. BTW - no local dealer.

thanks.

[jpswift1]

Is the surface of the drums rough or pitted? That could wear down a band very quickly. Also, did you try to adjust the side that is giving you the problem?

[PineWheeler]

I have not even taken the trans out of the vehicle yet, and I have never taken it apart.

Nor have I adjusted it in any way; don't know how to.

[liflod]

How long did you ride the last time you were out? Did the trans even get warm? It may be worth changing the Trans fluid again and adding the limited slip additive. If it sat for a while, you may be just cleaning the surface rust off the drums. Can you feel grinding in the sticks or just hear it from the T-20?

[MaxRules]

The grinding noise while turning is normal operation for T-20s. We call it tranny chatter. RI began putting in the limited slip additive around 2000. What repairs were made when you sent the trans to RI the first time? It may have just needed some adjustment. Use Type F ATF with the additive they gave you and your trans will operate very smoothly. It might not be completely quiet while steering but that is normal operation. That's one of the many reasons it says "Max" and not "Cadillac".

[Moike]

Grinding noise???????

My Max certainly makes noise.......but I have not been thinking it was "Grinding" I always thought it was the chains chattering......As I know most of you all have much more experience than I do I will pay more attention to the noise for grinding......
I am thankful so many of you are willing to share your experience as I am rather new to the Max world. Or 6 wheelers at all.
Mike

[PineWheeler]

I can feel it when it "grinds".

When they repaired it one of the bands had separated from the lining (I think that's what the guy said). He claimed it could have just been a bad one from the factory.

Last time we drove it we were out about an hour total; it was parked for about 5 minutes during that time.

I presume I have to remove the trans to change fluid?

thanks.

[jerrynuss]

You do not have to remove the transmission to change the fluid. You can suck the fluid out through the top filler hole, or put a ziplock bag under the bottom drain hole and remove the fluid. If you remove both plugs at the same time be observant when putting them back in, the top plug is vented.

[PineWheeler]

Do you work using mirrors?

I can't even see the top plug, only reach under the engine mount and feel it.

thanks for the reply

[jerrynuss]

Yes you can use a mirror. I have a small stainless 3x5 mirror that I use.

[philipatmaxfour]

Removing t-20 plugs

9/16 eight point socket makes it easy. why do you have to see it? If you drain it dry it takes 28 oz. of type f and 4 oz. of GM. friction modifier. Watch which plug like Jerry said.

[rdr]

9/16 eight point socket makes it easy. why do you have to see it? If you drain it dry it takes 28 oz. of type f and 4 oz. of GM. friction modifier. Watch which plug like Jerry said.

i thought the 20 used dextron 3 is type f better i know if you read the bottle on the L S fuild it does not mix with atf . let me know robbie

[PineWheeler]

I just figure if I can see it there is a better chance of getting the fluid in the hole without spilling or overfilling!

thanks for the info.

Actually, the last couple of times it isn't making the noise anymore. Is it possible that summer humidity caused some surface rust to form if it had been sitting for a few weeks?