Last week I answered a question from a reader regarding a broken chain in the transmission of his 1997 Buick Le Sabre. The question was asked in the comment area of the above post in the GotTransmissions.com Blog.
A few more thoughts came to mind on the subject. The thing I preach the most I forgot to recommend. Diagnosis. Figure out why the chain has broken for the second time. I find that it somewhat troubling that two chains have broken in this transmission.
The only exception would be if the car has been abused or the owner has been towing or pulling a heavy weight. Delivery vehicles, especially pizza delivery can kill a small car transmission with all the start and stop driving. The above reasons stretch then break the chain. Maintenance is the key to long life for delivery vehicles.
A detailed examination of the internal parts of the transmission is necessary, specifically the hard parts. I would be looking for a planetary gear that is binding up at times or the differential portion of the transmission. It is possible something was missed the first time around on a rebuild or it may have been a cheap aftermarket chain after all.
This type of transmission (T-440 ,T125) is a true trans-axle, meaning the transmission internal parts and differential assembly are all in the same housing. As opposed to a transmission that is connected to a differential, by a drive shaft or is directly bolted together. The older T-325, T-3254L and T425 transmissions all were front wheel drive transmissions that bolted to a differential, these tranny’s had no differential in the main housing. they are not transaxles…
Speak with a qualified representative at GotTransmissions.com for more information on this matter or any matter for that matter! 866-320-1182.
