Low speed shudder

ShiftyCapone · August 17, 2004

Hello all. This problem is concerning a 1998 Sierra 4.3 auto with 130K miles.

I have a low speed shudder that occurs when I slow down. It only happens at like 2 to 5mph when I am braking or rolling to a stop. It is a drivetrian shudder of some sort. I can also roll the truck forward and than stop it to enduce the shudder. Addtionally, sometimes when I put the truck in reverese it will not engage and it is as if the truck is in neutral. I have to put in gear first, roll forward a bit and then put it back into reverse for it to engage. Could these problems be related? The shudder happens at any tranny temp but the reverse enagement happens when the truck has been sitting for awhile. The tranny has been maintenced as the owner manual schedules (fluid change etc). Thanks to all in advance.

Shaners · August 17, 2004

Welcome to the forum!!!

Dbl check your fluid levels in your tranny.

Does the shudder occur if you were to slide the tranny into neutral and then stop? If it still shudders, then I think it may be some other problem. You may have a worn universal joint or something simple like that. Let's just hope that it stays on the inexpensive side of the equation.

ShiftyCapone · August 17, 2004

Thanks for the welcome.

Well I did have to add a little fluid but it was less than 1/2 quart. The problem is still there and only happnes when the truck is in gear. I tried to see if it would do it in neutral and it did not. 99% of the time the shudder will occur when the truck has come to a complete stop. It is not even a second later after a full stop when it happens. It shudders 3 times and then stops. If I roll forward (foot still on brake) and come to a stop again it will shudder 3 more. I don't suspect u-joints because I am familar with what bad ones feel like and there is no drivetrain slop or vibration commonly associated with bad ones. I am stumped.

I should add that the truck has done this since it was brand new but it was a rare thing when it would happen. It is only now happening all the time.