8 speed trans possibly clicking. Fluid check

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Mopar1970

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Nov 23, 2021
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Madison Wisconsin
Ram Year
2016
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5.7
Three weeks ago I had my 2016 ram 1500 in the dealership for replacement of a cv axle, right side. Also the exhaust manifold and bolts replace, right side. It was nice to not hear the exhaust tick from the warped manifold and broken bolts.
However, now that I am out of warranty, there is a very loud ticking that seems to be coming from under the truck. Started a week after the truck was already in the shop. And had just run out of warranty a few days after getting the manifold and cv axle replaced.
Everything I’ve been able to find in google points to transmission. But it never makes the clicking noise consistently. Not every drive. Seems to happen one drive and then not the next or next two. Someone at work suggested checking the trans fluid and at $41 per quart I figured that would be the cheapest place to start. I’ve attempted to check the fluid 4 times. Level ground. Once with the truck cold. Once with trans at 92 degrees and the most recent checks I had it at 160 degrees and 178 degrees. All four time the fluid gushed out. I assume that it’s full unless the valve between the trans and cooler is not opening up.
Is there another way or am I doing something incorrectly? Is there something else I could check to find this clicking or ticking? Definitely sounds like it’s under the trans hump. Never gets louder and very rarely speed up or slows down with vehicle speed or rpms.
Thank you in advance. I’m just lost in trying to figure this out. It does have the ZF 8 speed automatic and I cannot afford to replace it.
 

RamInfo

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Utah
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Setting fluid level on the ZF 8spd requires a specific procedure, part of which involves jacking/blocking the truck until the trans is sitting level and is warmed to a specific temperature. Have a look at some of the threads down in the “Similar Threads” shown below—the process is outlined there.

best,
DG
 

Wild one

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Three weeks ago I had my 2016 ram 1500 in the dealership for replacement of a cv axle, right side. Also the exhaust manifold and bolts replace, right side. It was nice to not hear the exhaust tick from the warped manifold and broken bolts.
However, now that I am out of warranty, there is a very loud ticking that seems to be coming from under the truck. Started a week after the truck was already in the shop. And had just run out of warranty a few days after getting the manifold and cv axle replaced.
Everything I’ve been able to find in google points to transmission. But it never makes the clicking noise consistently. Not every drive. Seems to happen one drive and then not the next or next two. Someone at work suggested checking the trans fluid and at $41 per quart I figured that would be the cheapest place to start. I’ve attempted to check the fluid 4 times. Level ground. Once with the truck cold. Once with trans at 92 degrees and the most recent checks I had it at 160 degrees and 178 degrees. All four time the fluid gushed out. I assume that it’s full unless the valve between the trans and cooler is not opening up.
Is there another way or am I doing something incorrectly? Is there something else I could check to find this clicking or ticking? Definitely sounds like it’s under the trans hump. Never gets louder and very rarely speed up or slows down with vehicle speed or rpms.
Thank you in advance. I’m just lost in trying to figure this out. It does have the ZF 8 speed automatic and I cannot afford to replace it.
Here's the procedure to check the 8 speeds fluid level.You have to lift the rear tires a fair ways in the air to get the pan rail level.
 

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RLJ10X

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I don't know anything about anything. But the ZF8 does not have a reputation for clicking.

If it was me, I'd look elsewhere.
 

WireEd

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You need to determine where the noise is coming from first and foremost. Is it a 4x4? If so, the tcase will telegraph noise into the cab from axles, driveshafts and transmission, so it can really be from one of many locations. Try to understand if the ticking noise is happening at a frequency that resembles wheelspeed or driveshaft or other, even engine rpm, That can help you isolate it. If possible drive the truck down the length of a building to hear the noise reflected back into the cab more easily. Take the truck back to the dealership that did the work. They will (or should have) NVH equipment that they can place in the vehicle to help as well. Otherwise the zone rep would have it. For many years I worked at New Process Gear (former transfer case supplier). I used to work with area dealers and zone reps to troubleshoot these things. Hope this helps!!
 
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