Saturn/ GM technical bulletin... please explain the concern which prompts torque converter replacement?

Question

bulletin number

01-07-30-010 MAR 01 A/T - Torque Converter Replacement
Guidelines

Answer 1

The vehicle converter should NOT be replaced if any of these apply:

1. DTC P0742- TCC is stuck on set
2. The fluid has odor or is discolored but no metal contamination
3. Fine metal particles
4. Wear on the hub where the oil pump gear meets the converter housing.

The converter SHOULD be replaced if:

1. The vehicle has TCC shudder or no TCC apply.
2. Evidence of damage to the oil pump, pump shaft, pump shaft, turbine shaft, drive sprocket support or bearing, or metal debris in the convertor.
3. Metal debris chips in the converter or cooler lines.
External leaks in the hub weld, lug weld, or closure weld.
4. Converter pilot is broken, damaged, or fits poorly onto the crankshaft.
5. Converter hub is scored or damaged.
6. Trans fluid is contaminated with engine oil, coolant, or water.
7. Converter end play is excessive.
8. Metal chips in fluid filter or on magnet.
9. Converter is unbalanced causing a vibration.
10. Blue converter or dark circular rings between lugs, requires cleaning of the cooler.
11. Converter bearing noise.
12. If silicone from the viscous clutch is found in the lower pan.

This is straight from the bulletin, hope this helps.

Answer 2

Just guessing here, but since torque converters usually produce metal shavings when they go out that in turn trashes the transmission, I would say someone wants to save themselves money and you trouble by catching a known problem before it is too late.

Answer 3

they explode?