Are you due for a new transmission? In this article, we will walk you through the process involved in an automatic transmission replacement.
Cars are so advanced today that many common repairs are totally beyond the average driver. However,
with a little guidance you might be able to pull off your own automatic transmission replacement. If you have any doubts, just call a professional and don’t risk causing further damage to the vehicle.
Your vehicle’s transmission contains a number of gears that shift to help the car move at the pace you deem proper. If your system begins to slip or the vehicle does not move, you’re likely looking at automatic transmission replacement.
Automatic systems shift on their own, whereas manual systems use gear shifts. Each system type must be removed in their own particular way. In this article, we will walk you through the process involved in an automatic transmission replacement.
Step 1 - Raise the vehicle off the ground using a floor jack, placing jack stands beneath the back and front of the vehicle to obtain transmission access. Be sure that the vehicle is supported properly to ensure that it doesn’t fall on you while the replacement is taking place.
Step 2 – Unscrew the link and fluid cables. If your vehicle has a modulator, remove the vacuum lines as well. The u-bolts at the back end of the vehicle should be removed with the aid of a wrench. The drive shaft should now be moved away from the system.
Step 3 – Place a jack beneath the drain pan and remove the speedometer gear assembly. Lift the tranny. Remove the housing cover of the lower bell. Remove the torque converter bolts with a wrench, along with the four cross member bolts, bell housing bolts and rear transmission mounts. Lift your jack and remove the cross member.
Step 4 – As you relocate the jack to the rear of the vehicle, lower the tranny, making certain that everything is free and clear, and that the tranny can be easily removed from the vehicle.
Step 5 – The old tranny should be taken from the jack and placed to the side. Place the new tranny onto the jack. Slowly move the jack under the vehicle with the tranny on top, raising it as you go. The torque converter should be held in while you turn until a click is heard.
Step 6 – Grab a wrench and put the cross member back into its proper place, first replacing the cross member bolts, rear transmission mount, torque converter bolts and the bell housing bolts. The speedometer gear assembly can now also be replaced before sliding the drive shaft back to its proper position.
Step 7 – If your vehicle has a moderator, you can now replace the vacuum lines and cable lines to throttle and shifter valve. The floor jack should be used to stabilize the vehicle while the jack mounts are removed. Slowly lower the vehicle back down to the ground before removing the jack.
Step 8 – Add your transmission fluids. It’s an easy step to forget. Check your owner’s manual to find out exactly how much fluid is required for your vehicle and make certain you’ve purchased the correct type. Check your levels on the dip stick and add fluid until you’ve reached the correct amount. Finally, start up your engine and check for any leaks.
Your automatic transmission replacement is done!
