Manual clutch repair and diagnostics
Manual gearboxes are relatively trouble-free and long-lived, provided that they are not abused too severely. The clutch, however, is a wear component. With every shift, the clutch must be disengaged and engaged. Stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic is especially hard on a clutch because the driver is always riding the clutch pedal. After millions of
Gray Tools releases insulated socket sets
Gray Tools offers two new insulated socket sets, available in 1/4-in. and 3/8-in. drive sizes. According to the press release, each set contains a 42-tooth round head ratchet with two extensions and a variety of SAE and metric sockets. Each piece is individually insulated to 1,000 volts and tested to 10,000 volts in compliance with
RatioTek introduces new tuner kit for Ram trucks
RatioTek has announced a new transmission tuner kit for the AS69RC transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission that was made for Dodge by the Japanese gearbox manufacturer Aisin Seiki. The kit fits 2013 and later 3500/4500/5500 Ram trucks. According to the company, the kit recalibrates clutch solenoids for increased clutch oil apply pressures. It installs from
Al La Rocca passes away
It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of longtime automatic transmission industry veteran Al La Rocca. He started his long career back in 1958 at Allomatic Industry as a plant manager, moving from there to Windsor Products in New Jersey as a production manager. Al continued his career at AJAC Transmission Parts
Looking deeper: Telling apart electrical issues and parts issues
We see such a variety of transmission problems these days, and all the electronics involved today certainly have added a whole new crop of potential issues. Even though a significant part of our diagnostic process is geared towards electrical issues, there are still times when the problem is simple and not related to electronics at
PRT launches seven new complete strut assembly products
PRT announced that it has added to its line of complete strut assemblies for light vehicles, SUVs and pickup trucks. The new products cover models such as the BMW 3 Series, Subaru Legacy, 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019 Kia Soul and 2019 Cadillac ATS, among others. PRT says its products are produced under the strictest OE
Manual transmissions in 2023: Some are still sticking with it
Over the past 25 years, a combination of driver preference and fuel economy requirements have resulted in a marked decrease in the number of vehicles in the U.S. fleet that come equipped with a manual transmission. One can wax nostalgic for the “car guy” discussions from 40 or 50 years ago that included terms like
Inside Toyota’s UA-UB80E/F torque converter
The UB80E/F family of transmissions used in Toyota L4 applications, and the UA80E/F used in V6 engine applications, should not be confused with the AWF8G30 transmission. Although similar, they are significantly different. The converters used in these applications are like other known systems. Within this system, there are two very important sealing rings that need
Sonnax highlights GM 4L heavy-duty input shafts
Sonnax highlights its line of heavy-duty input shafts for GM 4L transmissions. The company touts the torsional design that allows energy to be absorbed, reducing peak loads to critical areas. Transmissions these shafts fit include the 4L60-E, 4L65-E and 4L70-E lines. Sonnax offers part no. 74678L-HD for 2WD and Corvette applications; and part no. 74678S-HD
Manual transmission sourcebook 2023
While no longer the dominant market force they were in the past, there are still enough manual transmissions out there on the road to make up a decent amount of work for transmission shops in certain specialized segments; and still, of course, the need for parts for, and the ability to work on, those manuals.
