Shift-feel complaints and possible clutch-pack burn-up

Misassembly of accumulator components.

There are four accumulator assemblies on the valve body of a 5L40-E, and there are also many combinations. It is also possible to have an accumulator assembly with the same casting number on the housing in different positions on the valve body (Figure 1).

GM and BMW do not supply accumulator specifications because they do not sell any accumulator components separately.

The diameter of the accumulator piston also can vary, as can accumulator-spring dimensions. The variations are different from one model year to another and among different makes and models.

The illustration in Figure 2 provides measurements, accumulator-housing casting numbers and location of the model-year date, which is crucial to correct accumulator placement and assembly.

Also in the equation is the spacer-plate identification number, the location of which Figure 3 shows.

Figures 4-22 provide accumulator-piston and spring specifications, and the related housing casting numbers and spacer-plate ID numbers, for the specific vehicles and model years listed.

Note: There are accumulator-assembly combinations that are not covered here; exercise caution when disassembling them, as they may be different from what is listed here.

April 2010 Issue
Volume 27, No. 4

• 5L40-E/A5S 390R: Accumulator specifications and identification