Playing with Transmissions
Tech-support hotlines have been burning up for years with phone calls concerning rapid gear-train failure in GM TH400 transmissions after routine rebuild or repair. It’s time to address the issues that cause this and reverse widespread confusion surrounding gear-train setup on this and similar units. Today we will clear up the mystery in setting proper endplay for this transmission. If tolerances are not set correctly, costly comebacks can result.
Understanding these basic checks on the 400 will give you back-ground knowledge in setting build procedures that will be used with similar gear sets, such as 4L80-E.
Hyundai/Kia 6-Speed Automatic Transmissions: Part 1
Although Hyundai was not the first manufacturer to offer a six-speed automatic transmission, they ultimately made up for lost time. In 2009 the car company released a series of six-speed transmissions to accommodate a wide range of Hyundai and Kia applications. The transmissions can be FWD or AWD and are rather compact in design. There are three basic levels or sizes that can overlap vehicle models and engine displacements.
Tremec Brings Us the TR3160 6-speed
I am sure everyone in our industry is familiar with Tremec, one of the world’s largest and technically advanced manual transmission manufacturers. For years Tremec manufactured 3- and 4-speed transmissions for Ford, including RUG, RAT, SROD, RUG, TOD, etc. Tremec acquired the manual transmission division of BorgWarner and then produced the T5, T45, 3650, T56, TKO, and the TR6060. Manual transmissions have been on a steady decline on vehicles manufactured in this country for years and are now confined mainly to sport or performance models.
As a Tech, You Must Detect
Occasionally you will have a vehicle come into your shop that takes you down a different path than what you might have expected. The following account tells the story of one of the times that it happened to me. The star of this show is a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4×4, equipped with a Duramax diesel engine and an Allison 1000 transmission.
December 2015 Issue
In This Issue
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Issue
Transmission Solenoid Progression
G56: Last of a dying breed
Manual transmissions are in a continuing decline in volume. Most current manual transmissions in domestic vehicles are relegated to the sports or “muscle-car” segments of the market. Of the “Big Three” domestic manufacturers, only Ram options a manual trans for purchase; Ford and GM do not. Part of this decline is a lack of skill and talent in the driver population, who are used to automatic transmissions so that nothing interrupts their ability to text while driving. The EPA does not like stick transmissions because they cannot control the throttle opening during operation.
Lay It on the Line: Guard against comebacks with easy driveline inspection techniques
In the transmission business, overlooked driveline problems are a cause of comebacks that are not related to your build but can still hurt a shop’s reputation. Making some basic checks of the vehicle while it’s still in the shop can get ahead of many driveline-related issues and help reduce comebacks.
November 2015 Issue
In This Issue
Mustang 6R80 high-gear starts
Cooler line fitting upgrades
Late model 6R80 drain back issue
Toyota Camry U250E Harsh Coast Down
Although the transmission upshifted well and had a good lockup apply, at times when the vehicle came to a stop a bump would occur that felt like a rear end collision. The speed at which it came to a stop would dictate whether the transmission would downshift smooth or harsh. Normally, when coming to a regular stop, everything functioned well; however, coming to a quick stop was a different matter.
CD4E Failure Reveals Upgrade (Some Things Never Change – Some Do)
The CD4E was launched in 1994 by Ford and Mazda in the Probe and 626, followed by the Contour/Mystique in 1995. Later on, there were other vehicles that came equipped with the CD4E, more important the 2001-up Ford Escape.
October 2015 Issue
In This Issue
Volvo 5 speed takeoff glitch
Dodge Caravan Exchange Surprise
6T40 Rotating Clutch Drum Upgrades
September 2015 Issue
In This Issue
6R140 pump seal installation
Ford Focus takeoff shudder
5R110W low/reverse clutch repair
