The next job is a 2005 Buick Lesabre that has a pronounced shudder in the first to second shift, all line pressure checks are OK and there is a bulletin that says to replace the second clutch assembly for this concern. I also want to check all seals and clutches while it's out. The vehicle has about 60,000 miles on it and is well maintained. It also has a leaking rear main seal which we'll replace when the tranny is out.

Transmission out on bench in pieces

Vehicle with no transmission, engine hanging, rear main seal exposed.

You can see oil pattern around seal

back view

Basically the procedure is to take the unit apart, identify cause or known repair, clean case and parts thoroughly and then re-assemble. I like to clean, lubricate and re-assemble all small subassemblies such as servos and accumulators in advance and then the final assembly is just a matter of putting all the completed assemblies together in order.

parts on bench, most everything looks OK

Case all cleaned, ready for re-assembly

Case cover side of case

Another view, you can see black plastic internal range selection switch. they used to be external and now are inside the trans.

sub-assemblies cleaned and ready to assemble

case with internal ring gear, sprag clutch and band installed

back view of final internal ring gear

final drive planetary gearset assembly ready to install

gearset installed

rear cover on, end play check completed

gear/clutch stack installed, special tool to help hold them while installing

4th clutch assembly installed

gaskets, chain and sprockets installed

Another view, you can see green teflon TCC seals that sometimes fail.

channel plate assembled, thrust washer stuck on with trans jelly

channel plate installed along with oil pump drive shaft

Valve body cleaned and ready for assembly

valve body assembled with spacer plate, gaskets and check balls underneath

valve body installed

oil pump and harness installed

side cover on

nice to have factory tools! This one fits oil seal and installs in seconds perfectly!

Tranny all set with servos, oil seals and filter. Just needs bottom cover

At this point, the transmission is all together. The bottom pan is put on and the rear main oil seal is replaced and the transmission is installed. Everything went off with no problems.