2. OBJECTIVES Remove an automatic transmission or transaxle.
After studying Chapter 15, the reader should be able to:
Remove an automatic transmission or transaxle.
Replace/install an automatic transmission or transaxle.
Complete the ASE tasks related to transmission/transaxle removal and replacement.

3. INTRODUCTION
When choosing between overhaul or replacement, the following should be considered:
Cost of overhaul (parts and labor)
The skill of the technician
Availability of special tools
Availability of the needed parts
Cost of the replacement transmission
Availability of the replacement transmission

4. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
Transmission removal varies between vehicle makes and models.
Transmissions and transaxles have slightly different removal procedures.
The procedures outlined here are very general and are meant to provide an overview of what is involved.
Service information should be consulted to determine the exact procedure for a particular vehicle.
To remove an RWD transmission, you should:

5. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
FIGURE 15-1 The external wiring harness is disconnected from the transmission speed sensor (A and B) and any other connections. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)
FIGURE 15-2 The converter should be disconnected from the flexplate by removing the flexplate-to-converter bolts. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

6. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
FIGURE 15-3 A flywheel turner (a) can be used to turn the flywheel or hold it while the converter bolts are loosened. (Courtesy of Snap-on Tools)

7. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
FIGURE 15-4 Position a drain pan and disconnect the cooler lines. Do not bend them any more than needed to remove the transmission. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

8. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
FIGURE 15-5 A transmission jack is positioned under the transmission pan so it can lift the transmission to allow removal of the mount and crossmember. A high lift jack (a) is used when the vehicle is on a lift; a low lift jack (b) is used when the vehicle is supported on jack stands. (Courtesy of OTC)

9. TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
FIGURE 15-6 Many transmissions can be lowered enough to remove the upper transmission-to-engine bolt(s).
FIGURE 15-7 The engine support fixture is supporting the rear of the engine while the transmission and converter are removed. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

10. TRANSAXLE REMOVAL
The engine should always be supported when removing a transaxle.
Special engine support fixtures are available that provide a safe, secure support without damaging the vehicle.
These tools are usually placed on the fender flanges and radiator support.
The drive shafts are secured to the transaxle in different ways.
To remove a transaxle, you should:

11. TECH TIP
When removing the transmission from a 4WD vehicle, it is often recommended to remove the transfer case before removing the transmission.
FIGURE 15-8 The transfer case is removed before the transmission is removed from most 4WD vehicles. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

12. TECH TIP
There is a possibility that the converter can slide off its splines and fall as the transmission is being removed.
It is heavy and can cause injury or damage if it falls.
FIGURE 15-9 After disconnecting the torque converter from the flexplate, slide it into the transmission and install a retainer (a) or run a wire or bungee cord across the front of the transmission (b).

13. TRANSAXLE REMOVAL
FIGURE An engine support bar has been installed on this vehicle and adjusted to lift the engine slightly (a). These fixtures are designed to fit various FWD vehicles (b). (a is courtesy of ATEC Trans-Tool and Cleaning Systems; b is courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

14. TRANSAXLE REMOVAL
FIGURE Before removing an FWD drive shaft, the front hub nut must be removed. It is usually necessary to have the tire on the floor and the brakes applied to loosen it. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

15. TRANSAXLE REMOVAL
FIGURE A special tool is attached to the slide hammer (a) so that the slide hammer can be used to remove the drive shaft from a transaxle (b). (Courtesy of Kent-Moore)

16. TRANSAXLE REMOVAL
FIGURE The lower ball joint (circled) is disconnected to allow the drive shaft to be removed. Some vehicles require the engine transaxle support/cross-member (arrow) to be removed to allow transaxle removal.
FIGURE A transmission jack has been positioned under the pan to support the transaxle as it is removed. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

17. TECH TIP
FWD vehicles should not be moved with weight on the front wheels while the drive shafts are removed.
Special dollies are available to support the front end so the vehicle can be moved.
FIGURE A support dolly can be positioned under the front of an FWD vehicle so it can be easily moved while the drive shafts are out. (Courtesy of The Mighty Mover)

18. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
As a drive shaft is removed, technicians are advised to not allow it to hang from one end, bending a still-connected U-joint or CV joint to its limit.
If necessary, support the shaft using mechanic’s wire or an old V-belt until both joints can be disconnected.
FIGURE An old V-belt can be looped around the exhaust pipe to support the drive shaft. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

19. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
RWD Drive Shaft Removal and Replacement
To remove a RWD drive shaft:
To replace a RWD drive shaft:
FIGURE Before removal, make sure there are index marks at the rear U-joint so the shaft can be replaced in its original position. An old screwdriver is being used to scratch a mark onto the U-joint cross. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

20. TECH TIP
Many technicians will wrap tape around the joint or slide an old stocking over the U-joint and shaft to hold the bearing cups in place.
FIGURE An old sock (a) has been slid over this drive shaft to hold the bearing cups in position. Tape (b) can be used for the same purpose.

21. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FWD Drive Shaft Removal and Replacement
To remove an FWD drive shaft:
To replace an FWD drive shaft:

22. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE The procedure to remove the drive shaft on an FWD vehicle.

23. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE (CONTINUED) The procedure to remove the drive shaft on an FWD vehicle.

24. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE This transaxle has a circlip inside the differential that must be removed before removing the drive shaft. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

25. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE The differential rotator is used to drive the left-side CV joint from this transaxle. It also keeps the differential side gears in alignment. (Courtesy of OTC)

26. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE Most hub nuts are very tight so a long wrench is usually required. The tire must be on the ground and brakes applied to keep it from rotating. (Courtesy of NEAPCO)

27. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE With the hub nut loosened and the vehicle raised, the wheel can be removed to allow access to remove the hub nut and other parts. Note the pin to hold the rotor from turning (arrow). (Courtesy of NEAPCO)

28. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE On many vehicles, removing the clamp bolt allows the ball joint stud to slide out of the steering knuckle. This allows the steering knuckle to be swung outward far enough for the CV joint splines to slide out of the hub. (Courtesy of NEAPCO)

29. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE A pry bar is being used to force the lower control arm downward far enough to remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

30. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE This puller (a) is being used to pull the hub outward and off the CV joint splines. The remover (b) is used to push the CV joint through the hub. (Courtesy of OTC)

31. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE Most inboard CV joints can be pulled from the transaxle using a slide hammer and special adapter or by prying them out using a pry bar (a). Some inboard joints are bolted onto a flange at the transaxle (b). (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

32. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE After the shaft has been disconnected, it should be removed carefully to prevent damaging the CV boots. Support both CV joints and hold the shaft horizontally while carrying it. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

33. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE An FWD drive shaft is replaced by installing the inboard joint into the transaxle (a); swinging the steering knuckle outward and over the splines on the outboard CV joint (b) (in some cases a puller is used to pull the CV joint into the hub [c]); correctly installing the ball joint stud and retaining bolt (d); tightening the ball joint retaining bolt (e); replacing the hub nut (f); and tightening the nut to the correct torque (g). (a, b, c, e, f, and g are courtesy of NEAPCO; d is courtesy of Moog Chassis Parts, a brand of Federal-Mogul Corporation)

34. TRANSMISSION INSTALLATION
Installing a transmission is the reverse of the removal procedure.
The last operation in the removal is usually the first step in the installation.
To install a transmission or transaxle, you should:
FIGURE The external wiring harness should be connected to the transmission and should be properly routed through the brackets. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

35. TRANSMISSION INSTALLATION
FIGURE As the transmission is installed, the converter is aligned and secured to the flexplate; the transmission is aligned and secured to the engine; and all brackets, struts, and other necessary parts will be replaced. (Note that the converter must be installed into the transmission first.) (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

36. TRANSAXLE INSTALLATION
Transaxle installation is essentially the same as for a transmission.
The major difference is that the transaxle should be centered between the two drive shafts; both of the inner, plunge-type CV joints should have been compressed the same amount.
Another difference is that the front wheel alignment should be checked on those vehicles that require suspension or cradle removal.

37. SUMMARY
Transmissions are removed to make repairs, overhaul, or replacement.
The removal and replacement procedures are similar for most transmissions and transaxles.
Always check the service information before removing an automatic transmission.
Never force the transmission onto the back of the engine during installation.
It may be necessary to check the wheel alignment after installing a transaxle.

38. REVIEW QUESTIONS
A special _________ support is used when removing a front wheel drive transaxle.
A _________ manual should be consulted for the suggested removal and installation procedures for a particular transmission.
The first thing removed when removing an RWD transmission from a vehicle is the _________ ground _________.
Before unbolting the torque converter, put match marks on the converter and the _________ to aid installation.
As the transmission is removed from the vehicle, install a bracket to the _________ _________ to prevent it from sliding out of the transmission.

39. REVIEW QUESTIONS
The first thing removed when removing an FWD transmission from a vehicle is the _________ ground _________.
To prevent leakage once the drive shaft has been removed from an RWD vehicle, the _________ _________ needs to be plugged.
When removing a drive shaft, always put _________ marks on the drive shaft and the differential flange to aid in reassembly.
When removing the drive shafts from an FWD vehicle, it is not advisable to let the brake _________ or the _________ hang free.
Since the front suspension is removed during removal of an FWD transaxle, it may be necessary to check the _________ of the front end at completion of the job.

40. REVIEW QUESTIONS
After the transmission or transaxle is installed in the vehicle, check that the torque converter will rotate freely to ensure that the converter is not _________ into the pump or pump drive and the flexplate.
During installation, the transmission should fit easily up against the engine. Never use _________ to connect the transmission to the engine.
A _________ converter housing or other serious problem could result if anything is caught between the converter housing and the engine.
After the installation of the transmission or transaxle is complete, check the _________ level after shifting the transmission through its gear ranges.
After the installation of the transmission or transaxle is complete, the last step is to _________ _________ the vehicle.

41. CHAPTER QUIZ
Student A says that the torque converter is usually left on the engine when removing a transmission. Student B says that it is more difficult to remove a transaxle than a transmission. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

42. CHAPTER QUIZ
Student A says that the torque converter is usually left on the engine when removing a transmission. Student B says that it is more difficult to remove a transaxle than a transmission. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

43. CHAPTER QUIZ
2. Student A says that you should be able to rotate the converter to align the bolt holes with the flexplate after the transmission has been bolted to the engine. Student B says that a transmission overhaul is not complete until it passes a road test. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

44. CHAPTER QUIZ
2. Student A says that you should be able to rotate the converter to align the bolt holes with the flexplate after the transmission has been bolted to the engine. Student B says that a transmission overhaul is not complete until it passes a road test. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

45. CHAPTER QUIZ
3. Student A says that the torque converter should be marked for proper installation. Student B says that the brake hoses are strong enough to support the weight of the calipers. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

46. CHAPTER QUIZ
3. Student A says that the torque converter should be marked for proper installation. Student B says that the brake hoses are strong enough to support the weight of the calipers. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

47. CHAPTER QUIZ
4. Student A says that a special fixture is required to support the engine on FWD cars when the transaxle is removed. Student B says that it is easier to remove the transaxle than it is to remove an RWD transmission. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

48. CHAPTER QUIZ
4. Student A says that a special fixture is required to support the engine on FWD cars when the transaxle is removed. Student B says that it is easier to remove the transaxle than it is to remove an RWD transmission. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

49. CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Student A says that it is necessary to shift the transmission through the gears when checking the fluid after installing a transmission. Student B says that the last thing to connect when installing a transmission is the battery ground cable. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

50. CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Student A says that it is necessary to shift the transmission through the gears when checking the fluid after installing a transmission. Student B says that the last thing to connect when installing a transmission is the battery ground cable. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

51. CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Student A says that the transmission alignment dowels are not necessary. Student B says that if the alignment dowels are not installed, a serious vibration or damage could result. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

52. CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Student A says that the transmission alignment dowels are not necessary. Student B says that if the alignment dowels are not installed, a serious vibration or damage could result. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

53. CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Student A says that the torque converter should be removed with the transmission. Student B says that it is easier to leave the torque converter attached to the engine. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

54. CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Student A says that the torque converter should be removed with the transmission. Student B says that it is easier to leave the torque converter attached to the engine. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

55. CHAPTER QUIZ
8. Student A says that when removing the drive shaft on an RWD vehicle, match marks should be made to prevent a vibration after reassembly. Student B says that the front wheel bearings could be damaged if an FWD vehicle is moved while the drive shafts are removed. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

56. CHAPTER QUIZ
8. Student A says that when removing the drive shaft on an RWD vehicle, match marks should be made to prevent a vibration after reassembly. Student B says that the front wheel bearings could be damaged if an FWD vehicle is moved while the drive shafts are removed. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

57. CHAPTER QUIZ
9. Student A says that the axle nuts on an FWD car are reusable. Student B says that the drive shafts on an FWD car are usually removed with a pry bar or special puller. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

58. CHAPTER QUIZ
9. Student A says that the axle nuts on an FWD car are reusable. Student B says that the drive shafts on an FWD car are usually removed with a pry bar or special puller. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

59. CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Student A says that it is necessary to remove the engine cradle in order to remove the transaxle on some FWD vehicles. Student B says that it is permissible to let the FWD drive shaft hang down during removal and installation of the transaxle. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B

60. CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Student A says that it is necessary to remove the engine cradle in order to remove the transaxle on some FWD vehicles. Student B says that it is permissible to let the FWD drive shaft hang down during removal and installation of the transaxle. Who is correct?
Student A
Student B
Both A and B
Neither A nor B