Any automatic transmission experts here?

[asenna]

I am currently attempting to tear down and fix my automatic transmission. It’s a 4EAT from a Ford Escort which sprang a sizable leak. I am doing this not only to save some save money but also to learn more about automatic transmissions. I have pulled the transmission from the car and have a purchased a shop manual.


I am looking for someone who knows their way around a tranny and can answers some questions by email if I get stuck. I am a little intimidated right now and would sure like to know I had someone to turn to for answers.

(Any suggestions for forums or websites where I might find expert help would also be much appreciated!)

 

[paulo57509]

Just my two cents, but if the transmission is working fine, but just has a leak, I'd just replace the the offending seal(s) and put it back. If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Schism]

Yeah be careful, follow directions, and don't tear apart more then you need to. Don't know that we have any experts on here regarding transmissions.

 

[Mud]

I would highly recommend a rebuild video if available along with the manual.

Remember - sequence of disassembly/reassembly is critical. Keep things in order and in groups of parts and that will help the process a lot.

www.bulkparts.com has good parts, fast service. I've used them a lot. Also, be sure to get a can of pressurized cleaner designed to clean out the tranny cooler. Very easy - can has an adapter to fit onto one of the cooling lines. Connect, put catch container on end of other line, spray contents through cooler.

 

[Quest]

warning!

If you have not pull/service a transmission before and not mechanically competent, DON'T DO IT!

Simply replace the offending leaky seal(s) and move on with your life.

servicing a transmission requires a lot of tools and some 10ton presses and adaptors to boot. W/o these tools and even knowhow (you need to use a lot of shims and gauges to do measurements, and press on/off a lot of bearings and what-not) on the type of gearboxes you try to service.

I have ruined a couple of otherwise useable Suzukis M/T gearboxes simply because I do not have the proper tools (press) to get the work done. On the flip side: I have cherrypicker and what-not to blueprint and overhaul small 4cyl engine block! (I'm a cert mechanic)