2003 overdrive band

[jokerlong]

I have been through the threads for two days hoping not to replicate and also looking for information. Overdrive light started blinking and I noticed that I was missing gears 2 and 5. Brought to the transmission shop and they confimed with the computer. They told me that it was probably the band and the servos which I have confirmed by looking at the very informative posts on this site.
My question is, is there a way to check the band (whether it is broken or not) without removing the transmission. Transmission shop is going to charge me $3500 to make repairs is this reasonable.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You could adjust the band with an In/Lb torque wrench from the outside of the transmission. A broken band won't tighten to spec.

 

[jokerlong]

thank you for your prompt response i have noticed that you seem to know alot about this particular problem and i appreciate the knowledge that you have brought to this forum. Will the bolt keep going in without getting any tension on the torque wrench and what is proper torque setting, i think i read on one of the posts that it is 100 in/lbs does that sound right

 

[BrooklynBay]

It will keep turning if it's broken. 120 In/Lb is the proper amount of torque. Check the sticky thread on adjusting bands for more information.

 

[jokerlong]

Thanks alot for the help I am sure I will need more before its all over

 

[swetrid]

Bands dont usually break on 2003, it is probably the servo piston.

 

[jokerlong]

I think I have done my homework and have found that it is more than likely that it is the servo, and I have read metrix post on the replacement procedure however, i am concerned about loosing the apply strut in the process. It sounds like metrix got lucky and trust me if it wasnt for bad luck I would have no luck at all. Is there any procedure to ensure that they dont fall off?

 

[jokerlong]

Just finished doing the band adjustment and it seemed as though I had to run the adjusting bolt in 3/8 of a inch from its original position to finally get to 120 in/lbs does that seem normal?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Yes, since the band is 2 turns out.