2004 Explorer 5R55S Front Pump

[Number4]

I’m getting a whine from the transmission. AAMCO says it’s the front pump going out.

They want to rebuild the whole transmission. Thing is, they rebuilt it 5-6 years ago and it’s only had around 36k on it since. Why would I go back?

They said the fluid is dark as well.

I watched some videos and see there’s a valve in the pump that usually goes bad. Is it okay to just replace the pump, or the valve inside it?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It could be the pump, torque converter or both. You could replace both of them without rebuilding the transmission, but it's up to you since the transmission will have to be removed anyway. How is the transmission otherwise? Did you replace the fluid & filter since it was rebuilt? You could replace the fluid & filter first to see if it makes a difference before you replace any parts.

 

[Number4]

It could be the pump, torque converter or both. You could replace both of them without rebuilding the transmission, but it's up to you since the transmission will have to be removed anyway. How is the transmission otherwise? Did you replace the fluid & filter since it was rebuilt? You could replace the fluid & filter first to see if it makes a difference before you replace any parts.

The vehicle drives absolutely fine, just makes the winding noise.

You think a fluid flush? Or just filter and change?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Make sure that you use the correct fluid. Lubegard is an OEM approved additive which doesn't cause the seals to swell.

 

[410Fortune]

How
Long was the aamco warranty? 2 years and 30k miles? lol lol
Did they use a new pump
And converter or did they just do a “soft rebuild”

There is a huge difference between “rebuilt trans” and a full remanufactured trans

I’m asking because this and the condition of the fluid now, will help you determine if you can just drop trans and replace valve, front pump and converter, or if you should now do a full reman

Fluid should still be brite red at 35k unless there is slipping / heat, bad bands/clutches

 

[Number4]

How
Long was the aamco warranty? 2 years and 30k miles? lol lol
Did they use a new pump
And converter or did they just do a “soft rebuild”

There is a huge difference between “rebuilt trans” and a full remanufactured trans

I’m asking because this and the condition of the fluid now, will help you determine if you can just drop trans and replace valve, front pump and converter, or if you should now do a full reman

Fluid should still be brite red at 35k unless there is slipping / heat, bad bands/clutches

Not sure, they claim complete, it was $2,500, but seems like it’s always $2,500 no matter what.

The color being dark seemed odd to me.

 

[410Fortune]

It is not good to have dark fluid on a 35k reman it’s costing you longevity

Points to issues with the rebuild or the install

It is normal practice in the industry to do a soft rebuild, charge you double and slap it back in there (because they expect drivability call back)

Usually Aamco is very good but it can vary by location
A soft reman is literally put your valve
Body in a box, replace all the hard ware parts and converter, hopefully flush the coolers and lines, re install trans and your valve body new fluid and filter and road test… fingers crossed


That is far from a full remanufacture but those cost extra and you have to ask for one

 

[BrooklynBay]

Was the fluid always like this or just when the noise occured? Maybe they reused the old torque converter, and didn't flush the cooler lines. The dirty fluid could be from the time before this transmission was installed.

 

[Number4]

Was the fluid always like this or just when the noise occured? Maybe they reused the old torque converter, and didn't flush the cooler lines. The dirty fluid could be from the time before this transmission was installed.

So, added detail. The Ex that had the trans was totaled, front end damage. The engine and trans were swapped into a different Explorer, perhaps 2 years ago. Not sure if the pump could have been damaged in the swap process. Or if that could have impacted the fluid color.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The lines & front cooler always have to be flushed prior to installing a transmission. You don't want to contaminate a clean system with remnants from the old system. Lubegard Transmission Cooler Flush 13.25oz

 

[Number4]

The lines & front cooler always have to be flushed prior to installing a transmission. You don't want to contaminate a clean system with remnants from the old system. Lubegard Transmission Cooler Flush 13.25oz

I’m gonna try to have it professionally flushed before doing anything else. Except for the noise it drives completely fine.

 

[Number4]

So there’s this local Vietnamese repair shop I’ve been going to for things I don’t want to do. Sometimes his price just makes it worth the labor. The guy amazes me, I’ve yet to bring him a car or problem that he’s not familiar with. No matter the make or price tag of car.

At any rate, he said the transmission is being starved for fluid and that’s what’s making the noise. He said a flush wouldn’t help and that he would waste time with torque converter or front pump. He likened it to the old power steering pumps that would whine, due to low fluid.

I found a 2010 within an hours drive, good trans, bad engine. Looks like it may be time for an engine swap.