5r55e removal

[Kean_SHO]

Well this will hopefully be the final chapter in my trans issues saga. After installing a rebuilt VB i still had issues. I would occationally have no overdrive (and a flashing OD light of course). Most recently, it would almost never shift into OD. Unfortunately I was far from home and had to drive it home with the trans in limp home mode. The only good thing about the issue is that it made it home and died in the driveway. (a first for me... i usually end up calling for the hook from the side of the road somewhere).

Anyhow, i am pulling the tranny and having it rebuilt at a shop. My question- what is the best way to get the bolts out of the bellhousing? specifically the ones on the top. i have done several searches but couldn't find any specific tips for the 5r55e. any suggestions or tips?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Use swivel sockets (they have U joints built onto the socket). A wobble extension with a regular socket might work, but these have more flexibility.

 

[Jack Flash]

...or drop the rear/tranny crossmember down. then you can see the bolts and have easier access.


...............jjf

 

[Kean_SHO]

After working on it all day all i have to show for it is a transfer case on the floor and a bad case of cold feet (literally). I got the one of the two top bolts of the bellhousing out. the top drivers side bolt is where i started to lose too much dexterity in my fingers and was quite unsuccessful at removing. by this point it had dropped below 20 and i had had enough for the day. As long as it doesn't snow too much tonight i will be back at it tomorrow.
i starting to wonder if it would be easier to pull the whole motor with the tranny attached.
Thanks again for your comments and insight.

 

[Jack Flash]

i starting to wonder if it would be easier to pull the whole motor with the tranny attached. QUOTE]

I can answer that for you......NO !

before I could afford a decent air compressor for an air impact wrench, I bought an electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight. it served me well in projects such as yours. swivel impact sockets and l-o-n-g extensions make the job go better.

I understand your cold environment...............I HATE THE COLD; at least when I have to work under a vehicle.

.........jjf

 

[Kean_SHO]

well i can tell you one thing- the air ratchet is getting more use on this project than ever. There are so many places on the drivers side which have very little room to use a standard ratchet.
Today was too wet to work on it. I can deal with the cold (to a point) but wimp out when its wet and cold.

 

[Kean_SHO]

alas the tranny is on the floor. thanks for your help on those top bolts. with a fresh set of eyes and proper angle on the light, i was sure able to see the bolt head. for anyone attempting this for the first time... once the transfer case is out... get your head up where the transfer case used to be and look to the front of the tranny on the drivers side. you will see the flare of the bell housing and there will be the bolt head (the top drivers side is the one i am referring to). with about 3 feet of extensions and a wobble extension on the end you will be able to put the socket right up on the bolt with very little trouble.
For the other side... i had my dad underneath on ratchet duty while i reached in from the passenger wheel-well and seated the socket. easy cheesy.

one other note... when i drained my trans fluid it was pure silver in color. a sure sign that something was getting eaten. i have had the pan off many times before in various troubleshooting episodes. the fluid has always been red with no discoloration. whatever died for good deceased recently. at this point... im just glad to have a positive sign that something is broken. that may sound strange, but ive been dealing with tranny issues for so long... no more searching and guessing.

anyhow, monday the transmission is going to the doctor and getting rebuilt. then the fun of putting it all back together will begin. thanks for your input and very valuable insight.