How to: 5R55E Valve Body Rebuild Diary

[CDW6212R]

I just received in a CVB body from Donny and noticed that it doesnt appear to have the six hole blow off for the EPC?? Can anyone else confirm this for me? I have this for the 2005 Explorer Sport Trac. I have an email into Donny but wont get a reply back till tomorrow and its going to bug the crap out of me.

Cheers
Kinley

There are about three companies who make parts for these VB's. They don't all have the same blow off design/appearance. That sounds familiar to the TransGo kit I used, but I don't recall. This thread has the pictures though doesn't it?

 

[Glacier991]

Wow. Way back when I did the initial thread on this I would never have guess that this thread would be one of the more popular threads on this site, or that this many folks would read, post and contribute. I'm glad this has been a valuable thread to so many.

Glacier

ps. Kudos to Brooklyn Bay for picking up where I left off ! Greatwork and advice BB !

 

[Jspafford]

I just read through most of this thread. I have a 2002 Sport Trac with the...5r55e.

It's always been fine... at least I think.

Couple weeks ago out of nowhere I now have a couple second delay when going from park to reverse, and reverse to drive. I would guess it is about a 3 second delay from when the shifter hits the gear until the transmission shifts.

It still have manual engine braking in 2nd and 1st, and no codes.

Someone told me to pull the pan and replace the filter as it may be a bad o-ring.

Has anyone had just slow engagement when switching from reverse to drive with no other symptoms and if so what fixed it.

Thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Get the TransTec D ring kit for the low/reverse servo: http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com...isse_reverse_servo_D_ring_p/230-00023256k.htm

 

[High_Order1]

Wow. Way back when I did the initial thread on this I would never have guess that this thread would be one of the more popular threads on this site, or that this many folks would read, post and contribute. I'm glad this has been a valuable thread to so many.

Glacier

Heh, more like start something and then run...... LOL

I would HATE to see your PM in box. I bet you could crash this entire site!

Shawn


PS - Now, go write something good about the 5R55S so that I can quit trying to convert E to S....

 

[Glacier991]

Well... I still have a 4R70W/4R75W Rebuild video to finish, and my next diary will likely be a 5R55W Rebuild. Life gets in the way sometimes. Not gone, possibly forgotten. BB appears to be picking up the slack nicely.

Glacier

 

[kwinters2]

I called and spoke to Donny regarding my question. He said what they do is calibrate the EPC spring versus doing the blow off valve. Apparently the blowoff valve is easier for the Ford tech to do since it is "plug n play". Since the Central guys are in the valve body they can access/take the time to calibrte the spring.

Makes sense to me.

I gotta say Donny is a great guy to work with plus the part came package very secure. I recommend!!!
Kinley

 

[barenfang]

Hello Group,
Great info in this thread. I have ordered the valve body from Central Valve Bodies. Donny was great and I did get the Explorer Forum discount. All the parts came in quickly and I will be performing this repair tomorrow. I will keep you posted on the status of the repair. Thanks to everyone for all your experience and knowledge.

 

[barenfang]

Well I complete the VB install today. The hardest part about the whole thing was that stinkin heat shield. What a pain. Anyway, took the old VB off and put the new one on from Central Valve Bodies. I also replaced the o-rings on the low reverse servo. The 2-3 flare is gone and it shifts better now than when I bought the Explorer new.
Only one issue, it still is a little slow to engage reverse. Any suggestions on how to fix?

Just want to thank everyone on the forum especially Glacier991 and Brooklynbay for all your posts. This forum is absolutely awesome. So far this forum has helped me fix:

P0401 Code - DPFE senor replaced
Dash lights
2-3 Flare.

Thanks again!!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could do 3 things to help with this problem. Install the TransTec viton D ring kit instead of using regular O rings, install end plugs with O rings, and a boost valve with O rings.

 

[barenfang]

Brooklynbay - I believe my rebuilt VB came with the Sonnax boost valve but I will call Donny to make sure. I ordered the D-ring kit but I had two issues. First I could not get the D-ring to stop twisting on me when I put them on the piston. Secondly the D-ring made the piston so tight in the cylinder that I was afraid that it would not even move. I ended up putting on new O-rings which made the piston much tighter than before I replaced. Do you think I should still put the D-rings on? Again just worried about how tight it made the piston.

 

[CDW6212R]

Interesting it sounds like those "D" rings may need a tool like trans piston seal installers. I have not bought those either, but have wanted to.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Put the servo with the D rings in the freezer for a few hours, then install everything. The cold temperature will shrink these parts just enough to make your installation simple. A small coating of transmission fluid will help lubricate these seals to enable it to slide into the bore.

 

[barenfang]

Brooklynbay - And that is why you are the MAN! It is one of those things where you slap yourself on the head and say "why didn't I think of that"?
Ok, next question. Can I replace these O-rings without taking of the VB? I believe all I need to do is remove the servo plate and drop down the piston, correct? Also, is there a technique to putting these D-rings on without twisting?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Lubricate the servo piston, then slip the rings onto it. Don't touch the valve body. Disconnect the 4 bolts holding the plate. Remove the servo cover, and the gasket. By the way, did you replace this gasket with a new one or did you reuse the old one when you did this the first time? One thing that I wanted to mention is that Lubegard sells freeze sprays that instantly lower the temperature of seals, and provide lubrication (all in one spray). There are 2 grades of these sprays. The regular one is the standard spray, then if it didn't shrink enough, you spray the heavy duty spray onto it (but only after spraying the regular spray first).

 

[CDW6212R]

That's good stuff... the Lubegard also.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check this link for more information: http://www.lubegard.com/~/C-191/LUBEGARD+Seal-E-Zee+Step+1

 

[barenfang]

BrooklynBay - Yes, I used a new gasket. I had the new D-rings but had trouble putting the larger ring on the pistion without twisting. So I ended up putting on new O-rings. Thanks for the advice on this repair and the lubeguard. It may take a while before I can get to this fix but I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again!!!

 

[kwinters2]

Barenfang- did you notice that the VB plate gasket was not bonded to the VB? I was out looking at the VB tonight and noticed that my gasket was askew, lo and behold it is not bonded. Thought all the new materials came that way?
Kinley

 

[barenfang]

Kwinters2 - Mine was set perfect on the VB. I am not sure if it was bonded but it was tightly fitted against the VB itself. Not sure if you got it from CVB but give Donny a call. He was great to work with.