5R55E VB rebuild (2nd try worked!)

[BillJ]

After going in the VB the second time the flare is gone .

First time:
- Performed Ford service update and new seperator plate (orginal gasket was blown around valve area)
- Installed new EPC solenoid valve
- Installed Superior shift kit (Steps 1,2,3,6 & 9)
- Installed drain plug

Second time:
- Installed Sonnax Boost kit (37947-01K)
- Installed EPC pressure Riser (step 7 of the Superior shift kit)
- Installed SS2 solenoid valve
- Installed new O-rings on all shift solenoids
- Adjust intermediate band and install new locknut
- Installed new DTR sensor (destroyed it trying to get it out to install new locknut (northeast winters rusted it on solid)
- Prayed alot!

Notes:
- I shotgunned it the second time (wife's truck and this was the last shot she gave me)
- After reading through the diary's again, I realized from what Glacier was saying that it is a pressure loss leading to the problem. To that end I, 1) torque the VB bolts in 4-5 passes just under the high torque spec (first time only 3 times to the middle). 2) I believe that replacing the O-rings might be a good idea (both the ATSG and Ford manuals say to replace them), though they are a little pricy for O-rings ($5-6 dollars ea, 2/valve)
- Getting the pan and DTR sensor off was the worst part of the job.

Tips:
- Found another post to drop the front drive shaft instead of taking apart the exhaust.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32651&stc=1

- Drive shaft removed (T30 Torx bit, 1997 & > 120-180 in-lbs)

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32652&stc=1

- If you are going to remove the DTR sensor, have the transmission in neutral to make reinstallation easier. (Manual calls for a tool that nobody seems to carry, did not find it necessary)

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32653&stc=1

- Replacing the locknuts on the bands is probably a good idea when comparing one I took off with a new one.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32654&stc=1

-List of on-line merchants that I found useful
http://www.acerecon.com/catalog/automatics/series.asp?t=32
Dead Link Removed
http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=2
http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/
http://www.rockauto.com/

Had a hard time finding the 5/16 8-point socket locally to fit the band bolt, found it here:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...id=254&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Thanks to all who contributed to this forum!!! I can't thank you all enough.

Bill

 

[Glacier991]

Thanks for the update. Delighted to see another successful fix. It can take perserverance, but hey, beats paying someone to rebuild it unnecessarily!

Anyway, thanks for posting your results and the PIX! Great post! Happy to have you on the board. Now we have one more person qualified to offer advice on this issue!

 

[BillJ]

Thanks Chris,

I took a picture of the shift solenoids (new Ford part and the old solenoid with the new O-rings installed).

I noticed the new O-rings were grey in color in opposed to the old ones which were black in color. I'm thinking either they turn black with age and heat or maybe Ford has updated them???

Thanks for all your help!

Bill

 

[Glacier991]

As the science of plastics/rubber/synthetics moves forward auto mfgr's update things. I doubt the old ones got black, I bet the new ones are a little more exotic material with a better lifespan.

Ok folks, if you plan a 5R VB rebuild add BillJ to your list of "go to" guys!

 

[bob lawrence]

Nice write up, Bill. Should be very helpful to others!

 

[Glacier991]

As more and more folks do it themselves and acquire the knowledge that Bill has and has so ably passed on, I can retire from being the "guru" ! Truly it warms my heart to see more and more folks tackling these issues and avoiding unnecessary rebuilds. Do you know rebuilds are DOWN nationwide? Let's do OUR part !