5R55W Disassembly

[ScottBowden]

This looks/sounds like what happen to my '04, 51k miles. I have the 5r55s, lost the 3rd gear. I had a code P0733. Its been in the shop now for a week.
What were the symtoms?
Thanks
Jim

It would hold in 1st until I blipped the throttle around 4k rpm and shift into 3rd.

 

[CDW6212R]

I could not find the definitive answers on the valve body upgrades.
Which brand "shift kit", other valves, separater plate and and other mods are recommended?

I don't know of any TSB's or kits needed like the 5R55E. I know that TransGo makes a VB kit that covers your trans, I'm not sure if Superior does or if Ford has any updates for it. I like the TransGo correction kits for their thorough coverage of common symptoms. Sonnax is very good also to find small components which are wise to change.

Find the websites that sell the trans parts, they will have a good list of what is available from the main companies. They will also have the thin ATSG manual that is most helpful for the VB work.

 

[CDW6212R]

Here is a good source, and the TransGo kit. They are reasonably priced, not at either end, big and fast.
http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=5R55W&Search.x=19&Search.y=14

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/FORD_5R55W_S_N_SHIFT_KIT_2001_04_p/500-00023935a.htm

 

[ScottBowden]

Thanks for the reply.
I do have those parts and TransGo kit in my shopping cart at TransParts... Just wanted to make sure on anything else while I was ordering.

 

[Glacier991]

I think you should be good to go. You would be surprised how much your work around pump puller looks like the Rotunda tool. Nice work.

A little history.... the A4LD morphed into the A4LD-E quickly renamed the 4R44E... it soon (with a little electronic magic) became the 4R55E and that begat the 5R55E.... the switch over the electronic shifting (and the addition of 2nd gear as the overdriven first gear) had its own set of problems.... but most of the internal problems inherent in pushing the A4LD into heavier duty service had been addressed.

With the coming of the 5R55W (S and N) more engineering thought had been put into ALL the problems and a more trouble free transmission came into being, mechanically anyway. The solenoid block seems to be the main problem child, often needing replacing at 75,000 miles or so. Because FORD addressed most of the earlier shortcomings, the 5R55W does not have a ton of aftermarket "fixes" if you will. To my mind the modulation in various valve body spools will always be a problem in this transmission.... as will the wear in shift servo bores.

 

[ScottBowden]

Well, I went up to Ford and their parts drawings show the needle bearing is built into the planetary set.
I was hoping to save that money; at least it didn't come apart and tear up anything.

 

[louisf1]

Welcome to this forum! I have a PDF on the 5R55W. Send me your email address if you want me to send it to you.

Would you mind sending me a copy of the 5R55W PDF to louis.foote@gmail.com. I just started removing the trans. Had codes P0775, P0732 and P0735. Was hoping for something simple but after checking the servo and band adjustments I pulled the pan and found a bunch of metal that looks like it come from a bearing.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check your email in a couple of minutes. The PDF is still uploading.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you get the email? If so, how do you like the PDF?

 

[ScottBowden]

Well, I went up to Ford and their parts drawings show the needle bearing is built into the planetary set.
I was hoping to save that money; at least it didn't come apart and tear up anything.

That radial needle bearing does come with the planetary set.

I bored out the case for the servo bushings and installed them. That kit from www.servobore.com is top notch. It came with enough bushings to do 3 cases. If anyone is interested I might sell it with the 2 bushing sets.

I got the trans put back together up to the center support.

Hopefully I will remember the camera when I do the Trans-Go shift kit. It comes with a new pump flow control valve.

 

[ScottBowden]

Test Drive

It is all back together and I took it for a test drive.

Seems to shift kind of slow from 2nd to 3rd. All other shifts are good.

I am wondering if I should have the computer reprogrammed for the trans like some had suggested in other threads.

When I get this part straigtened out I will install the cooler and remote filter.

 

[akajammer]

me too, me too.....

I see this thread is over 6months old, however there are items that inquiring minds would like to know.

BrooklynBay any chance you can forward the 5R55W pdf over my way?
I am assuming it if different then this: www.ratiotek.com/5r55w-complete.pdf

I too, found this site after a bit of searching....wow - what a wealth of FREE info & knowledge.

I was "gifted" an '02 xplorer limited 2x4 4.0 with a no third gear issue.
Of all the components, vehicles, powersports I have worked on - the AT has eluded me, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity.

I now have some funds coming through to move forward with the repair.
after familiarizing with the ratiotek pdf and many, many hours of reading others posts here, I felt I had enough info to begin. after verifing a few preliminary items & codes(PO745) - I diag'd as a snapped intermediate band.

trans is now removed and disassembled. 132,000mi and never had a trans service - didn't even make it to the first service interval of 150,000....geez, what is ford thinking? 150,000 really. I found the intermediate band tab broke off, the intermediate brake drum is also heat checked.:roll:

questions:
1) I see in many posts, which refer to a link I believe are site supporters offering discount parts. in particular the solenoid body - I can not find it.
2) where is a decent place for hardparts? transpartsusa is great for everything else.
3)Scott if you are still out there - I am interested in buying a set of the servobore kit.
4) my torque converter is different from the ratiotek photo - my converter mounts directly to the flywheel(no sub backing plate) and also has no drain. what is the service life of a converter?

on a side note - my haynes manual lists the trans for this xplorer as a 5R55S, when I believe it is actually the 5R55W - according to the door sticker and this: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143826&highlight=5r55s .


when the funds come through, I will do the $20 donation and upload a pic set of the whole disassembley if there is interest.
I am waiting to disassemble the VB until I get a shift kit.

jammer tuned in........

 

[akajammer]

hard parts site

well, 10min after my first post, I read an unrelated thread and found this site for the drum complete.
http://www.800700tran.com/prod.itml/icOid/204

I can not believe the low prices of automotive parts compared to the powersports industry. that drum is inexpensive.

Because of the need for an alignment tool when reassembling the pump(according to ratiotek) I think I may do the Hi-perf pump here:
http://www.800700tran.com/prod.itml/icOid/437

is there any benefit if I am not towing/loaded? or should I just get the stock one.

 

[ScottBowden]

update

Pump alignment tool and performance pump valve comes with the shift kit from trans parts USA. I installed everything in the valve body too.

I went to the Ford dealer for the planetary set and they gave me a real wholesale price (the guy was pretty cool).

My torque converter bolted to the flywheel and had no drainplug on it. I just turned it upside down and every-which-way to drain the fluid and then left it upside down on top of a bucket overnight. Did not replace converter.

My drum had slight heat "markings" but I checked all of the frictions throughout and everything else was good.

I had the codes cleared, and the computer reprogrammed at a local autoparts store. It took about 1.5 hrs hooked up on the programmer but it updated the trans, the engine management and some other convenience items. I was very pleased. It was about $80.

By coincidence I have been driving the car for the last few days (it's my Moms) and it is doing incredibally well.

I did not change the solenoid pack yet (I wanted to test it out). Put about 4,ooo miles on it so far.


I am looking to sell the Servobore kit, still in perfect condition, with 2 bushing sets.

 

[CDW6212R]

The torque converters life depends on the internal lock up clutches usually. Those would be wise to replace if you are near 150k miles.

 

[Mussin]

I also have the phantom 3rd in my 02 mounty.. It only shifts when you ease off the gas pedal, ford said broken band... I have a new reman tranny and new converter comming. How hard is this swap for a DIYer like myself. That damn tranny is HUGE!! The biggest PITA looks to be the exhaust. Any tips?? How long does the install take? Pics?


THANKS guys..

Jeremy

 

[CDW6212R]

Take very good care of the torque converter. Be absolutely sure that it is in all the way, just before putting the engine/trans together. The TC must be free to move in and out when the two are together, before the nuts are tightened. If the TC is not back all the way, it will be bound up and destroy the pump. It's not hard at all to keep an eye on and do. It is very easy to forget to check it just before tightening the TC. Just an FYI often missed.

 

[akajammer]

nearly there

well it has taken many weeks for parts, shipping damage problems, etc - but I now nearly have the trans complete, after reading the entire frankentranny thread, a few modifications were order and performed .

I will be posting many pics and my two cents about misc items throughout the rebuild that I think are pertinent and useful for others undertaking the DIY rebuild - things that I could not readily find or not fully explained.

I still need to fit the dipstick as I was not sure of the clearances until I have everything installed.

now onto my final question(ok maybe not the last)
Following the RatioTek guide - they list the three shaft speed sensors to be different.

I pulled a boner move and did not mark them prior to removal.
All three are marked the same - all the same p/n's, all with 1071 marked on the side.
one ohms @ 392k, second @ 394k and third @ 409k - being as such a consistant ohm reading....I am asumming all are within there respected spec and with well within 5% of each other.

I can not find a spec for the sensors.

RatioTek listes all with the same p/n XW4P 7H 103AA.
The TSS is suppose to be marked 0900 & both the ISS and OSS are suppose to be marked 2950 - no ohm spec is given.

are these sensors really different?

anyone have the scobby on these puppies?

 

[CDW6212R]

Well done on the work you finished. I know nothing about those transmissions, but given the same specs, I would bet the suggestion that they are different is wrong. Look some more though to get a better answer. Regards,

 

[akajammer]

useful links

trying to shed some light on the sensor specs I found these.....
the second link would have likely solved scott's original issue.

Tools that money can’t buy and they pay you to use.
j note - pretty cool tool for testing valve body function
TASC-TIP-12-04
http://www.sonnax.com/tech-articles/TASC-TIP-12-04.pdf

A Fix for 5R55W Front Planet Bearing Failure
TASC-TIP-04-06
http://www.sonnax.com/tech-articles/TASC-TIP-04-06.pdf

I could not find any sensor info, so will call a friend that works at a ford dealership and have him pull a manual for me.

now a second question:
what is the proper port to install a pressure guage to? the line pressure(next to the servo caps) or the pressure control(behind DTR)