had front seal replaced and now i have shifting problems

[wimpytwins]

The front seal went out and like all A4LD it took out the torque converter with it. I had a trans shop replace the destroyed seal and also made sure the pump was aligned. I also bought a new torque converter. I have never had any problems with the transmission. It was rebuild about 60,000 miles ago. After putting it back together every time it shifts it slips and the shift seems to be in slow motion. I made sure I used type F fluid. If I start out and manually shift it threw the gears it doesn’t slip threw the shifts. It has been a few months and it hasn’t gotten worse until today. If i start out from a dead stop in drive it slips and won’t engage until the engine rpm’s go up to about 2000-2500 but if I manually start out in first it doesn’t slip. I know that sometimes a old trans will have problems after all of the fluid has been changed because the grit help old trans work right. I have come to three conclusions but I don’t know how to figure out what is the right fix the easiest way.
1. the pump wasn’t aligned right or worn out and I don’t have enough pressure to run the trans. So the pump needs to be fixed or replaced.
2. the trans plates are worn out and the old gritty fluid was the only thing keeping it going so I need to rebuild the trans.
3. the new torque converter was bad out of the box. But I really don’t think this is it.
Any help I can get to point me in the right direction before I tare it out and replace a bunch of stuff that is a waste of money would be great. I just ordered the trans service manual to help me out. Thanks again bryan

 

[Glacier991]

NO NO NO...NOT TYPE F!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It uses Mercon/Dexron III!!!!

Start by flushing it out with the proper fluid (not a pan drop fluid change!) and then see how it performs!

 

[BrooklynBay]

The wrong kind of fluid could cause a lot of shifting problems. Some people put in Dexron/Mercon III into a 5R55E, and have similar problems. The correct fluid for the 5R is Mercon V. Always use the proper fluid. In your case it would be the Dexron/Mercon III like Glacier said before. Here is a thread that should answer just about any question you would have on ATF: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146841&highlight=transmission+fluid

 

[wimpytwins]

i tried using a few different fluids type f, It uses Mercon/Dexron 111, It uses Mercon/Dexron 4 or 5. in the past i have always used type f during every tranny flush for 4 years with no problems. what is needed to rebuild the main pump. thanks

 

[Glacier991]

Ok... well I'll not debate this with you. But...to everyone else: DO NOT USE TYPE F in the A4LD, or 4R55 or 5R55. Trust me.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The front pump consists of 2 gears, 1 big, and 1 small. You would need a special tool to align those gears before you make your final tightening on the pump's bolts. If the gears aren't aligned properly, you could ruin the torque converter's hub, bell housing's bushing, and front seal.

 

[Glacier991]

Well, that's not exactly right. The gears are more or less self aligning as they ride in machined pockets in the pump housing. What needs to be aligned is the pump, relative to the bellhousing. The crirical point is that the bushing in the bellhousing be perfectly concentric to the bellhousing (perfection on replacement rquires that the new replaced bushing be turned in place), and that the pump shaft is perfectly centered in the bushing. THAT is what needs to be aligned - the tool is used to align the pump concentric to the bushing.

There is no gear alignment procedure nor is it required.

 

[BrooklynBay]

If that special tool aligns the pump, why does that bushing have to be machined a special way? Why can't the bushing be pressed in, then align the pump to match the position of the bushing instead of aligning, and machining the bushing to match the position of the pump?

 

[Glacier991]

First, fhe concentricity of the bushing has to pilot off the mounting holes of the bellhousing (the turn in place issue). Second, the pump in this tranny mounts on the bellhousing.... most mount in the case.... so the the bellhousing aligns to the case and this is not an issue.... Remember the TC (and hence the input snout) is locked into its own orbit on the flexplate, independent of the bellhousing or pump. Everything needs to line up and be concentric.

It is just another "special care and feeding" issue this transmnission seems to have.. and that so few shops understand. The thread in the "Useful Threads" about A4LD Seal leaks may explain it better.