What Happened Help Me

[HahnsB2]

Since when is 90K "about time" for a transmission rebuild?

Since you've owned an RBV automatic

 

[EasyRhino]

So by the lack of replies to my last comment, I think we can all conclude that the "newer" ford explorer transmissions (5r55w) needs an over haul by about 80k. (Not due to unproper maintenance, but because ford does not build transmission well any more and the bores for the servos wear out prematurely.

Mine must be overdue at 93K miles. That's for a '02 5R55W.

I am religious about changing the fluid and filter, and will probably look into replacing the valve body and solenoid pack around 100-120K or so, in hopes of making it go the distance.

FWIW, there are lots of 5R55W's out there with more than 100K miles not yet rebuilt. Not to say that some have not made it, with particular problem areas seeming to be the valve body, solenoids, torque converter, and the servo shaft bore problem.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Hmmmm, well thanks for sharing with me your experience and thoughts about the 5R55Ws. I wasn't counting on it, but perhaps I will be able to get 100k out of my tranny. The only stories about the 5r55ws I have heard is how horrible they are, never heard any good ones before until now. Thanks.

 

[zul8ter]

I guess since Ford transmissions are so good there is a thread on here "how many miles did you get out of your transmission." My exploder is on the third in 80,000miles. Dealer said it shouldnt have to be serviced until 150,000. Not in the 02-05's. My neighbor replaced one last year w/60,000. IMO P.O.S.

 

[gijoecam]

I've talked to several transmission repair shops around town and they all tell me that ford transmissions usually come in for an overhaul around 80k.

Complete and utter unadulterated bovine poo poo.

LOL!! For once, I actually agree with Aldive! (Better mark this date down in my history book!!)

So by the lack of replies to my last comment, I think we can all conclude that the "newer" ford explorer transmissions (5r55w) needs an over haul by about 80k. (Not due to unproper maintenance, but because ford does not build transmission well any more and the bores for the servos wear out prematurely.

I don't think so.... Keep in mind that Ford sold roughly 750,000 Explorers a year from '95 to 2004. For every one that you read about having transmission trouble at any point in its life, there are literally tens of thousands of them still dutifully traveling the highways and byways of this country with little more than regular fluid and filter changes. Drive by any trans shop, and yes, odds are there may be an Explorer in the lot... But then again, drive by almost ANY shop of any type in the country, and odds are there will be an Explorer there.

I guess since Ford transmissions are so good there is a thread on here "how many miles did you get out of your transmission." My exploder is on the third in 80,000miles. Dealer said it shouldnt have to be serviced until 150,000. Not in the 02-05's. My neighbor replaced one last year w/60,000. IMO P.O.S.

As I mentioned, they are the exception, not the rule by any stretch. How many 'failed' transmissions at any given transmission shop are due to a complete lack of maintenance on the part of the owner? Neglecting maintenance does not make it the transmission's fault it failed.

I'm not going to jinx myself by stating how many miles I have on my trans, but suffice it to say it's well north of double the 80,000 miles of predicted doom. It still shifts exactly as it did on day one. All I've ever done is regular 30,000 mile trans fluid and filter swaps. Nothing more, nothing less. In fact, I can honestly say that in the decade I've owned it, the transmission is the one thing that's never let me down. (knocking feverishly on my wooden desk)

-Joe

 

[35Remmy]

ZUL8ER...if you're on your 3rd transmission in 80,000 miles then you have a problem that isn't being addressed. Who is rebuilding or replacing these transmissions?