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VE 5 speed torque converter removal procedure

Dozer31

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Hi
Just need some advice to remove a 5 speed auto trans 5L40-E. To replace a torque converter.

I'm going to carrying these works out myself and just wanted to know some of the steps or issues that I might incounter.
Has anyone removed one of these boxes and How long does it take.
I'm thinking 1 day for removal and same to refit.
I don't have the luxury of using a hoist so works will be carried out off stands.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.
 

Fu Manchu

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It’s no different to any other auto gearbox as far as what to do goes.
You’re going to need the car up as high as possible to get the box out from underneath.

Undo as many loom connections as you can first.

Prepare for a huge mess of trans oil. A tarp down and lots of rags down helps.

There is an access plate for the torque converter bolts in the form of a roundish thin metal inspection plate that clips in.

Disconnect your trans cooler pipes.

Double check harness connections as you lower it because forgetting one and damaging a harness is going to make your day not ok.
 

Dozer31

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It’s no different to any other auto gearbox as far as what to do goes.
You’re going to need the car up as high as possible to get the box out from underneath.

Undo as many loom connections as you can first.

Prepare for a huge mess of trans oil. A tarp down and lots of rags down helps.

There is an access plate for the torque converter bolts in the form of a roundish thin metal inspection plate that clips in.

Disconnect your trans cooler pipes.

Double check harness connections as you lower it because forgetting one and damaging a harness is going to make your day not ok.

Thanks mate.
So remove starter motor to access torque converter bolts.
Whatever about exhaust removal for space does this need to be removed?
And does this include Cat.
What time do you reacon to remove, 1 day ?
 

Fu Manchu

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You’ll need as much as possible out of the way. Exhaust. Drive shaft too.
 

Fu Manchu

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Time for the job to take is the time it takes to do it once and do it well.
 

Fu Manchu

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It’s been a really long time since I’ve had gearboxes out of any car, but have done it many many times. Rusty advice. However, happy to get the discussion going.
 

Dozer31

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It’s been a really long time since I’ve had gearboxes out of any car, but have done it many many times. Rusty advice. However, happy to get the discussion going.

Thanks for your reply.
The hole idea of this subject is for people including myself to get an understanding what is involved based on past experience.
These 5 speed auto in question have regular problems so if someone has the experience to carry out these works themselves I say why not.
You will also save a couple of dollars.

After putting up on stands this is what I know so far.

Disconnect battery .
Remove exhaust and tail shaft.
Remove heat shield?
Remove wire harnesses and sensors.
Remove access panel for Torque converter bolts.
Drop fluid from trans.
Remove oil trans lines.
Remove shifters linkage from box.
Remove auto trans bell housing bolts and side box out.
What else ?
Question not answered, How long to remove ,again based on if you have carried out these removal works.
 

aussie4life

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I did a trans swap on my vr. Had the car up on 3 rims under each wheel (janky i know). Forgot to drain it too. What a mess. But overall it took me a weekend to rip the donor out, rip my broken one out and throw the donor in (bought a donor car rather than just the trans). Granted this was on a vr but i guess its pretty similar no matter the auto.

To spin the flywheel to access all the torque convertor bolts i had a ratchet on the balancer bolt and removed spark plugs to allow it to spin easier.

Also, dont forget the breather hose.
 

losh1971

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Don't forget to push the TC into the trans before undoing the bell housing bolts and removing the trans. Installation push the TC into the trans while it's on the ground, then bolt up trans, then TC bolts. Failure to do that normally means damage to the pump and out with the trans again. Don't ask me how I know......
 
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