Automatic Transmission adjust End Play & Preload

Tom Birch, 7/07

End Play
This gear set floats between thrust washers 1 and 10; there must be enough clearance so the thrust washers have a good layer of fluid for lubrication.

Tom Birch, 7/07

Preload
Tapered Roller Bearings

This transaxle differential rotates on a pair of tapered roller bearings. There must be a slight load on the bearings to prevent free movement. A shim is used to adjust the preload.
Adjusting Shim
Tom Birch, 7/07 3

Measuring End Play

Dial Indicator

A dial indicator is used to measure end play as you lift and drop the input shaft. Positioning the transmission shaft with the shaft vertical lets gravity move the shaft and gears toward the rear of the transmission.
Tom Birch, 7/07 4

MEP 2
After setting up the dial indicator, most technicians will take 3 measurements. Lets say they are: 0.027, 0.033, and 0.030. Next, add these together (0.090), and divide by 3 to get the average which is 0.030.

Tom Birch, 7/07

Adjust End Play

Look up the end play specification for your transmission. Lets say it is 0.0040.022, and you just measured an end play of 0.030, too much. Subtract the specs. from your reading: 0.030 0.022 = 0.008, 0.030 0.004 = 0.026 You have between 0.008 and 0.026 too much end play.

Tom Birch, 7/07

AEP 2
The selective thrust washer for adjusting end play is often the No. 1, at the back of the pump. Remove the thrust washer and measure the thickness.

Tom Birch, 7/07

AEP 3
Lets say that you measured the No. 1 thrust washer thickness, and it measured 0.072 (inch). You have too much end play (0.008 -- 0.026) so you need a thicker washer. 0.072 + 0.008 = 0.080, 0.072 + 0.026 = 0.098

Tom Birch, 7/07

AEP 4
You need a no. 1 thrust washer that is between 0.080 and 0.098. You check the specifications, and you find that these washers are available: 0.0710.076, 0.0780.084, 0.0880.092, 0.095 0.099, and 0.1030.107. Many technicians would choose the 0.0950.099 because it should set the end play close to the tight-end of the specifications, which is preferred.

Tom Birch, 7/07

AEP 5
Select a new, thicker shim, and install it on the pump. Replace the pump, and recheck the end play to make sure that it is correct.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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Center Supports
Support Assembly

A center support will divide the gear train into two sections: front and back. There will be an end play adjustment for each section
Tom Birch, 7/07 11

Rear Unit End Play

The dial indicator is set up to measure the end play as the main shaft is moved in and out. The adjustment shim is between the center support and the back of the case.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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Alternate Measurements
A depth micrometer and special fixture is measuring down to the top of the gear set. This measurement will determine the size of the selective shim/ thrust washer.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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AM 2

This special fixture with a feeler gauge is measuring for the selective shim/thrust washer for this transaxle.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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AM 3
A special tool is used to lift the gear train while the end play is measured.

Special Tool
Tom Birch, 7/07 15

AM 4
This special tool clamps onto the input shaft to provide a handle to lift the shaft. It also holds the dial indicator.

Special Tool

Tom Birch, 7/07

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AM 5
Special Tools

The differential end play is being measured on this transaxle. A special tool connects the dial indicator to the differential while another special tool is used to lift the differential.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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AM 6

The feeler gauge is measuring the gear set end play/clearance. Excessive clearance indicates that the thrust washers are worn.
Tom Birch, 7/07 18

Measuring Preload

Preload is normally measured using an inchpound torque wrench. A beam-type wrench lets you read the rolling torque.
Tom Birch, 7/07 19

MP 2

Preload measurement must be read while the differential is rotating. A reading that is less than the specifications indicates the bearings are loose.
Tom Birch, 7/07 20

MP 3
If this differential has bearing clearance, a measurement of the amount of end play can help you determine the size for the selective shim. A pair of screwdrivers is used to lift the differential.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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Adjusting Preload
This transaxle bearing retainer is removed so the shim under the bearing cup can be changed. A thicker shim will increase preload. Bearing Selective Bearing Retainer Shim Cup
Tom Birch, 7/07 22

AP 2
After changing the shim, recheck the preload to make sure that it is correct.

Tom Birch, 7/07

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