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The repair and diagnostic tools for manual and automatic transmissions, as well as those required for driveline service, are discussed in the following paragraphs. This discussion does not cover all of the tools you may need; rather, these tools are the most commonly used by the service industry. Details of when and how to use these tools are covered here of this guide. ++++ An engine support is used to hold the engine in place while the transaxle is removed on many FWD vehicles. ++++ A transmission holding fixture. ++++A typical transmission jack. ++++A clutch alignment tool set with various sizes of pilots, adapters, and alignment cones. SPX Service Solutions Transaxle Removal and Installation Equipment The removal and replacement (R&R) of transaxles mounted to transversely mounted engines may require different tools than those needed to remove a transmission from a RWD vehicle. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions before attempting to remove the engine and/or transaxle from a FWD vehicle. To remove the engine and transmission from under the vehicle, the vehicle must be raised. A crane and/or support fixture is used to hold the engine and transaxle assembly in place while the assembly is being readied for removal. When everything is set for removal of the assembly, the crane is used to lower the assembly onto a cradle. The cradle is similar to a hydraulic floor jack and is used to lower the assembly further so it can be rolled out from under the vehicle. The transaxle can be separated from the engine once it has been removed from the vehicle. When the transaxle is removed as a single unit, the engine must be supported while it’s in the vehicle before, during, and after transaxle removal. Special fixtures mount to the vehicle's upper frame or suspension parts. These supports have a bracket that is attached to the engine. With the bracket in place, the engine's weight is on the support fixture and the transmission can be removed. Transmission/Transaxle Holding Fixtures Special holding fixtures should be used to support the transmission or transaxle after it has been removed from the vehicle. These holding fixtures may be stand-alone units or may be bench mounted. They allow the transmission to be easily repositioned during repair work. Transmission Jack A transmission jack is designed to help you while removing a transmission from under the vehicle. The weight of the transmission makes it difficult and unsafe to remove it without much assistance and/or a transmission jack. These jacks fit under the transmission and are usually equipped with hold down chains, which are used to secure the transmission to the jack. The transmission's weight rests on the jack's saddle. Transmission jacks are available in two basic styles. One is used when the vehicle is raised by a hydraulic jack and sitting on jack stands. The other style is used when the vehicle is raised on a lift. Axle Pullers Axle pullers are used to pull rear axles in RWD vehicles. Most rear axle pullers are slide hammer type. Special Tool Sets Vehicle manufacturers and specialty tool companies work closely together to design and manufacture special tools required to repair transmissions. Most of these special tools are listed in the appropriate service manuals and are part of each manufacturer's "essential tool kit." ++++ A universal joint bearing press with adapters. Reproduced under license from Snap-on Incorporated. All of the marks are marks of their owners. Clutch Alignment Tool To keep the clutch disc centered on the flywheel while assembling the clutch, a clutch alignment tool is used. The tool is inserted through the input shaft opening of the pressure plate and is passed through the clutch disc. The tool then is inserted into the pilot bushing or bearing. The outside diameter (OD) of the alignment tool that goes into the pilot must be only slightly smaller than the ID of the pilot bushing. The OD of the tool that holds the disc in place must likewise be only slightly smaller than the ID of the disc's splined bore. The effectiveness of this tool depends on its diameter, so it’s best to have various sizes of clutch alignment tools. ++++ An angle gauge is used to check the angle of a drive shaft. ++++Pressure gauges are used to diagnose automatic transmissions and power steering systems. Clutch Pilot Bearing/Bushing Puller/Installer To remove and install a clutch pilot bearing or bushing, special tools are needed. These tools not only make the job easier but also prevent damage to the bore in the flywheel. Universal Joint Tools Although servicing universal joints can be done with hand tools and a vise, many technicians prefer the use of specifically designed tools. One such tool is a C-clamp modified to include a bore that allows the joint's caps to slide in while tightening the clamp over an assembled joint to remove it. Other tools are the various drivers used with a press to press the joint in and out of its yoke. Drive Shaft Angle Gauge Critical to the durability of universal joints and vibration-free vehicle operation is the angle of the drive shaft. The angle of the drive shaft at the trans mission should equal its angle at the drive axle. There are many ways to measure the angle; one way involves the use of an inclinometer or drive shaft angle gauge. Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Set A common diagnostic tool for automatic transmissions is a hydraulic pressure gauge. A pressure gauge measures pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) and/or kilopascals (kPa). The gauge is normally part of a kit that contains various fittings and adapters. Next: Suspension / Steering Tools Prev.: Engine Performance Tools Home Article Index top of page |
