sary. At this point, you are ready to install the torque
converter.
Prior to installation, the converter can be checked for
proper endplay as shown in Figure 17-49. The tool shown
has an expanding pilot that can be tightened firmly into the
splined hole for the turbine shaft. Make sure the tool is
fully seated on the hub, and lock the tool in place by
turning the threaded inner post. Mount a dial indicator on
the tool. A typical procedure calls for positioning the
plunger so it contacts the converter shell. With the dial
indicator in place, zero the indicator. Then, pull up on the
tool’s handles. The reading obtained is the total endplay of
the turbine and stator. If endplay is not within specifica-
tions, the torque converter must be replaced.
A rough check of endplay can sometimes be made by
inserting a pair of snap ring pliers into the splined turbine
hub and pulling upward. Observing the plier movement
will indicate how much endplay there is.
The one-way clutch can also be checked at this time.
Place snap ring pliers down through the pump drive hub
and expand them into the internal splines on the one-way
clutch. (These splines mate with external splines on the
stator shaft.) Applying torque to the pliers should turn the
stator easily in one direction (clutch unlocked) and not so
easily in the other direction (clutch locked and turning the
stator). A special tool that engages the one-way clutch
inner race can also be used to check clutch operation. See
Figure 17-50.
If the torque converter passes these tests, check the
converter for wear at the hub. If there are no signs of wear,
add at least 1 quart of fresh transmission fluid to the
converter. See Figure 17-51.
Place the torque converter over the input shaft and
push it into the converter housing. The internal splines of
the converter will move into contact with the splines of the
stator shaft and input shaft. It may be necessary to wiggle
the converter while pushing on it to get it to engage with
the transmission shafts. The converter may also need to be
rotated to line up the lugs on the pump drive hub with the
slots on the front pump. The lugs should fully engage the
front pump. To verify that the torque converter is properly
installed, some manufacturers recommend checking it
with a measuring rule and a straightedge, Figure 17-53.
The reading is then compared to factory specifications.
Chapter 17 Rebuilding Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles 419
Threaded
inner post
Sleeve
Endplay checking
tool installed
into converter
A
Endplay
checking tool
Dial
indicator
Torque
converter
B
Figure 17-49. Converter endplay can be checked with the
special tool shown here. A—The endplay-checking tool must be
fully seated on the converter hub and locked in place. B—After
mounting the dial indicator on the tool, zero the indicator and
pull up on the tool’s handles. The reading obtained is the total
endplay of the turbine and stator. (Ford)
Torque wrench
Converter clutch
torquing tool
Figure 17-50. Checking the converter stator one-way (over-
running) clutch with a special tool and a torque wrench. If the
wrench turns easily in one direction and locks up in the other
direction, the one-way clutch is working properly. (Ford)
Note: Some manufacturers recommend
lowering the converter onto the trans-
mission shafts, Figure 17-52. In this case,
add only about 1 pint of fluid and spin the converter
to distribute it to the outside of the converter
internals.