Cleaning Transmission Parts

shelbydz · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 8:54 am

My CRD's transmission is broken down to its components. The ATM guide says to clean the parts. What's the best way to do this? Carb cleaner and a toothbrush? Take them to a shop and get it all washed? I'd assume I need to take all the components apart first.

Here's pics of the disassembly:
https://picasaweb.google.com/109199982702464952248/545RFE?authuser=0&feat=directlink

thx

Hexus · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 10:45 am

That valve body looks rough, jeesh. Much rougher than mine looked. Did you run low on fluid and overheat it?

Yes, Carb/Choke/Throttle body cleaner is what my transmission guy had me get when we did mine and cleaned parts of it out. Just make sure it all dries out before re-assembly.

You should go ahead and do a 545RFE-HD2 Reprogram kit while you're in there ($80 IIRC). There's a snap ring replacement in there that's beneficial as well as some upgrades on the valve body etc.

shelbydz · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 11:00 am

I never saw anything signs about low fluid or overheating transmission (I did get engine overheat light last summer). I have the same scoring on the interior of the transmission case too. I'll post a picture of that when I get a chance.

Do I need to replace that part of the valve body?

Hexus · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 11:12 am

No, it just appears there are some heat fractures, but nothing compromised. You see that in aluminum bodies.

Just do your rebuild with the clutch packs, I definitely would recommend the Transgo HD-2 kit though.

Lancer · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 12:33 pm

What's the benefit to the Transgo kit?

Hexus · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 2:10 pm

It saves wear on your pump and valve body, provides crisper shifts, and eliminates drainback issues which will definitely be beneficial. It also provides a self-cleaning button in your reverse valve, which the original tranny does not have. The seals are higher quality and provide a spacer as well, so they sit firmly against the valve orifices.

Here's the official readout:

FEATURES: Corrects/Prevents/Reduces: 2-3 neutral, Drainback, Limp, TCC slide bang and Slip codes. Heavy Duty Accumulator plate/cover and Special accumulator seals. Has tough Snap ring, Saves Pump and VB. Includes new TC limit valve system. NOTE: SK 45RFE and 45RFE-HD2 do not make firm shifts, they create a "quicker shift" (The transition time from the release of the present gear to the apply of the next gear).

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 2:55 pm

To which I would add it has a stronger valve body side plate (what retains the various spring things) to replace the OEM one that's occasionally been known to fail or come partially unbolted.

Just a reminder on the install if the kit comes with a resister (may not any more) don't use it.

If you have SunCoast install their TC they routinely include the Transgo kit. Cannot say that it made any shift difference but I sure don't have drain back any more.

shelbydz · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 3:26 pm

I have the transgo kit. I've been cleaning the parts and getting ready to reassemble

Lancer · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 5:03 pm

How much of the transmission do I have to take apart to install it? I ask because I plan to change the fluid and filters in a month or so as well as installing a drain plug.

shelbydz · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 5:07 pm

It depends on how much you want to install. You can probably just do the valve body modifications, which means only dropping the pan. But there are upgrades to the pump (taking the transmission off the engine, taking out the torque converter) AND a stronger snap ring for one of the clutch packs (full transmission disassemble).

Hexus · **Posted:** Mon May 27, 2013 6:56 pm

If you just drop the valve body you can put on about 75% of the kit. The new springs, valve rings, self-cleaning valve, and cover plate.

I would recommend it.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Tue May 28, 2013 1:11 pm

Do it right and put in the Pump kit as well. Saving the cost of the new pump help me justify my Suncoast converter with no regrets.

Lancer · **Posted:** Tue May 28, 2013 4:49 pm

Thanks, I may well invest in one of these kits.

shelbydz · **Posted:** Tue May 28, 2013 5:31 pm

When reassembling my valve body, should I lube the parts up with transmission fluid? It seems a bad idea to have the thing all dry when back together.

thx

Cleaning Transmission Parts

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