Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Middle-Rear Planetary Thrust Washer Measurement
This procedure is used to determine the proper thickness for the thrust washer located between the middle-rear planetary assembly and the overdrive clutch assembly.
- Place the rear cover on a clean work surface, inside up.
- Place the rear bearing spacer/race (1) and bearing (2) in position on rear cover (3).
- Place the overdrive clutch (1) in position on the rear cover (2).
- Place two 25 mm (1 in) gauge blocks (1) on opposite sides of the rear cover (5) on the sealing surface.
- Place a straight edge (2) across the gauge blocks (1).
- Using a linear caliper, measure the distance from the top of the straight edge (2) to the top of the trust race on the overdrive clutch hub (4).
- Subtract the thickness of the gauge blocks and straight edge from the overall measurement. This is the distance from the sealing surface to the thrust race of the overdrive clutch hub. Record this as measurement (A) .
- Place two 25 mm (1 in) gauge blocks (1) on opposite sides of the rear of the transaxle housing (5).
- Place a straight edge (2) across the gauge blocks (1).
- Measure (3) the distance from the top of the straight edge (2) to the top of the trust race (4) on the middle-rear planetary gear assembly.
- Subtract the thickness of the gauge blocks (1) and straight edge (2) from the overall measurement. This is the distance from the sealing surface to the thrust race of the middle-rear planetary gear assembly (4). Record this as measurement (B) .
- Measure (1) the thickness of the middle-rear planetary gear thrust washer (2). Record this as measurement (C) .
Calculation and Thrust Washer Selection
Subtract measurement A from B. Record the sum and subtract measurement C. The remaining sum is the clearance between the middle-rear planetary gear and the overdrive clutch. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
A thicker or thinner thrust washer can be install to achieve the specified end play. If the service kit does not contain a suitable replacement thrust washer, the rear cover thrust bearing spacer/race can be changed to a suitable thickness.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.