Change for Change’s Sake?
Figure 5 Figure 6
One simple fix is to bore out the center and install a billet
sleeve (figure 5). It’s a good idea to replace the turbine hub
at the same time.
But there’s a better solution than repairing the seal bore:
an aftermarket billet version of the piston itself. This replace-
ment billet piston is far superior to the OE design. It’s much
stronger in the seal bore area, and thicker to prevent further
deflection (figure 6).
Ford 5R55S and W
The last converter we’re going to look at is Ford’s 5R55S
and W. As many of you know, many 2004-up Ford Explorers
develop a rattling noise that can come from a number of
places. One likely source of this rattle is the converter.
This torque converter has a multi-clutch, two-piece
lockup assembly (figure 7). It uses a drive piston that applies
Figure 7
the dual-sided lockup clutch to the front cover. It has 6 tabs
and a gear that also rides on the front cover.
This billet piston is a drop-in replacement
Torque converter rebuilders have discovered that the tabs
on the drive piston loosen up and wear out, which creates a
that eliminates the drive piston and
rattling noise from the contact area between the drive piston
dual-sided clutch, which eliminates the
and front cover. The tabs have been riveted down to the drive
piston which can cause the rattle.
potential for rattling.
There’s a lot of debate on how to repair this converter.
One method is to press and weld the rivets’ tabs. But this cre-
ates a situation that has the potential to fail again.
A better solution is to install an improved design billet
piston (figure 8). This billet piston is a drop-in replacement
that eliminates the drive piston and dual-sided clutch, which
eliminates the potential for rattling.
Some cost cutting practices have their place; others
don’t. When you’re considering the parts you purchase and
the price you pay for them, don’t forget to consider how it
was repaired. Was it a quick fix or a solid, long term repair?
Are you paying for upgraded parts or simple patch job?
These are just a few issues, but the bottom line is that
there’s a difference between quick fixes and a proper repair.
The quick fix will work… today. But if you’re trying to avoid
comebacks and maintain your reputation, there’s no substitute
for a quality repair.
Figure 8
24 GEARS March 2010
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