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2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal


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MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 2, 2012, 10:04 AM

Post #1 of 188 (15197 views)
  post locked   2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Well, I'm going to start pulling the transmission on our Venture. We're going to go ahead and keep it and use it as our mileage vehicle. I figure it's worth more to us than what we would get for it. I've taken good care of it, and have always ran synthetic, so hopefully it will last. It has around 143k on it so not sure how many more miles we'll get out of it but guess we will see.

I looked at the removal process on alldatadiy and it doesn't seem like it will be all that difficult. I did see where I need a special tool that hold the flywheel in place in order to remove the torque converter bolts. Is there any other way to hold the flywheel in place without the j-37096? I've made some other specialty tools in the past and might try and make this one too if it's needed. I think if I got some clay and molded the shape of the flywheel as a pattern I could then grind and weld one together. It would be much easier if I could hold it some other way though. Maybe a pair of needle nose vice grips?

Do you guys have any helpful tips or advice to offer? Is there anything else I should replace while it's out? It does need a new oil pan gasket, which I already have, so I figure I'll throw that on while I'm down there. Any other gaskets I should change?

Hope everyone is doing well. Like always, thanks for a great forum and all the help!


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Oct 2, 2012, 5:38 PM

Post #2 of 188 (15150 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

You can hold the crank still with someone using a breaker bar on the balancer bolt. The Kent-Moore tool is nice but thats when you don't have anyone to help you. Remember the bastard bolt that you have to remove from the passenger side that holds the motor and trans together. The support bracket on the pass side and the speedo sensor have to come off to even seen it way back there and you need about 3 feet of extension. You need an engine support fixture that goes across the engine bay just ahead of the strut towers to hold the motor in the air, as you have to take the cradle out to get this done. That means disconnecting the steering lines, which I find easiest done at the pump itself. Putting the steering shaft back on can be a pain royally if you don't spread the opening a little in the slit with a chisel first, so remember that when you go to reinstall. Buy new swaybar links if yours are older. Its a lot easier to remove the ball joint stud from the spindle when you can flex the control arm freely and they'll just snap on removal since you have the salt same as me.

Oil pan access is great without the cradle in place. Realistically, once you get the cradle out the job is almost done anyway and fairly easy. I would replace the rear main seal for sure. You'll already have the oil pan off anyway and the trans out of your way. Get some red scotchbrite and smooth out any grooves or crap on the surface of the crank where the seal rides. If you have to hit it with some emery clotch you can, but at this mileage level I would be very surprised. I always change the rear main on anything with over 70k on it when I have a trans out. Cheap part and saves something coming back to bite you later.

Get a few cars of Kooler Kleen at the parts house. Follow the diretions on it to fully and thoroughly flush the living hell out of that cooler. If you find a lot of metal in the pan you may want to just buy a new radiator. If any debris remains in that cooler it will find its way into your new trans and you'll be doing this job all over again.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 8:36 AM

Post #3 of 188 (15126 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

That was exactly the advice I was looking for Nick. Thanks!

The more I got to thinking about which route I want to go for the tranny I think I'm going to try and rebuild it myself. I've always wanted to try rebuilding one and figure now is the perfect opportunity. I'm in no hurry to get the van back on the road as it's our extra vehicle. I'm going to order the overhaul manual and also a dvd that shows all of the updates that have been done to the 4T65-E. The manual and dvd are $45. A master rebuild kit is around $150. I'm sure there are some other parts that may need replaced too. I figure if I get it all back together and it doesn't work right it will be a $200 educational course. I think the knowledge is worth that. Plus, depending on what's wrong with it, I could end up saving around what, $800 or so? I do realize that I'll probably need some specialty tools but there's a good chance my stepdad has them. If it doesn't work out I'll probably just end up going with the crate transmission. I'm kind of excited about giving the rebuild a try though.

One other question. I've been wanting to get a code scanner for a long time. I don't want to spend a fortune but don't want a cheap pos either. Can you recommend a decent one for home use? Not sure if this makes a difference but we only own GM vehicles and will probably continue only buying GM.

Thanks again for the info Nick. Top notch info like always.

By the way, how's HT doing? Haven't heard much out of him for awhile.




Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 9:07 AM

Post #4 of 188 (15122 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

I'm following this. I just don't know a real lot about trannys.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Sean Bailey
Novice

Oct 3, 2012, 4:43 PM

Post #5 of 188 (15110 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

well I R&Rd trannys for many years and the craddle it self can be straped back if your useing a lift also you dont have to take the steering loose from the rack and pinnion take the two bolts loose from the rack on bottom of sub frame i think they are about an inch or 15/16 dont remember take some tie wire and tie up the tie rod upto the top of strut tower this will eliminate haveing to reset the sterring wheel straight also the fly will you can use a srewdriver take starter out remove inspection cover take the screwdriver and put it between the teeth of fly wheel and wedge it in the direction (right turn) to loosen up torque converter nuts (4 nuts) there are many tricks to make that r&r easy also rebuilding them remember 4t65 E all the valve body bults (5/16 0r 8 mm)are all different length so mark them along with check balls and match up you valve body gaskets this is real crucial as every year is different not a simple rebuild good luck

In Reply To
Well, I'm going to start pulling the transmission on our Venture. We're going to go ahead and keep it and use it as our mileage vehicle. I figure it's worth more to us than what we would get for it. I've taken good care of it, and have always ran synthetic, so hopefully it will last. It has around 143k on it so not sure how many more miles we'll get out of it but guess we will see.

I looked at the removal process on alldatadiy and it doesn't seem like it will be all that difficult. I did see where I need a special tool that hold the flywheel in place in order to remove the torque converter bolts. Is there any other way to hold the flywheel in place without the j-37096? I've made some other specialty tools in the past and might try and make this one too if it's needed. I think if I got some clay and molded the shape of the flywheel as a pattern I could then grind and weld one together. It would be much easier if I could hold it some other way though. Maybe a pair of needle nose vice grips?

Do you guys have any helpful tips or advice to offer? Is there anything else I should replace while it's out? It does need a new oil pan gasket, which I already have, so I figure I'll throw that on while I'm down there. Any other gaskets I should change?

Hope everyone is doing well. Like always, thanks for a great forum and all the help!



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 5:00 PM

Post #6 of 188 (15106 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

There is a lot more to rebuilding a transmission that making sure the check balls are in place. End play checks have to be made before and after the transaxle is disassembled and reassembled, so you don't have tolerance stack up, which requires special adapters. There are special tools to take clutch packs apart and to install seals. There are bushing installers to R and R bushings. Air checks have to made, so you don't get it all back together to find out you have an internal leak in a apply component. The valve body may need special work, so valves slide easily in their bores and don't bind or leak. Just so many steps that have to be done to properly overhaul a transmission.

I recommend you consider buying a SERTA transmission. Even though they aren't cheap, they come with a great warranty and are done by the factory.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 3, 2012, 5:02 PM)


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 5:13 PM

Post #7 of 188 (15100 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

You'll see what they mean when you watch the DVD and look at the book. You would also want to buy a new torque convertor. I consider them mandatory for any rebuild, along with the TCC lockup solenoid and the shift solenoids A-B.

As far a scanner goes, I guess what your definition of cheap is will determine what you get. Look on E-bay and plenty are out there. You like to dive in and learn new things, and seem to have a good mechanical mindset, so something that only reads generic codes would be a waste of your time I think. You want something that can access multiple modules, perform functional tests and read data pids in real time. You would also want something updatable. If spending $2000 or so isn't too expensive for your taste, see if you can get your hands on a used Snap-On Solus Pro. HT and I both own one and I can't speak for him but I love mine. Lot of people trading up to Modis and Verus now and a call to a few area Snap-On reps might get you a sweet deal on one. They're also able to be updated (not for free unfortunately) to cover newer and newer model years.

As a bonus, its going to be a lot easier to help you diagnose a trouble code if you have such a nice machine in your hands for us to tell you how to use.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 5:17 PM

Post #8 of 188 (15099 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

NOTE: This article lists the sequential steps necessary to overhaul the transmission.
- For the specific step listed below, refer to that step under "Repair Instructions".
- For the complete list of procedures, refer to "Repair Instructions".




Overhaul Procedure:


[ ] Torque Converter Disassemble
[ ] Transmission Support Fixture Assemble
[ ] Transfer Case Removal (F4WD Only)
[ ] Reverse Servo Disassemble
[ ] Forward Servo Disassemble

[ ] Bottom Pan and Filter Disassemble
[ ] Oil Filter Inspection
[ ] Accumulator Assembly and 2-1 Band Servo Removal
[ ] Control Valve Body Cover and Gaskets Disassemble
[ ] Wiring Harness - Disassemble

[ ] Oil Pump Disassemble
[ ] Control Valve Body and Spacer Plate Disassemble
[ ] Oil Pump Drive Shaft Removal
[ ] Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Disassemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Output Shaft Disassemble (FWD Only)

[ ] Front Differential Carrier End Play Check (FWD Only)
[ ] Manual Valve Link and Oil Dam Removal
[ ] Drive Axle Oil Seal Removal - Left
[ ] Case Cover and Gaskets Disassemble
[ ] Fourth Clutch Components Disassemble

[ ] Drive Link Stretch Check
[ ] Drive and Driven Sprocket Components Disassemble
[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Disassemble
[ ] 2nd Clutch and Input Clutch Removal
[ ] Reverse Band Removal

[ ] Reverse Reaction Drum Removal
[ ] Case Extension Housing Disassemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Differential Carrier Components Disassemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Input and Reaction Carrier Disassemble
[ ] Reaction Sun Gear and Manual 2-1 Band Removal

[ ] 1-2 Support Drum and Forward Band Removal
[ ] Differential Carrier Internal Gear Removal
[ ] Park System Components Disassemble
[ ] Case Assembly Inspection
[ ] Case Components Disassemble

[ ] Case Components Assemble
[ ] Torque Converter Oil Seal Removal
[ ] Drive Sprocket Support Disassemble
[ ] Drive Sprocket Support Assemble
[ ] Torque Converter Oil Seal Assemble

[ ] Park System Components Assemble
[ ] Differential Carrier Internal Gear Assemble
[ ] Differential Carrier Inspection (FWD Only)
[ ] Differential Carrier Disassemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Differential Carrier Assemble (FWD Only)

[ ] Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Reluctor Wheel Disassemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Reluctor Wheel Assemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Differential Carrier Components Assemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Case Extension Assemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Forward Band Assemble

[ ] 1-2 Support Roller Clutch Disassemble
[ ] 1-2 Support Roller Clutch Assemble
[ ] 1-2 Support Roller Clutch Functional Check
[ ] 1-2 Support Drum Assemble
[ ] 2-1 Manual Band Assemble

[ ] Reaction Sun Gear and Drum Assemble
[ ] Input and Reaction Carrier Pinion End Play Check
[ ] Input and Reaction Carrier Assemble
[ ] Reverse Reaction Drum Assemble
[ ] Input and Third Sprag Clutches Disassemble

[ ] Input and Third Sprag Clutches Assemble
[ ] Input and Third Sprag Clutches
[ ] Input Clutch and Third Clutch Disassemble
[ ] Input Clutch Housing Assembly Inspection
[ ] Input Clutch Housing Ball Check Valve Disassemble

[ ] Input Clutch Housing Ball Check Valve Assemble
[ ] Input Clutch and Third Clutch Assemble
[ ] Input Clutch and Third Clutch Functional Air Check
[ ] Input Clutch Housing Oil Seal Rings Assemble
[ ] Input Clutch Housing and Sprag Clutches Assemble

[ ] Input Clutch Housing End Play Check (FWD Only)
[ ] Input Clutch Housing End Play Check (F4WD Only)
[ ] 2nd Clutch Disassemble
[ ] 2nd Clutch Housing Assembly Inspection
[ ] 2nd Clutch Housing Ball Check Valve Disassemble

[ ] 2nd Clutch Housing Ball Check Valve Assemble
[ ] 2nd Clutch Assemble
[ ] Reverse Band Assemble
[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Components Disassemble
[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Components Inspection

[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Bearing Disassemble
[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Bearing Assemble
[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Components Assemble
[ ] Fourth and Second Clutch Functional Air Check
[ ] 2nd, Input, 3rd and Sprag Clutches Assemble

[ ] Driven Sprocket Support Assemble
[ ] Drive Sprocket and Turbine Shaft Disassemble
[ ] Drive Sprocket and Turbine Shaft Assemble
[ ] Drive and Driven Sprocket Components Assemble
[ ] Fourth Clutch Components Assemble

[ ] Case Cover Components Disassemble
[ ] Case Cover Components Inspection
[ ] Case Cover Bearing Disassemble
[ ] Case Cover Bearing Assemble
[ ] Left Drive Shaft Oil Seal Assemble

[ ] Case Cover Components Assemble
[ ] Case Cover and Gaskets Assemble
[ ] Manual Valve Link and Oil Dam Assemble
[ ] Differential Carrier End Play Check (FWD Only)
[ ] Right Drive Shaft Oil Seal Disassemble (FWD Only)

[ ] Right Drive Shaft Oil Seal Assemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Assemble (FWD Only)
[ ] Control Valve Body Clean
[ ] Control Valve Body Inspection
[ ] Control Valve Body Disassemble

[ ] Control Valve Body Assemble
[ ] Oil Pump Drive Shaft Assemble
[ ] Control Valve Body and Spacer Plate Assemble
[ ] Oil Pump Components Disassemble
[ ] Oil Pump Components Assemble

[ ] Wiring Harness Assemble
[ ] Case Side Cover and Gaskets Assemble
[ ] Thermo Element Adjustment
[ ] 2-1 Manual Band Servo Disassemble
[ ] 2-1 Manual Band Servo Assemble

[ ] Accumulator Components Disassemble
[ ] Accumulator Components Assemble
[ ] Accumulator Assembly, 2-1 Band Servo Assemble
[ ] Oil Pan and Filter Assemble
[ ] Forward Band Servo Components Disassemble

[ ] Forward Band Servo Assemble
[ ] Reverse Band Servo Components Disassemble
[ ] Reverse Band Servo Assemble
[ ] Transmission to Transfer Case End Play Check (F4WD Only)
[ ] Transfer Case Installation (F4WD Only)

[ ] Output Shaft Assemble
[ ] Transmission Holding Fixture Disassemble
[ ] Torque Converter Inspection
[ ] Torque Converter Assemble





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 5:48 PM

Post #9 of 188 (15095 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Good to see you HT.

Once again, some great info! After reading the posts I feel awfully intimidated now. I already ordered the manual and dvd so going to do plenty of studying to see if all of this is even worth my time. If I have any doubts I think I'm gonna have to pass. Since the van has over 140k I hate putting too much into it but will if need be. I believe it books for around $4000 to $5000 so I know I'd make my money back even if I end up buying a crate and especially if I install it. I just have this itch to try the rebuild myself but we will see. You know, I was looking at our local community college and they do have a course solely about at's. Do you think it would be worth taking it? I really need to get the van back on the road though. It has been sitting long enough. I figure the longer it sits the more crap I'm gonna end up having to replace.

As for the scanner, if I spent $2000 on one my wife would casturate me Nick! I was hoping for no more than $500 now so might have to put it off and cash in my change jar in about 3 years! With all the work I've done on the truck and with the Envoy in great mechanical condition hopefully I won't need one anytime in the near future. It's the van that I'd be worried about. Besides the tranny it's in good mechanical condition though and especially after doing the intake.

I should have the dvd and manual by Friday. I'll read it over and watch the dvd over the weekend and see what I think.

By the way, didn't HT say awhile back that he'd mail me his scanner whenever I needed to pull a code?


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 3, 2012, 5:55 PM

Post #10 of 188 (15093 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Just curious, but what kind of things are you wanting to do with the scanner?

When you start getting into bidirectional control and the ability to interface other modules in the vehicle is when it starts getting really expensive.
I'm not a sales rep, but Autel makes some decent scanners for things like looking at OBD2 data stream info and retrieving and erasing trouble codes.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 3, 2012, 5:55 PM)


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 4, 2012, 8:27 AM

Post #11 of 188 (15070 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Thanks for the checklist on overhauling a transmission DS. I reallly appreciate all the help this you and everyone offers.

To be honest, the only need I have for a scanner right now is pulling codes. But, I enjoy working on my own vehicles and helping family and friends with theirs. I enjoy learning along the way and learning new things even if it's "useless" information to me. I guess for right now I could get by with a basic scanner but I don't want some pos that only tells me the basics. I don't need one that tells me everything either.

I'm just gonna hold off on one for now and worry about fixing the Venture. I'll take a look at the Autel. I don't know anything about them so not really sure what kind will suit my needs.

Thanks again!


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 19, 2012, 8:54 AM

Post #12 of 188 (14996 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

I received the the repair manual and dvd. I thought the dvd was going to be some sort of video but it's just the manual in pdf form. The manual gives step by step instructions. I figure what the hell, lets give the rebuild a try. Maybe it will work out and maybe it won't. I plan on taking a bunch of pictures along the way. Worse case is it doesn't work out and I'm out the money for parts. I'll then either pick up a crate tranny or send the old off for rebuild. I'll probably get a crate but I'm not going to worry about that right now. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it later either.

I plan on dropping the tranny this weekend. Wish me luck.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 19, 2012, 9:05 AM

Post #13 of 188 (14995 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

You'll get it. Just pay attention to detail and don't be afraid to ask questions.

One key to a successful transmission rebuild is a nice clean place to work. A large enough bench to lay parts onto is a big plus. Trying to rebuild it in the back yard on concrete slab or dirt floor next to the kid's sandbox is a no no.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 20, 2012, 9:41 AM

Post #14 of 188 (14978 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Thanks for the encouragement DS. I completely cleaned off my workbench in my garage last night. Took the family out for breakfast so just now getting ready to pull it. Not sure how long it will take me. I always take a bunch of pictures along the way just in case I forget where something goes. I also put the bolts from each part in plastic baggies and tape them to the part. It takes a little longer doing things this way but tends to make it go a bit faster during installation.

In the rebuild manual it lists a handful of specialty tools. I know I can probably get away without using some of them but are there any that are a must have? Also, can you recommend a rebuild kit? There seem to be a handful of brands out there. Should I replace the forward and reverse bands even if they're okay? I figure for another $70 or so I ought to. Any certain brand of torque converter? Or, should I wait until I have it disassembled so I can actually see what the problem is?


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 20, 2012, 10:06 AM

Post #15 of 188 (14976 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

It has been a long time since I rebuilt transaxles working at the dealer. The dealer had all the essential tools and replacement parts were factory. I know that you'll need tools to compress the clutch packs, seal protectors, the bushing remover and installers, and the preloader to check end play. They also make kits that make improvements on problem areas that are common in those transmissions. Contact Sonnax and/or Transtar industries and explain to them what you are doing and ask what you will need. If you find you have valve body issues, it would be better to send that out for repair. Sometimes valve bores have to be sleeved, which requires special machinery.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 20, 2012, 10:09 AM)


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 20, 2012, 2:43 PM

Post #16 of 188 (14967 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

When I drop the frame what all comes down with it? I'm following the manual but just want to make sure nothing hangs up. It looks like the stabilizer bar. Once I disconnect the steering knuckle do the tie rods drop down too?


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 20, 2012, 5:37 PM

Post #17 of 188 (14958 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

I had a problem dropping the frame. It says to remove the steering rack. One bolt came out okay. The other bolt is hitting on the stabilizer bar. If I had another 1/4" or so it might just make it. Tried prying a little but there's not enough give. I was going to remove the stablizer bar but don't have room to get one of the bolts out of it either. I could possibly cut the bolt on the steering rack and then on installation put the bolt in from the tranny side. There seems to be a little more room that way. Am I missing something here?

Here I plan on trying to rebuild the tranny but having issues dropping the frame. This isn't building my confidence in my mechanical skills (or should I say nonskills) at all!


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 20, 2012, 6:03 PM

Post #18 of 188 (14957 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

You do have an engine support adapter on that thing?





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 20, 2012, 6:41 PM

Post #19 of 188 (14954 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Yes, I do have the engine supported.

Taking a better look at alldata/diy I do have to remove the stablizer bar. It also says to remove the power steering gear from the subframe. I've never heard of a power steering "gear". Once I get the bolt out of the steering rack it doesn't look like there's anything else attached or in the way.

I have all other steps completed so I'll be okay. The stabilzer bar rear bolt is just gonna be a bit of a pain. If they would've put the steering rack bolt in from the other side the stabilizer bar would just drop with the frame. I think the only way you should be able to be an automotive engineer is to have first been a mechanic for 20+ years. Then again, I have a feeling my mechanic mentors here would have a built in kegarator and an ejection seat for our old ladies included in the design.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 21, 2012, 1:30 AM

Post #20 of 188 (14946 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  


In Reply To
I think the only way you should be able to be an automotive engineer is to have first been a mechanic for 20+ years.

You have that right. The objective is to "engineer" units ready to go for fast assembly when new NOT worked on later. Hours to assemble components is just a fraction of what it once was. Not even expected service items are given much thought on the drawing boards of CAD/CAM - T


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 21, 2012, 4:14 PM

Post #21 of 188 (14933 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

I'll tell you what...I definitely didn't win any awards for speed while removing the tranny. I did get it out a few hours ago though. I thought I had every bolt removed but knew there were 6 on the bell housing and I only had 5 out. I looked all over the side where the other 5 bolts were and couldn't find the 6th. Then it hit me. I remembered Nick saying something about a 3ft extension. He must've been sending vibes from WI. Once I looked on the right hand side with a flashlight I saw it. After removing that one it came right out.

I noticed I have some kind of small oil leak on the right hand side of the engine. Looks like it might be coming out from the main pully. I'll have to take a better look and see if it's running down from somewhere else. Don't forget, I did do the intake earlier this year so hopefully it's not leaking from something I did during that.

I know I asked this earlier, but while I have the tranny out is there anything else I should replace? I know the rear main seal was one of them. I'm going to replace the oil pan gasket as that one is leaking a little. Any other gaskets?

Like always, thanks for the help!


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Oct 21, 2012, 5:58 PM

Post #22 of 188 (14929 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Now you see why I called that one a Bastard Bolt. Saw a guy that had more hammers than brains destroy his case because he didn't know it was there. I got called in for the aftermath.

With the cradle out of the way look real close at your motor mounts. If they are oil-soaked and geting a bit crappy now is the easiest time to take care of it. The front main seal could be leaking, and isn't hard to get at especially with the crable out but you will need not only a balancer puller but a balancer installer. See if the wetness starts at the back of the balancer or if it came from further up.

Remember when you install this that one of the bellhousing bolts gets two ground cable ends on it. They can be confused in dim light with the fusible links that go to the power wire at the back of the starter solenoid. If that happens you blow your fusible links. A friend of mine posted about that earlier this year with his Olds Intrigue.

As you've seen, getting the cradle out of the way frees up the working area by a mile and the battle is mostly over once it comes out. Do get some cans of Kooler Klean and flush the ever living hell out of your transmission cooler and lines. Neglecting that part is the fasted way to waste a perfectly good trans in short order. After the cleaner I like to hook up a hose to hot water and flush multiple times in both directions. Blow out with air after that. Now when you go to start the engine leave your return line unhooked and hold it over a can. Have someone in the van running the key for you, and when all that comes out is fresh trans fluid you can shut it off and hook that return line up. This way you have every drop of water out as well. Its actually part of the service procedure for servicing Isuzu NPR cube vans with both 4L80E and AISIN transmissions when installing a new trans.


MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Oct 22, 2012, 3:23 PM

Post #23 of 188 (14913 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Thanks for the pointers Nick. I know exactly what wires you are talking about. I'll definitely flush it the way you recommend. When changed the tranny fluid in the Envoy and in the Sierra I unhooked the cooler line so know what to do there. I actually had to steal one of the line clips off of the Venture when I did the Envoy cause one went shooting off at about 50mph and lost it. I just ordeded some new clips yesterday. I write all these tips down so I have them to look at during installation. It helps tremendously.

I'm hoping someone can help me on this one. I started tearing into the transmiison today. I didn't get too far cause I had to go to the school for a meeting. I should've thought about this first and flipped the transmission valve body up. When I slowly pulled the valve body off a little piece fell off. It's like a little metal tab. It's 1/2" X 3/4". I have no idea where it goes. I'd like to figure out where it came from before I continue. I'm not sure how to post pictures on here so here's a link. Hopefully one of you know where this thing goes.

Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/88501420@N05/


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 22, 2012, 4:29 PM

Post #24 of 188 (14905 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

I am not exactly sure what that is. How thick is it? Doesn't looking like something that should be in the valve body. Might be a clue to why the transmission failed.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 22, 2012, 4:39 PM)


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Oct 22, 2012, 4:38 PM

Post #25 of 188 (14897 views)
  post locked   Re: 2002 Venture 3.4 Front Wheel Drive Tranny Removal  

Does look like the tab of a clutch steel. Could've caught on the filter screen of the valve body. Usually what goes rolling out are the little checkballs from the valve body fluid circuits that you scratch your head trying to figure out where they go.






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