The automotive engineering world took notice when ZF came out with the first rear-wheel drive 8-speed transmission in 2008. Soon afterward, other manufacturers followed suit. Then, in 2012, Powertech, Hyundai’s powertrain division, produced the A8TR1 transmission. It debuted behind the Hyundai Genesis V8, followed by the Equus and Genesis coupe. They also introduced a lower […]
Dual-clutch transmissions have become more prevalent in a quest to improve car fuel efficiency. The absence of a torque converter and an engine-driven oil pump significantly reduces horsepower consumption. Also, adding a direct mechanical transfer of torque through gears produces the most efficient throughput of any transmission. Because of these attributes, they have found a […]
Since the days of the A40 and A340 units, I had engraved this image of Toyota rear-wheel drive transmissions in my mind. From the long, rectangular oil pan with a valve body to match it to the sharp clutch splines in the case that always left me cut up, not much has changed with them […]
The 62TE transmission is Mopar’s answer to increasing the fuel efficiency of their front-wheel drive vehicles. While it is fundamentally a 41TE with an underdrive assembly on the countershaft, it has its own personality as well as problems. Pattern failures have emerged with these units over the 15 years they have been in the industry. […]
Let’s face it. They don’t make people like they used to! It seems like all aspects of life have been touched by this simple truth. Therefore, we can’t expect parts to be made as they used to. Just because a part is new doesn’t mean it will work as designed. We must take the word […]
Electronic components inside today’s transmissions have captivated us when considering parts to service and replace on a rebuild. Since computer strategy plays such an intrusive role in the operation of most units, the sensors and actuators inside the unit come into question, especially when there are shift quality-related issues that aren’t supported by damage or […]
Since the introduction of the Subaru Lineartronic in 2010, there has been an air of mystery surrounding this newly designed CVT unit. Anyone who has witnessed the antics of the Subaru Justy CVT no doubt was scratching their head with wonder and amazement at the gall of the Subaru engineering department to even suggest putting […]
Building late model transmissions seems to be easier than building some of the earlier model 4 speed units, at least mechanically. Once you learn the do’s and don’ts for a particular unit, it is as easy as walking in the park on a Sunday afternoon! That is how most of us are with the 6T70 […]
There was an iconic scene in the 1980’s horror movie called Poltergeist where a child is in front of a television screen that was left on but not tuned to a channel. After a while, she announced to her family, ‘they’re here!’ In this case, she was referring to the arrival of the undead spirits. […]
A manual transmission is one of the most efficient ways to get power to the ground from an engine. With the simplicity of selectable gear reduction and the ability to control power to the transmission through a clutch system, a driver has ultimate control over how to deliver the engine’s power to the ground. Also, […]
Today’s drivetrains are more efficient than ever before. Every component is designed to maximize the transfer of power with the minimum amount of waste while maximizing the driver’s comfort and overall experience. Powertrain management computers control the engine, transmission, and related systems to prevent wasting fuel. With a micromanagement level of control in play comes […]
Automobile manufacturers are exploring every way possible to make vehicles more fuel-efficient. Powertrain management strategies are tailored with this in mind, while simultaneously maintaining a seamless and responsive driving experience. The result is a combustion engine coupled to a transmission with systems added to control and maximize the efficiency of every drop of fuel that […]
Small sports utility vehicles and cars with all-wheel drive capability are becoming more commonplace. Every major auto manufacturer has its version. High-speed CAN bus networks, powerful computers, and lightweight drive components make adding all-wheel drive to existing front-wheel-drive models in their lineup more practical. Besides providing added traction and control on adverse road conditions,...
A customer came into the shop with a 2016 Dodge Challenger with a 3.6L motor and an 845RE transmission with a no-shifting complaint. He owned the vehicle from new and experienced a no-start condition one morning. Being a do-it-yourself kind of person, he jump-started his car a few times and eventually replaced the battery. After […]
Convenience and ease of operation are things we have come to expect out of our daily driving experiences. Pushing a button should give us exactly what we want immediately. This is what we have grown to expect from our 4-wheel drive systems. Since the introduction of shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive, automakers have taken a multi-step process […]
The 6L80 and 6L90 transmissions have become the most popular rear-wheel drive GM transmissions in most of our shops. We have seen several patterned failures, written numerous articles, and found countless fixes to keep these units on the road (and the list doesn’t end). With so many of them in need of repair, they have […]
The ZF 8-Speed transmission is a well-balanced unit that seamlessly fits into powertrain management systems. With a blend of shift quality, gear ratios, unit footprint, efficiency, and durability in one package, it produces stellar performance under every conceivable situation. However, the mechanical and hydraulic engineering only works so well due to the electronic powertrain management [&hellip...
The 6L80 and 6L90 transmissions have been in the aftermarket for over a decade. By now, most transmission shops see these transmissions regularly. One common issue that brings these units to your shop is torque converter failure, which also destroys the pump. With this in mind, many shops are prepared to replace or repair the […]
Toyota’s 6-Speed Saga Continues… With Fewer Parts! Since front-wheel-drive vehicles are a better choice for fuel efficiency, rear-wheel-drive vehicles are becoming less popular. With the added weight of a differential assembly, driveshaft, and support components, there is really no way for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle to win the pole position in fuel economy. However, in truck […]
When I was a kid growing up in a small, east coast city, there were other kids who moved in and out of our neighborhood regularly. Then there was that one kid that arrived and we knew he wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. He was the kid that seemed to fit in without any problems, […]
