Acura Transmission Rebuild Manual

The Acura Transmission Rebuild Manual provides comprehensive guidance for rebuilding Acura automatic and manual transmissions, covering models from 1990 to present. This manual includes detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, component replacement, reassembly, and testing of transmission systems. Below are key sections for safety precautions, tools required, step-by-step rebuild procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Required Tools and Equipment 3. Transmission Identification 4. Disassembly Procedures 5. Component Inspection 6. Replacement Parts Guide 7. Reassembly Procedures 8. Torque Specifications 9. Fluid Requirements 10. Testing and Adjustment 11. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Safety Precautions

Essential safety measures when working with Acura transmissions.

Safety MeasureDescription
Vehicle SupportUse jack stands; never work under vehicle supported only by jack
Transmission SupportUse transmission jack when removing/installing transmission
Fluid HandlingWear gloves and eye protection when handling transmission fluid
Electrical DisconnectDisconnect battery before beginning work
Clean Work AreaEnsure work area is clean and well-lit
Proper LiftingUse proper lifting techniques; transmissions are heavy
Fire SafetyKeep flammable materials away from work area
VentilationWork in well-ventilated area when using cleaning solvents

Required Tools and Equipment

Specialized tools needed for Acura transmission rebuild.

  1. Transmission jack with safety chain
  2. Torque wrench (inch-pounds and foot-pounds)
  3. Snap ring pliers (internal and external)
  4. Bearing puller set
  5. Seal installation tools
  6. Dial indicator with magnetic base
  7. Feeler gauges
  8. Transmission fluid pressure gauge set
  9. Clean work bench with vise
  10. Parts cleaning tank or solvent

WARNING! Use only recommended tools to avoid damage to transmission components.

Transmission Identification

Identifying your Acura transmission model and specifications.

  1. Locate transmission identification tag on housing
  2. Check vehicle VIN for transmission code
  3. Refer to manufacturer specifications for model year
  4. Verify transmission type (automatic/manual) and gear ratios
  5. Confirm final drive ratio for proper rebuild components

CAUTION! Incorrect identification may lead to using wrong replacement parts.

Disassembly Procedures

Component Inspection

Thorough inspection of all transmission components.

Critical Inspection Points: Check gears for wear patterns, inspect bearings for roughness, examine clutch plates for burning, check bands for wear, inspect valve body for sticking valves, check seals for hardening or damage, examine torque converter for contamination, inspect pump for wear.

Measurement: Use micrometers and dial indicators to measure clearances and tolerances. Compare measurements to factory specifications.

Replacement Parts Guide

Recommended replacement parts for Acura transmission rebuild.

  1. Complete gasket and seal kit
  2. Clutch plates and steels (full set)
  3. Transmission bands (as needed)
  4. Bearing kit (all bearings and thrust washers)
  5. Bushings (where applicable)
  6. Filter and fluid
  7. Shift solenoids (recommended replacement)
  8. Torque converter (if contaminated or damaged)
  9. Valve body kit (if rebuilding valve body)

Tip: Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts for best results.

Reassembly Procedures

Step-by-step reassembly of Acura transmission.

  1. Clean all components in transmission fluid or approved cleaner
  2. Install new bearings and bushings with proper lubrication
  3. Assemble planetary gear sets with new thrust washers
  4. Install clutch packs with proper clearance measurements
  5. Reassemble valve body with new gaskets and check balls
  6. Install extension housing with new seal
  7. Install bell housing and torque converter (automatic)
  8. Verify all snap rings are properly seated
  9. Check all clearances and end plays
  10. Apply assembly lube to all moving parts

WARNING! Follow torque specifications exactly to prevent damage.

Torque Specifications

Critical torque values for Acura transmission components.

ComponentTorque ValueNotes
Bell housing bolts35-40 ft-lbsUse thread locker
Valve body bolts7-9 ft-lbsCrisscross pattern
Extension housing25-30 ft-lbsUse new seal
Oil pan bolts7-9 ft-lbsCrisscross pattern
Pressure test ports15-18 ft-lbsDo not overtighten
Shift lever18-22 ft-lbsManual transmissions
Output flange nut130-150 ft-lbsUse new cotter pin

Fluid Requirements

Transmission fluid specifications and capacities.

Automatic Transmission: Use only Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 or equivalent. Capacity: 2.7-3.1 quarts (dry fill). Manual Transmission: Use Honda MTF or equivalent. Capacity: 1.8-2.2 quarts.

CAUTION! Using incorrect fluid may cause transmission failure.

Testing and Adjustment

Post-rebuild testing procedures and adjustments.

TestProcedureSpecification
Pressure TestConnect pressure gauge to test portsRefer to specific model specs
Line PressureCheck at various RPM ranges85-150 PSI depending on model
Shift TimingRoad test for proper shift pointsSmooth shifts at correct RPM
Band AdjustmentAdjust bands per specificationSpecific turns from seated position
Fluid LevelCheck with transmission at operating tempBetween ADD and FULL marks

Reset: Clear transmission adaptive memory if applicable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No forward movementForward clutch failureInspect forward clutch pack and seals
No reverseReverse clutch or bandCheck reverse components and hydraulic circuit
Harsh shiftingLine pressure too highCheck pressure regulator valve and springs
Slipping shiftsWorn clutch platesInspect clutch packs and check fluid pressure
Delayed engagementLow fluid pressureCheck pump, filter, and pressure regulator
OverheatingClutch slippage or cooler issuesCheck cooler flow and clutch operation

Service Support: Contact Acura technical support for complex issues.

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