Replacing a transaxle in your car can seem like a daunting task, but with patience and the right tools, you can do it yourself. Before diving in, ensure you have a clear workspace and all the necessary equipment. A typical replacement procedure might take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on your experience and the make and model of your vehicle.
Start by disconnecting the car battery to prevent any electrical mishaps. Use a wrench to remove the battery terminals, and make sure they are completely disconnected. This step is crucial because the last thing you need is a surprise jolt of electricity while you’re deep in the mechanical process. Next, raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. It’s essential the car sits at least 24 inches off the ground to give you enough space to maneuver underneath.
Now, remove the wheels. This involves loosening the lug nuts with a tire iron and taking the wheels off completely. Storing them in a safe spot is critical, as someone could accidentally trip over them. Once the wheels are off, proceed to take off the brake calipers and rotor. For many vehicles, the caliper will be secured with a couple of 15mm bolts. Keep them organized because you’ll need them when putting everything back together.
Continuing with the process, you need to disconnect the tie rods and the CV axles. To achieve this, use a tie rod remover tool to avoid any damage. Once the tie rods are out of the way, focus on the CV axles. If this is your first time dealing with CV axles, be prepared for some resistance. Sometimes these are stuck due to dirt and rust build-up; a couple of taps with a rubber mallet may be necessary. According to industry experts, leaving the axle nuts on to hammer against can prevent damaging the threads of the axle itself.
With those components removed, move on to unbolting the transaxle from the engine. You will typically find between 6 to 10 bolts that secure the transaxle. Keep the bolts in a labeled bag for easy identification and reassembly. Now, support the transaxle with a transaxle jack to prevent it from damaging other components of the car as you remove it. Remember, safety first. A transaxle can weigh between 100 and 300 pounds, depending on the vehicle, so handling it improperly can lead to injury.
After the old transaxle is out, it’s time to install the new one. Align the new transaxle with the engine and start threading the bolts by hand. This approach prevents cross-threading and ensures the bolts go in smoothly. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications, which you’ll find in the vehicle’s service manual. On average, the required torque ranges from 30 to 60 foot-pounds for most vehicles.
Reassembly includes reinstalling the CV axles, tie rods, and brake components. Remember to add some fresh grease to the CV joint before inserting it into the transaxle to ensure optimal performance and longevity. When setting the wheels back, it’s best practice to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, as this provides even pressure and minimizes potential problems.
Once everything is reassembled, remember to fill the transaxle with the proper type and amount of fluid, as running a transaxle without fluid can cause irreversible damage. The fluid capacity varies, but it usually ranges from 3 to 4 quarts. Before you connect the battery and take your car for a test drive, check for any leaks by inspecting the area under the car after the vehicle has been running for several minutes.
Test driving should involve various terrains if possible, to ensure the transaxle shifts smoothly through all gears. A ten-minute test drive often suffices to pinpoint any potential issues. However, if you hear any unusual noises or notice anything weird with the gear changes, it’s best to recheck all connections, fluid levels, and torque settings.
If the task seems overwhelming, remember that professional shops usually charge between $1,000 and $3,000 for transaxle replacement. Doing it yourself not only saves money but also gives you the satisfaction of learning more about your vehicle. Just take your time, follow each step methodically, and ensure everything is double-checked before considering the job completed.