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While many of us can enjoy the ease of driving an automatic-equipped car or truck, the goings-on inside the transmission is way beyond our mere mortal understanding. We don’t always need to know exactly how something works, but having a better understanding not only helps us should a specific part need attention, but it can also allow us to understand our car’s components and perhaps, treat them with a little more respect.
Case in point is the automatic transmission. We barely give a thought to the forces at play inside that slender alloy case, but don’t be fooled, there is a lot going on! A simple drive to the grocery store can put enormous stress on components, and although the OEMs have had plenty of time to sort out many of the issues, any mechanical thing is subject to problems now and again.
Today's transmissions are a mix of electronic and mechanical operations. Richard breaks down how each of these systems operates and what could potentially go wrong. Everything from how your system knows what gear it's in, to how your transmission "clicks" when you move the shifter is covered in this comprehensive video.
The seasoned veterans at Precision Transmission know a thing about making a transmission last under the rigors of daily and heavy-duty use. This video doesn’t show you how to build a high-performance 4l60e transmission, but it does give a wealth of knowledge about what goes on inside that case and what possibly might go wrong. Our emcee for this video is none other than Richard Crich, founder of Crich Transmissions/Precision Transmission in Amarillo, Texas.
Fresh Or Refreshed?
One of the best things about those who know what they’re doing is they can spot the fingerprints and evidence of those who don’t. Richard is a classy guy and doesn’t start off telling all the woes of other people’s work or spouting why his work is superior. Instead, he clearly states what cues he uses to cipher whether or not the transmission he’s peering into has gone around the building bench a time or two.
Besides the typical wear items, a good transmission repair technician needs to know the signs that someone else has been inside this case before. Richard highlights some of the tips he uses to tell if a trans has seen someone else's workbench before.
He also understands that folks might have a different way of doing things than he does and instead of blasting them for their choice of action, he simply explains why he does what he does. We can really appreciate that! Also, he goes on to show what he looks at for wear within the components that work so tirelessly deep within our drivelines.
There are some typical wear items within each transmission. Richard points out some of the more common, and less common areas to watch out for.
When you see all the components that come out of an automatic transmission, it is remarkable that there’s enough room to make it all fit. We guess the first test of a transmission dude is the ability to find a place for it all! Finding the right place raises the bar to a good transmission repair dude, and making it last for the intended purpose pulls the term “great” into their job description. But, enough about the shop-grading system.
We've all heard about the "bands" inside an automatic transmission, but do we really know what they do? This video illustrates not only what they do, but why installing an upgraded (wider) set is a benefit.
Richard has obviously seen his way around a transmission or two. He straightaway tears into the case with a confidence that few without his experience would entertain. He begins by explaining the differences between this Corvette-specific case and a more pedestrian unit. As the components clunk their way onto the well-oiled workbench, Richard explains how they operate and how they integrate into the complete transmission as a system.
The Need For Speed Parts
Terms that are typically tossed around in performance forums come to life amid Richard’s detailed explanation. Even more, he explains WHY they’re beneficial, and in some cases, why they’re not necessary. A complete explanation serves as the knowledge-base and while you won’t be cracking the cases of any transmissions with impunity after viewing this video, you will gain a much more complete understanding of what goes on inside your car’s automatic transmission and should you ever need the services of someone such as Richard, you’ll be a better-informed customer.
Richard clears up the confusion about a "square hole" and a "round hole" valve body gasket and illustrates exactly how to tell which one your transmission needs.
That is exactly why Richard and his son have flooded their Facebook and YouTube pages with videos. Each one is designed to help the users of all those automatic transmissions get a better understanding of how to use them properly and make the right decisions should they ever need to have one rebuilt.
Have you ever heard of a "Pillow Switch"? You'll know all about them after watching this video. Other, more common terms such as the "clutches", "shell", and "bands" are all explained as well.
Take a few minutes to watch this, and any of the other videos on Precision Transmissions’ channel and you’ll instantly see how those years of experience shine through in a simple, easy to understand way. This particular video is about a half-hour long, but the informative nature packs it full of a complete semester of Transmission 101. If you’ve ever wondered about the workings inside an automatic transmission, this video will satisfy that curiosity, and perhaps fuel a desire to know more. Either way, you’ll be glad you took the time.
