Transmission Input Shaft Bearing

Replace the transmission input shaft bearing by removing the transmission, separating it from the engine, disassembling the transmission bell housing and input shaft assembly, installing the new bearing, and reassembling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flywheel bolts × 8 — Use OEM specification (TTY type)
• Transmission bell housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Propshaft center bearing support bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Touchtronic 6-speed ZF ATF — 9.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal.
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points.
4. Remove rear wheels to access exhaust and suspension components.
5. Allow transmission and exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently operated.
6. Place transmission fluid drain pan under transmission.
7. Remove engine undertray panels using Torx fasteners.
8. Mark propshaft-to-differential flange orientation with paint or scribe for reassembly alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain Transmission Fluid
   Locate the transmission oil pan drain/fill plug. Remove the plug and allow fluid to drain completely into a suitable container. On the ZF 6HP26 the oil pan incorporates the integral filter element and is replaced as a one-piece assembly (filter is not separately serviceable); remove the pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern and replace the pan/filter module as a unit. Inspect for metal debris or excessive friction material, which may indicate additional internal damage.
2. 2

   Remove Exhaust System Components
   Disconnect the oxygen sensors and remove the rear exhaust section from the catalytic converters back. Remove the 4 fasteners securing the center muffler hangers. Loosen the exhaust connection clamps/flange fasteners and separate the sections (verify clamp type and connection hardware against factory service data). Support the exhaust components during removal to prevent damage to hangers or flex joints.
3. 3

   Disconnect Propshaft
   Support the propshaft with a strap or wire. Remove the 6 bolts connecting the propshaft to the rear differential flange, maintaining your alignment marks. Remove the 4 center bearing support bolts from the chassis. Carefully lower and remove the propshaft assembly as a complete unit, keeping it aligned to avoid damaging the CV joints.
   ⚠Do not allow the propshaft to hang unsupported by the CV joints, as this can cause internal damage to the joints.
4. 4

   Disconnect Transmission Electrical and Mechanical Connections
   Disconnect the main transmission wiring harness connector located on the passenger side of the transmission. Disconnect the shift/selector mechanism and any shift cable or electronic selector linkage from the transmission as equipped, and remove the associated bracket fasteners (verify selector type against factory service data). Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler lines at the transmission, capping or plugging the lines to prevent contamination. Remove the transmission breather hose from the top of the bell housing.
5. 5

   Support Engine and Remove Rear Transmission Mount
   Install an engine support bar across the engine bay or attach lifting chains to the engine lift points. Support the engine weight independently from the transmission. Remove the rear transmission crossmember by removing the 4 mounting bolts securing it to the chassis. Remove the transmission mount from the crossmember if it will be inspected or replaced.
6. 6

   Remove Bell Housing to Engine Bolts
   Support the transmission securely on a transmission jack, positioning the jack saddle to support the full weight evenly. Remove the 8 bell housing to engine block bolts. These are located around the perimeter of the bell housing and are typically E-Torx fasteners. Note the location of any ground straps or harness brackets that may be secured by these bolts.
   ⚠️Ensure the transmission is fully supported on the jack before removing the final bell housing bolts. The transmission will shift rearward when separated from the engine.
7. 7

   Separate and Remove Transmission
   Verify all connections are disconnected and the transmission is securely supported. Carefully pull the transmission rearward, ensuring the torque converter stays with the transmission and does not slide off the input shaft. Keep the transmission level to avoid damaging the input shaft or torque converter components. Once clear of the engine, lower the transmission jack and remove the transmission from under the vehicle.
   ⚠The input shaft extends into the engine crankshaft pilot bearing. Pull straight back without tilting to avoid damage to the clutch disc or bearing.
8. 8

   Remove Flywheel for Access
   Install a flexplate holding tool to prevent rotation. Mark the flexplate position relative to the crankshaft for balanced reassembly. Remove the flexplate retaining bolts in a star pattern, working progressively. Remove the flexplate and set aside. Inspect the crankshaft rear seal and flexplate for wear or cracks. (Note: verify exact flexplate bolt count against factory service data.)
   ⚠️Never attempt to hold the flywheel by hand or with screwdrivers. Use only a proper flywheel holding tool.
9. 9

   Mount Transmission on Work Stand
   Secure the transmission to a suitable transmission work stand or position it securely on a heavy-duty workbench with the bell housing facing up. Ensure the transmission is stable and will not shift during disassembly. Clean the exterior of the bell housing area to prevent contamination during internal work.
10. 10

    Remove Bell Housing from Transmission Case
    Remove the 12 bolts securing the bell housing to the main transmission case. These bolts are located around the perimeter of the bell housing. Carefully separate the bell housing from the case by gently prying at the designated pry points or tapping with a soft mallet. Remove the bell housing gasket and inspect the mating surfaces for damage.
    ⚠Do not pry between machined mating surfaces as this will cause leaks. Use only designated pry slots if present.
11. 11

    Access and Remove Input Shaft Assembly
    With the bell housing removed, the input shaft and bearing assembly are now accessible. Remove the snap ring retaining the input shaft bearing in the transmission case using internal snap ring pliers. Carefully pull the input shaft forward out of the transmission case, noting the position of any shims or thrust washers. The bearing may remain in the case or on the shaft depending on the snap ring configuration.
12. 12

    Remove and Replace Input Shaft Bearing
    If the bearing remained in the case, use a bearing puller or hydraulic press with a suitable driver to remove the bearing from the transmission case bore. If the bearing is on the shaft, use a bearing separator and press to remove it from the input shaft. Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the case and the bearing journal on the input shaft. Inspect for scoring, discoloration, or damage. Apply assembly lube to the new bearing. Press the new bearing onto the input shaft or into the case bore using a bearing driver that contacts only the bearing race being pressed. Press until the bearing is fully seated against the shoulder or snap ring groove is exposed. Measure the bearing endplay with a dial indicator and compare to the OEM-specified endplay for this transmission; do not proceed on assumed values — obtain the exact figure from ZF/Aston Martin factory service data. Install the retaining snap ring, ensuring it is fully seated in its groove.
    ⚠Always press on the inner race when installing a bearing onto a shaft, and on the outer race when installing into a housing. Pressing on the wrong race will damage the bearing.
    ℹ️Bearing endplay is critical for proper operation. If endplay is out of specification, shims may be required or the bearing/shaft may need replacement.
13. 13

    Reinstall Input Shaft Assembly
    Apply a light coat of transmission fluid to the input shaft splines and bearing surfaces. Carefully install the input shaft assembly back into the transmission case, aligning any shims or thrust washers in their original positions. Ensure the bearing is fully seated in the case and the retaining snap ring is properly engaged. Check that the input shaft rotates smoothly without binding or excessive play.
14. 14

    Reinstall Bell Housing
    Install a new bell housing gasket onto the transmission case, ensuring all bolt holes and passages align correctly. Position the bell housing onto the case and install the 12 retaining bolts hand-tight. Torque the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against factory service data). Verify the input shaft protrudes the correct distance from the bell housing face and rotates freely. Note: Verify torque converter hub engagement/depth per OEM specification before reassembly. Note: Verify torque converter hub-to-bell-housing-face installed depth per ZF 6HP26 factory specification before reassembly. Measure if uncertain.
    ℹ️Input shaft protrusion from the bell housing face should be approximately 37-40mm for proper clutch engagement. Measure if uncertain.
15. 15

    Reinstall Flywheel
    Clean the flywheel and crankshaft mating surfaces with brake cleaner. Align the flywheel to the crankshaft using the marks made during removal to maintain engine balance. Install new flexplate bolts (replace if specified as TTY by the manufacturer). Follow the factory torque-plus-angle procedure; do not add thread locking compound unless specified by the manufacturer. Install the flexplate holding tool and torque the bolts in a star pattern to the OEM-specified torque and angle sequence (verify against factory service data). Note: Install new flexplate bolts (TTY type must be replaced). Install the flexplate holding tool and torque the bolts in a star pattern to the OEM specification (verify value and whether thread locker is required).
    ⚠Flywheel bolts are torque-to-yield and must not be reused. Using old bolts can result in bolt failure and catastrophic engine damage.
16. 16

    Reinstall Transmission to Engine
    Ensure the torque converter is fully seated into the transmission front pump. Position the transmission on the transmission jack and raise it into position behind the engine. Align the converter studs with the flexplate holes and push the transmission forward until the bell housing contacts the engine block, keeping the converter engaged in the pump. The transmission should slide fully forward until the bell housing contacts the engine block. Install the bell housing to engine bolts and torque to the OEM-specified value in a criss-cross pattern (verify bolt count and torque against factory service data).
    ⚠Never use the bell housing bolts to draw the transmission to the engine. The transmission should slide fully forward with hand pressure only. Forcing it indicates misalignment.
17. 17

    Reinstall Transmission Mount and Lower Transmission
    Install the transmission mount to the crossmember if removed. Position the crossmember under the transmission and install the mounting bolts, torquing to the OEM-specified value (verify count and torque against factory service data). Carefully lower the transmission onto the mount and remove the engine support bar or hoist. Reinstall the transmission breather hose.
18. 18

    Reconnect Propshaft and Exhaust
    Raise the propshaft into position and install the center bearing support bolts, torquing to the OEM-specified value (verify count and torque against factory service data). Align the propshaft to differential flange using your alignment marks and install the bolts, torquing to the OEM-specified value (verify count and torque against factory service data). Reinstall the exhaust system components, tightening V-band clamps securely. Reconnect oxygen sensors.
19. 19

    Reconnect Transmission Systems
    Reconnect the transmission fluid cooler lines, using new sealing washers if equipped. Reconnect the shift cable to the selector lever and secure the cable bracket. Reconnect the main transmission wiring harness connector. Verify all connections are secure and properly routed.
20. 20

    Refill Transmission Fluid and Test
    Install a new transmission pan gasket and reinstall the pan, torquing bolts to the OEM-specified value in a criss-cross pattern (verify against factory service data). Install the drain plug with a new crush washer, torquing to the OEM-specified value (verify against factory service data). Fill the transmission with ZF Lifeguard 6 ATF (Shell M-1375.4) through the fill/level port until fluid reaches the correct level per the ZF temperature-controlled fill procedure (service refill is less than full dry-fill capacity; verify exact capacity against manufacturer spec). Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Cycle through all gear selections with the brake applied. Check fluid level per manufacturer procedure and adjust as needed. Inspect for leaks at all connection points. Note: Fill the transmission with the OEM-specified ZF Lifeguard 6 (Shell M-1375.4) ATF to the capacity listed in factory service data, then set level per the ZF temperature-controlled fill procedure. Note: Fill the transmission with ZF Lifeguard 6 ATF through the fill/level port until it overflows at the specified fluid temperature; verify capacity against OEM spec (approximate dry fill ~9-10 quarts, service refill is less).

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the engine undertray panels and rear wheels, torquing lug nuts to specification.
2. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Perform a thorough inspection of all work areas for tools or loose fasteners.
4. Road test the vehicle, checking for smooth shifting through all gears, unusual noises, and proper clutch engagement.
5. Recheck transmission fluid level after road test and inspect for leaks.

Verification

• Verify transmission shifts smoothly through all gears without grinding, slipping, or hesitation.
• Check for fluid leaks at the bell housing, pan, cooler lines, and all connection points after test drive.
• Verify no unusual noises from the transmission during operation, particularly bearing whine or growl.
• Confirm clutch engages and disengages properly with normal pedal feel.
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct at operating temperature.
• Check that all exhaust and propshaft fasteners remain tight after initial test drive.

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