Transmission Input Shaft Bearing

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission input shaft bearing on a 2005 Dodge Viper with the Tremec T-56 6-speed manual transmission, requiring full transmission removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Transmission input shaft seal × 1 — Replace whenever transmission is removed
• Clutch release bearing × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Transmission gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission output shaft seal (rear) × 1 — Replace opportunistically
• Pilot bearing × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Fluids

• 75W-90 synthetic GL-4 — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal.
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last engine operation).
4. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at all four corners at sufficient height to allow transmission removal from underneath (minimum 36 inches of clearance).
5. Remove rear wheels to access exhaust hangers if needed.
6. Place drain pan under transmission drain plug location.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission case. Remove the drain plug and allow all fluid to drain completely into a suitable container. Reinstall drain plug with new crush washer if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove exhaust system components
   Remove the complete exhaust system from the headers back to the mufflers. On the Viper, disconnect exhaust at the header collector flanges (4 bolts per side). Support exhaust system and remove hangers as needed. The side-exit exhaust can be removed as a complete assembly. Mark any alignment shims for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove driveshaft
   Mark the driveshaft yoke and differential flange for alignment reference. Remove the 4 bolts securing the rear U-joint straps to the differential pinion flange. Slide the driveshaft rearward to disengage the front yoke from the transmission output shaft. Support and remove the driveshaft assembly. Install a plug or bag over the transmission output to prevent fluid leakage.
4. 4

   Disconnect shift linkage and electrical connections
   Remove the shift linkage at the transmission. The Viper uses a shifter assembly that connects via linkage rods - remove the retaining clips and disconnect the shift rod ends from the transmission shift lever arms. Disconnect the reverse light switch connector and vehicle speed sensor connector from the transmission case. Label connections for reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect clutch hydraulic line
   Locate the clutch slave cylinder hydraulic line connection at the bellhousing. On the Viper's external slave cylinder design, disconnect the hydraulic quick-connect fitting at the slave cylinder/bellhousing. Be prepared for minor fluid loss. Cap the line to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Support transmission and engine
   Position a transmission jack under the transmission pan with appropriate adapter or wood block to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to support transmission weight. Place a separate jack or support under the engine oil pan (with wood block protection) to support engine once transmission crossmember is removed.
7. 7

   Remove transmission crossmember
   Remove the transmission mount-to-crossmember fasteners (typically 4 bolts). Then remove the crossmember-to-frame bolts (2 per side). Lower and remove the crossmember from the vehicle. The transmission is now supported only by the jack and bellhousing connection.
8. 8

   Remove bellhousing to engine block bolts
   Remove all bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. The Viper T-56 typically uses 6 bellhousing bolts around the perimeter. Access to upper bolts may require working from above through the tunnel area. Support the transmission securely on the jack as you remove the final bolts.
9. 9

   Separate and lower transmission
   With all fasteners removed, carefully slide the transmission rearward on the jack to disengage the input shaft from the clutch disc and pilot bearing. The transmission must travel straight back approximately 2-3 inches before it clears the bellhousing dowels. Once clear, carefully lower the transmission on the jack and remove from under the vehicle. The transmission weighs approximately 125 pounds - use caution and ensure stable support.
10. 10

    Remove transmission front housing
    With transmission on workbench, drain any remaining fluid. Remove the bellhousing-to-transmission case bolts (typically 8-10 bolts around the perimeter). Carefully separate the bellhousing/front housing from the main transmission case. The input shaft bearing is located in the front housing. Remove the clutch release bearing and fork assembly.
11. 11

    Remove input shaft bearing snap ring
    Locate the snap ring retaining the input shaft bearing in the front housing. This may be internal or external depending on bearing design. Use appropriate snap ring pliers to remove the retaining snap ring. Note the orientation and position for reassembly.
12. 12

    Remove input shaft bearing
    Using a bearing puller or slide hammer with internal puller attachment, remove the input shaft bearing from the front housing bore. Apply even pressure and pull straight out. If using a press, support the housing properly and press the bearing out from behind. Inspect the bearing bore in the housing for any damage, scoring, or wear. Clean the bore thoroughly with solvent and inspect again.
13. 13

    Install new input shaft bearing
    Clean the new bearing and housing bore. Apply a light coat of transmission assembly lube to the bearing outer race. Using a bearing installer tool or appropriate driver that contacts only the outer race, press or drive the new bearing squarely into the housing bore until it seats against the internal shoulder. Ensure the bearing is fully seated and square in the bore. Install the retaining snap ring, ensuring it is fully seated in its groove.
14. 14

    Reassemble transmission front housing
    Install new gasket between front housing and transmission case. Apply thread locker to bellhousing bolt threads per manufacturer specification. Install and torque bellhousing-to-case bolts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating. Install clutch release bearing and fork assembly. Verify smooth operation of release bearing on input shaft retainer.
15. 15

    Inspect clutch and pilot bearing
    With transmission removed, inspect the clutch disc, pressure plate, and flywheel for wear, hot spots, or damage. Measure clutch disc thickness and check for oil contamination. Inspect the pilot bearing in the crankshaft for roughness or wear - replace if suspect. This is the opportune time to replace the clutch assembly if wear is evident.
16. 16

    Install transmission to engine
    Apply a small amount of lithium-based grease to the input shaft splines (do not over-grease). Verify clutch disc is centered using clutch alignment tool. Position transmission on transmission jack and raise into position. Carefully align input shaft with clutch disc and pilot bearing. Slide transmission forward, ensuring input shaft enters pilot bearing smoothly without binding. Do not force - if resistance is felt, lower slightly and realign. Once transmission is seated against engine block with bellhousing dowels engaged, install and torque all bellhousing bolts in a star pattern.
17. 17

    Install crossmember and remove supports
    Raise transmission jack to align transmission mount with crossmember. Install crossmember to frame rails and torque frame bolts. Install transmission mount to crossmember fasteners and torque. Remove transmission jack and engine support jack.
18. 18

    Reconnect driveshaft and components
    Install driveshaft, aligning marks made during disassembly. Torque U-joint strap bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Reconnect shift linkage, ensuring proper engagement and adjustment. Reconnect clutch hydraulic line at bellhousing quick-connect. Reconnect reverse light switch and speed sensor electrical connectors.
19. 19

    Reinstall exhaust system
    Install exhaust system, ensuring proper hanger engagement and alignment. Install header flange bolts with any alignment shims in original positions. Torque exhaust fasteners per specification. Verify adequate clearance between exhaust components and driveline, chassis, and body components throughout the range of suspension travel.
20. 20

    Fill transmission and bleed clutch system
    Remove transmission fill plug. Using a fluid pump, add the manufacturer-specified manual transmission fluid until it reaches the bottom of the fill plug hole (verify exact fluid type and capacity against the 2005 Viper FSM). Install fill plug. Bleed the clutch hydraulic system: Have an assistant pump the clutch pedal several times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder valve on the slave cylinder until fluid flows, then close. Repeat until pedal is firm with no air bubbles. Top off clutch fluid reservoir as needed with DOT 4 brake fluid.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order listed, using criss-cross or star patterns for multi-bolt connections.
2. Verify all electrical connections are secure and shift linkage operates smoothly through all gears before lowering vehicle.
3. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification.
4. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Verification

• Lower vehicle and verify transmission fluid level is correct at fill plug with vehicle level.
• Start engine and verify clutch pedal operation - pedal should be firm with no sponginess indicating air in hydraulic system.
• With engine running and clutch pedal depressed, shift through all gears to verify smooth engagement.
• Test drive vehicle through all gears under light load, verifying smooth shifting and no abnormal noises from transmission.
• Check for fluid leaks at transmission seals, drain plug, and hydraulic connections after test drive.
• Verify proper clutch engagement point and no slippage under acceleration.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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