transmission
Transmission Input Shaft Bearing
for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
10.4 h
Tools
12
Steps
15
This procedure covers the replacement of the transmission input shaft bearing on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 and RWD configuration, requiring full transmission removal.
Warnings
⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 200 lbs. Use proper transmission jack and ensure secure support before removing mounting bolts.
⚠️Vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands rated for the weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Transmission fluid will be hot if vehicle was recently operated. Allow adequate cooling time before draining.
⚠Input shaft bearing replacement requires precise installation and endplay measurement. Improper installation will result in transmission failure.
ℹ️This procedure assumes 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. Verify transmission type before beginning work.
Tools required
Transmission jackEssential
Engine support bar or hoistEssential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
Input shaft bearing puller/installer setEssential
Dial indicator with magnetic baseEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Pry bar
Drain pan (12+ quart capacity)Essential
Marker or paint pen
Dead blow hammer
Seal pick set
Brake cleaner and shop rags
Parts
- Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rear main seal (inspect and replace if needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
- Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at frame points
- Remove transmission skid plate if equipped
- Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently operated
- Mark driveshaft-to-axle flange orientation with paint pen for proper reinstallation
- Place drain pan under transmission
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluidRemove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into appropriate container. Remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern and lower pan carefully to drain remaining fluid. Remove and discard old filter and gasket.Torque specDrain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect driveshaftRemove four driveshaft flange bolts at rear differential. Support driveshaft and slide it rearward to disengage from transmission output shaft. Cap transmission extension housing to prevent fluid leakage and contamination.
- 3Disconnect transmission electrical connections and cooler linesDisconnect transmission wiring harness connectors including speed sensors, solenoid body connector, and range sensor. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using proper line disconnect tools. Cap all open fittings to prevent contamination.⚠Residual fluid will drain from cooler lines. Have rags and drain pan ready.
- 4Support engine and transmissionInstall engine support bar across engine compartment or attach chain hoist to engine lifting points. Position transmission jack under transmission pan and secure transmission to jack with safety chain or strap. Raise jack slightly to take weight off crossmember.
- 5Remove transmission crossmemberRemove transmission mount-to-crossmember fasteners. Remove crossmember-to-frame bolts and lower crossmember from vehicle. Keep all hardware organized for reinstallation.
- 6Remove starter and access coverRemove starter motor bolts and set aside with wiring attached. Remove torque converter access cover or dust shield bolts to expose torque converter bolts.Torque specCover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 7Mark and remove torque converter boltsMark torque converter to flexplate orientation. Rotate crankshaft using breaker bar on harmonic balancer bolt to access each torque converter bolt through access opening. Remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts and push converter back into transmission bellhousing.⚠Ensure torque converter is fully pushed into transmission and will not fall out during removal.
- 8Remove transmission mounting boltsRemove all transmission bellhousing-to-engine mounting bolts, noting different bolt lengths and locations. Support transmission securely on jack and ensure engine support is adequate.Torque specMounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
- 9Separate and lower transmissionCarefully slide transmission rearward on jack, ensuring torque converter remains fully seated in transmission. Once input shaft clears bellhousing, slightly tilt transmission nose down and lower from vehicle. Move to clean workbench.⚠️Transmission is extremely heavy and awkward. Use extreme caution when lowering. Have assistant help guide transmission if possible.
- 10Disassemble transmission front componentsWith transmission on bench, remove torque converter. Remove pump bolts and carefully extract pump assembly from transmission case. Input shaft and bearing are located in the pump body. Clean all components with brake cleaner and inspect for damage.
- 11Remove old input shaft bearingUsing appropriate bearing puller or press, carefully remove old input shaft bearing from pump body. Note bearing orientation and depth in bore. Inspect input shaft for wear, scoring, or damage. Clean bearing bore thoroughly with brake cleaner.⚠Do not damage bearing bore surface or input shaft during bearing removal. Burrs or scratches will cause premature bearing failure.
- 12Install new input shaft bearingUsing proper bearing installation tool and press or driver, install new bearing to correct depth in pump body. Bearing must be seated squarely and fully. Install bearing with correct orientation (typically numbered or marked side out). After installation, measure input shaft endplay using dial indicator. Endplay should be within manufacturer specification (typically 0.010-0.030 inches). Adjust with selective shims if necessary.⚠Incorrect bearing depth or endplay will cause transmission failure. Verify measurements before proceeding.
- 13Reassemble transmission pumpInstall new pump seal if needed. Lubricate input shaft and bearing with fresh MERCON LV ATF. Install pump assembly back into transmission case with new gasket or O-ring. Torque pump bolts to specification in criss-cross pattern. Verify smooth rotation of input shaft.
- 14Install transmission to engineSecure transmission to jack and raise into position. Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission (should have approximately 1/2 inch gap between converter and flexplate). Slide transmission forward, carefully aligning input shaft with torque converter hub and pilot bearing. Install all bellhousing mounting bolts and torque to specification.⚠Verify torque converter is fully engaged before tightening bellhousing bolts. Converter should rotate freely by hand.Torque specMounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
- 15Install torque converter and complete reassemblyAlign marks on torque converter and flexplate. Install and torque converter bolts in star pattern. Reinstall access cover, starter motor, crossmember, driveshaft (aligned to original marks), cooler lines, and all electrical connections. Install new transmission filter and pan with new gasket. Torque pan bolts in criss-cross pattern. Install drain plug with new crush washer. Fill transmission with 11 quarts MERCON LV through dipstick tube or fill plug. Reconnect battery.Torque specFlywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
- Verify driveshaft is installed with alignment marks matched to prevent vibration
- Double-check all torque specifications have been met
- Verify transmission fluid level is correct before starting engine
Verification
- Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at all connections
- Check transmission fluid level with engine running in Park on level surface, add if necessary to reach proper level on dipstick
- Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges, verifying smooth shifts with no noise, vibration, or slipping
- Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
- Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks at pan, cooler lines, drain plug, and pump seal areas
- Verify no abnormal noises from transmission during operation