Transmission Output Shaft Bearing

This procedure covers the replacement of the transmission output shaft bearing on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 10R80 automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal and partial disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission output shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Extension housing seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Extension housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (high-temp) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-30 or equivalent
• Assembly lube × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shop towels/rags × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground and parking brake is engaged
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise vehicle on lift or secure on jack stands at all four corners to working height
4. Remove rear driveshaft and mark orientation for reinstallation
5. Remove exhaust crossover pipe if it interferes with transmission removal
6. Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission (TR sensor, solenoid body connector, speed sensors)
7. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and plug to prevent fluid loss
8. Remove transmission fill tube
9. Support engine with fixture or hoist to prevent engine from tilting when transmission is removed
10. Position transmission jack under transmission pan with safety chains ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place large drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. If no drain plug is present, loosen transmission pan bolts gradually starting from one corner to drain fluid. Once drained, install drain plug with new crush washer.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully lower pan and discard old gasket. Remove transmission filter by pulling straight down. Inspect pan for metal debris or clutch material which may indicate additional transmission damage.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect torque converter from flywheel
   Through the starter opening or by rotating engine, access and remove all torque converter-to-flywheel bolts. Mark torque converter position on flywheel for reassembly. Push torque converter back into transmission bell housing to disengage from flywheel.
   ⚠Do not damage flywheel ring gear or torque converter studs during removal.
   Torque spec

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove transmission crossmember and mounting bolts
   Support transmission securely with transmission jack. Remove transmission crossmember bolts. Remove all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts, noting length and location of each bolt as they may be different sizes. Remove any ground straps or wiring brackets.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission from vehicle
   Double-check all connections are disconnected. Carefully slide transmission rearward away from engine, ensuring torque converter stays engaged in transmission pump (use a C-clamp or retention strap if needed). Lower transmission on jack slowly and remove from under vehicle. Place on clean workbench.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission jack is stable and safety chains are secure during lowering. Have an assistant guide transmission if possible.
6. 6

   Remove extension housing
   With transmission on workbench, drain any remaining fluid from rear section. Remove extension housing bolts (typically 6-8 bolts around perimeter). Carefully tap extension housing with dead blow hammer to break seal, then pull housing rearward off output shaft. Remove and discard extension housing gasket and output shaft seal.
7. 7

   Remove output shaft snap ring and speedometer gear
   Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring retaining the output shaft bearing. Remove speedometer drive gear if equipped (may be pressed or retained by clip). Note orientation and position of all components for reassembly. Take photos if necessary.
   ⚠Snap rings are under tension and may spring out. Wear safety glasses and control removal carefully.
8. 8

   Measure bearing preload and endplay
   Before removing bearing, install dial indicator on output shaft and measure endplay by moving shaft in and out. Record measurement for comparison after new bearing installation. This establishes baseline for proper bearing preload. Typical specification is 0.001-0.010 inches endplay.
9. 9

   Remove old output shaft bearing
   Using appropriate bearing puller, carefully remove output shaft bearing from its bore in the transmission case. Apply even pressure and avoid cocking bearing during removal. Inspect bearing bore for scoring, damage, or excessive wear. Clean bearing bore thoroughly with lint-free cloth and solvent.
   ⚠Do not damage bearing bore surface. Any scoring or damage will cause premature bearing failure.
10. 10

    Install new output shaft bearing
    Apply thin coat of assembly lube to new bearing and bearing bore. Using appropriate bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, carefully drive new bearing squarely into bore until fully seated. Bearing should be flush or slightly recessed per service manual specifications. Install new snap ring ensuring it seats fully in groove.
    ⚠Never drive on bearing inner race as this will damage the bearing. Use driver that contacts outer race only.
11. 11

    Verify bearing installation and endplay
    Reinstall speedometer gear if removed. Install dial indicator and recheck output shaft endplay. Compare to measurement taken in step 8. Endplay should be within specification (typically 0.001-0.010 inches). Rotate output shaft by hand to verify bearing rotates smoothly without binding or roughness.
    ⚠If endplay is out of specification or bearing binds, bearing must be removed and reinstalled correctly.
12. 12

    Install extension housing
    Install new output shaft seal in extension housing using seal driver. Apply thin bead of RTV sealant to extension housing mating surface or install new gasket per manufacturer specification. Carefully slide extension housing over output shaft and align bolt holes. Install all bolts finger-tight, then torque in crisscross pattern to 30-35 lb-ft (verify in service manual as this varies by model).
13. 13

    Install transmission filter and pan
    Install new transmission filter, ensuring it seats fully on pickup tube. Clean transmission pan thoroughly and install new gasket. Position pan and install all pan bolts finger-tight. Torque pan bolts in crisscross pattern from center outward.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall transmission in vehicle
    Apply light coat of high-temp grease to torque converter pilot hub. Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (should click three times as it engages pump, turbine, and stator). Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Align transmission with engine and slide forward onto dowel pins. Install all transmission mounting bolts.
    ⚠Verify torque converter is fully seated before mating transmission to engine. Incorrect seating will damage pump and/or torque converter.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Complete reassembly and fill transmission
    Reinstall transmission crossmember. Reconnect torque converter to flywheel, aligning marks made during disassembly. Reconnect all electrical connectors, cooler lines, and shift linkage. Install driveshaft with alignment marks matched. Reconnect exhaust if removed. Fill transmission with 6 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF, start engine, and add remaining fluid while cycling through all gear ranges. Check for leaks.
    ℹ️Transmission may require additional fluid after initial start. Recheck level with transmission at operating temperature in Park.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in proper sequence
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify transmission cooler lines are tight and properly routed
4. Double-check driveshaft U-joint bolts are torqued to specification
5. Reconnect negative battery terminal and initialize transmission adaptive learning per Ford procedure

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks around pan, extension housing, or cooler lines
• With engine running and transmission at operating temperature, verify fluid level is in COOL or HOT range on dipstick as appropriate
• Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges, verifying smooth shifts with no abnormal noise from transmission
• Perform several hard accelerations and decelerations to verify bearing installation is correct
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor transmission temperature with scan tool during first few drives to ensure bearing is operating within normal temperature range

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