Replace the transmission input shaft bearing by removing the transmission from the vehicle, disassembling the transmission case, replacing the bearing, and reinstalling all components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission case gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front pump seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (Motorcraft TA-31) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to deplete
3. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove engine splash shield and transmission skid plate if equipped
5. Position transmission drain pan under transmission
6. Install engine support fixture to support engine weight during transmission removal
7. Take photos of electrical connector locations and transmission mounting positions for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Remove transmission drain plug and allow all fluid to drain completely into drain pan. Inspect fluid for metal particles or debris indicating internal damage. Remove and replace drain plug with new washer.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft
   Mark driveshaft and rear differential flange alignment for reinstallation. Remove four driveshaft mounting bolts at rear differential. Support driveshaft and remove front mounting bolts at transmission output flange. Slide driveshaft rearward to disengage from transmission and remove from vehicle. Install transmission output seal protector or plug opening to prevent fluid loss.
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission connections
   Disconnect transmission wiring harness connectors including output speed sensor, input speed sensor, solenoid body connector, and transmission range sensor. Disconnect transmission fluid cooler lines at transmission and plug openings. Remove shift cable from transmission range sensor lever and cable bracket. Disconnect any vent hoses.
4. 4

   Support transmission and remove crossmember
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan with safety chains. Adjust jack to slightly support transmission weight. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts from frame rails. Lower transmission jack slightly to access upper bellhousing bolts. Do not allow transmission to hang unsupported on engine.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission is securely attached to transmission jack with safety chains before removing crossmember.
5. 5

   Remove torque converter and bellhousing
   Remove torque converter dust cover. Mark torque converter to flexplate alignment. Remove torque converter to flexplate bolts by rotating engine crankshaft with socket on front crank bolt. Remove all bellhousing to engine block mounting bolts. Carefully slide transmission rearward to disengage from engine dowel pins while supporting torque converter to prevent it from falling. Lower transmission from vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove transmission pan and valve body
   With transmission on workbench, remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern. Remove pan and gasket. Remove transmission filter. Disconnect internal wiring harness from solenoid body. Remove valve body mounting bolts and carefully lower valve body assembly. Keep all check balls and springs in order for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Split transmission case
   Remove case cover screws around perimeter of transmission case. Carefully separate case halves using case spreader tool or plastic dead blow hammer. Do not pry on machined sealing surfaces. Once separated, remove case cover and set aside on clean work surface. Note location of all snap rings, thrust washers, and bearings.
   ⚠Do not damage machined case sealing surfaces. Any scratches or gouges will cause fluid leaks.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove input shaft assembly
   Remove input shaft retaining snap ring from case. Carefully lift input shaft assembly from transmission case. Remove thrust washers and bearings, keeping all components in order. Place input shaft assembly in soft-jaw vise or padded holding fixture for bearing removal.
   ℹ️Document exact position and orientation of all thrust washers and bearings with photos for proper reassembly.
9. 9

   Remove and inspect input shaft bearing
   Remove bearing retaining snap ring from input shaft. Using appropriate bearing puller, remove input shaft bearing from shaft. Inspect input shaft bearing journal for scoring, heat discoloration, or wear. Check shaft runout with dial indicator - maximum runout is 0.002 inches. If shaft is damaged, replacement is required. Inspect bearing bore in transmission case for damage or wear. Clean all bearing surfaces with brake cleaner.
   ⚠Damaged shaft journals will cause premature bearing failure. Replace shaft if wear is present.
10. 10

    Install new input shaft bearing
    Clean new bearing with brake cleaner and allow to dry. Apply thin coat of transmission assembly lube to shaft bearing journal. Using hydraulic press or appropriate bearing installation tool, press new bearing onto input shaft until it seats against shoulder. Ensure bearing is pressed squarely and not cocked on shaft. Install bearing retaining snap ring and verify it is fully seated in groove. Verify bearing rotates smoothly without binding.
    ⚠️Always use proper bearing installation tools. Improper installation will damage bearing and cause transmission failure.
11. 11

    Reassemble transmission case
    Apply thin coat of assembly lube to all thrust washers and bearing surfaces. Install input shaft assembly into transmission case with all thrust washers and bearings in original positions. Install input shaft retaining snap ring. Check input shaft end play with dial indicator - should be within specification (typically 0.010-0.040 inches). Clean case mating surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply thin bead of RTV sealant to case cover mating surface. Install case cover and install cover screws, tightening in criss-cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install valve body and transmission pan
    Position valve body assembly with all check balls and springs in correct locations. Connect internal wiring harness. Install valve body mounting bolts and torque to specification. Install new transmission filter. Clean transmission pan and install new gasket. Install pan and torque pan bolts in criss-cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install transmission to engine
    Mount torque converter to transmission front pump, ensuring it is fully seated with three distinct clicks. Verify torque converter hub engagement by measuring distance from bellhousing flange to torque converter lug - should be approximately 1/2 inch recessed. Apply small amount of high-temp grease to torque converter hub and front pump seal. Position transmission on transmission jack and raise into position. Align transmission with engine dowel pins and carefully slide forward until bellhousing contacts engine block. Install all bellhousing mounting bolts.
    ⚠Verify torque converter is fully engaged before installing transmission. Partially seated converter will damage front pump.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete transmission installation
    Align torque converter to flexplate using alignment marks. Install torque converter to flexplate bolts, rotating engine as needed to access all bolts. Raise transmission into final position and install crossmember. Install transmission mount bolts. Remove transmission jack. Install torque converter dust cover. Reconnect all electrical connectors, shift cable, and fluid cooler lines. Install driveshaft, aligning marks made during removal. Remove engine support fixture.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Fill transmission and perform initial checks
    Add approximately 6 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through dipstick tube. Start engine and allow to idle. With parking brake applied, shift through all gear ranges, pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Check fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to bring level to correct mark on dipstick. Total capacity is approximately 13 quarts. Check for leaks at all connections, pan gasket, and case sealing surfaces.
    ℹ️Transmission fluid level must be checked with engine running at operating temperature for accurate reading.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in correct sequence
2. Use new gaskets and seals throughout reassembly
3. Apply assembly lube to all internal bearings and thrust surfaces
4. Verify all snap rings are fully seated in their grooves
5. Double-check all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked

Verification

• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and verify level is correct
• Perform road test including all gear ranges and verify smooth shifting with no abnormal noises
• Check for fluid leaks at transmission pan, case sealing surfaces, cooler lines, and all connections
• Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present using scan tool
• Re-check fluid level after road test and top off if needed
• Inspect driveshaft mounting bolts for proper torque after 50-100 miles

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