transmission

Transmission Output Shaft Bearing

for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
8.0 h
Tools
15
Steps
15

Replace the transmission output shaft bearing by removing the transmission, disassembling the rear housing, and installing a new bearing with proper preload adjustment.

Warnings

⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 180 lbs. Use proper transmission jack and secure vehicle on lift or rated jack stands before beginning work.
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack. Use approved lift or jack stands.
Output shaft bearing preload must be measured and adjusted correctly or transmission failure will occur.
ATF can remain hot for hours after vehicle operation. Allow adequate cooling time before draining.
ℹ️This procedure requires precision measurement and specialized bearing installation tools. Incorrect installation will result in premature bearing failure.

Tools required

Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Transmission jackEssential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
Bearing puller setEssential
Bearing installation tool setEssential
Dial indicator with magnetic baseEssential
Socket set (10mm-19mm)
Drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)
Pry bar
Plastic scraper
MicrometerEssential
Feeler gauge setEssential
Snap ring pliersEssential
Rubber mallet
Thread locker (medium strength)

Parts

  • Transmission output shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Transmission rear cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Output shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • RTV silicone sealant (transmission grade) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

  1. Raise vehicle on lift or secure on jack stands at all four corners with front and rear wheels off ground
  2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
  3. Remove engine under covers and splash shields
  4. Mark driveshaft-to-flange orientation with paint marker for reassembly alignment
  5. Place drain pan under transmission and allow transmission to cool if recently operated
  6. Take photos of electrical connector routing and bracket positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain transmission fluid
    Position drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 10 quarts). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris which may indicate additional internal damage. Remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern and lower pan. Inspect pan for metal debris.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Disconnect driveshafts and transfer case
    Remove front driveshaft mounting bolts at transfer case. Remove rear driveshaft mounting bolts at differential and support driveshafts with wire. Disconnect transfer case electrical connectors and breather hose. Support transfer case with transmission jack and remove mounting bolts, then lower transfer case from vehicle.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Disconnect transmission connections
    Disconnect transmission wiring harness connectors (input/output speed sensors, solenoid connector, shift position sensor). Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission using flare nut wrench and cap open fittings. Remove dipstick tube if equipped. Disconnect shifter cable from transmission lever and bracket.
  4. 4
    Support engine and remove transmission mounts
    Position engine support fixture or support engine from above with hoist. Remove rear transmission mount bolts and crossmember. Support transmission with transmission jack positioned at transmission pan rail with safety chain. Remove bellhousing-to-engine mounting bolts. Note different bolt lengths and locations for reassembly.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Remove transmission from vehicle
    Verify transmission is securely supported on transmission jack. Carefully pull transmission rearward away from engine, ensuring torque converter remains with transmission. Lower transmission slowly from vehicle and place on sturdy workbench. Install torque converter holding tool or strap to prevent converter from falling out during handling.
  6. 6
    Remove transmission rear cover
    With transmission on bench, remove output shaft flange nut using appropriate socket and breaker bar. Remove parking pawl actuator and linkage assembly. Remove rear cover bolts in criss-cross pattern. Gently tap cover with rubber mallet to break seal and remove cover. Do not pry against machined sealing surfaces.
    Output shaft flange nut may be extremely tight. Use six-point socket to prevent rounding.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove output shaft assembly
    Remove snap ring securing output shaft bearing. Using soft drift or brass punch, carefully tap output shaft forward to separate from rear housing. Note position of any shims or spacers behind bearing for reference. Remove output shaft assembly from transmission case and place on clean work surface.
  8. 8
    Remove old bearing and inspect components
    Using appropriate bearing puller, remove output shaft bearing from shaft. Inspect bearing race on shaft for wear, scoring, or discoloration. Inspect bearing bore in rear housing for damage. Measure output shaft bearing journal diameter with micrometer and verify within specification (refer to service manual for exact tolerances). Clean all components thoroughly with solvent and compressed air.
    ℹ️If shaft journal shows wear or is out of specification, output shaft must be replaced.
  9. 9
    Install new bearing
    Install new bearing onto output shaft using bearing installation tool and press or driver. Ensure bearing is pressed fully against shoulder on shaft. Bearing should be installed with marked side facing outward. Do not strike bearing directly with hammer. Install new snap ring and verify it is fully seated in groove.
    Bearing must be installed squarely on shaft to prevent damage. Apply even pressure during installation.
  10. 10
    Measure and set bearing preload
    Install output shaft assembly into rear housing without gasket. Install rear cover temporarily with cover screws hand-tight. Mount dial indicator on housing with tip on output shaft end. Zero dial indicator and rotate shaft while measuring end play. Select appropriate shim thickness to achieve proper preload specification (typically 0-0.05mm preload). Remove cover and install selected shim behind bearing.
    Incorrect preload will cause bearing failure. Verify measurements multiple times before final assembly.
  11. 11
    Reassemble transmission rear section
    Install new output shaft seal in rear cover using seal driver. Apply thin coat of ATF to seal lip. Clean all gasket surfaces with plastic scraper and solvent. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to rear cover mounting surface where specified in service manual or install new gasket. Install rear cover with cover screws, tightening in criss-cross pattern to specified torque. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before filling with fluid.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Install transmission into vehicle
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission (measure depth from bellhousing face to converter mounting boss - should be approximately 10mm or more). Apply small amount of grease to torque converter pilot. Raise transmission into position with transmission jack. Align transmission with engine and carefully slide forward onto alignment dowels. Install bellhousing mounting bolts with appropriate grade and tighten to specification.
    ⚠️Transmission must be fully supported during installation. Never allow transmission weight to hang on input shaft.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reconnect all components
    Install transmission mounts and crossmember with mounting bolts torqued to specification. Reconnect shifter cable to lever and bracket. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and tighten fittings. Reconnect all electrical connectors in original positions. Install transfer case with new gasket if equipped, torque mounting bolts to specification, and reconnect transfer case connectors and breather.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Install driveshafts and refill fluids
    Install front and rear driveshafts, aligning marks made during disassembly. Torque driveshaft bolts to specification. Install new transmission pan gasket, position pan, and install pan bolts in criss-cross pattern to specified torque. Install drain plug with new crush washer torqued to specification. Fill transmission with 10 quarts of Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF through dipstick tube or fill plug. Install engine under covers.
    ℹ️Use only Hyundai SP-IV-M specification ATF. Other fluids will cause transmission damage.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Initial startup and fluid level check
    Reconnect battery negative cable. Start engine and allow to idle. Move shifter through all gear positions, pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. With engine at idle and transmission at operating temperature (160-180°F), check fluid level and add as necessary. Check for leaks at pan, rear cover, cooler lines, and all connections. Test drive vehicle through all gears and verify smooth operation with no abnormal noise.

Reassembly

  1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in the order listed during each step
  2. Use new gaskets and seals throughout - do not reuse old gaskets
  3. Apply medium-strength thread locker to driveshaft bolts unless otherwise specified
  4. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  5. Verify driveshaft alignment marks match original orientation to prevent vibration

Verification

  • Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature in Park on level surface
  • Verify no fluid leaks at transmission pan, rear cover, drain plug, cooler lines, or case mating surfaces
  • Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifts through all gear ranges with no slipping
  • Listen for abnormal noise from transmission output area during acceleration and deceleration
  • Verify speedometer operation confirms output speed sensor function
  • Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
  • Scan for transmission fault codes using diagnostic scanner - no codes should be present

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