Replace the transmission output shaft bearing by removing the transmission, disassembling the transmission case, extracting the old bearing, and installing a new bearing with proper preload and sealing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission output shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission case 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
• Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (transmission safe) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal.
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points.
4. Remove front wheels for access to subframe and drivetrain components.
5. Install engine support bar across engine bay to support engine weight during transmission removal.
6. Place drain pan under transmission and drain transmission fluid via drain plug.
7. Remove air intake assembly and battery for access to upper transmission mounting points.
8. Label and photograph all electrical connectors and vacuum lines for reassembly reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect transmission connections and mounts
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including vehicle speed sensor, shift solenoids, and range switch. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and plug openings to prevent fluid loss. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket. Remove starter motor mounting bolts and secure starter aside without disconnecting wiring.
2. 2

   Remove axle shafts and disconnect drivetrain
   Remove axle shaft retaining nuts from both sides. Using appropriate puller or pry technique, separate both axle shafts from transmission. Plug axle shaft openings with clean shop rags to prevent contamination. Remove front subframe mounting bolts and lower subframe enough to gain access to transmission lower mounting points.
   ⚠Axle shafts are under spring tension. Control removal to prevent sudden movement.
3. 3

   Support and remove transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan and secure transmission to jack with safety chain or straps. Remove all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts noting different lengths and locations. Remove transmission mount bracket bolts. Carefully separate transmission from engine by sliding straight back to disengage torque converter from flywheel. Lower transmission from vehicle ensuring no wiring or hoses are caught.
   ⚠️Torque converter will remain with transmission. Ensure converter is secured to prevent falling during removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disassemble transmission case
   Mount transmission securely on workbench. Remove transmission pan bolts in reverse criss-cross pattern and remove pan. Remove valve body mounting bolts and carefully lower valve body assembly, noting position of manual valve and detent spring. Remove transmission case cover screws and use plastic mallet to separate case halves. Mark case orientation before separation.
   ⚠Valve body contains check balls and springs. Work over clean surface to capture any loose components.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove output shaft assembly
   With transmission case separated, locate output shaft assembly. Remove snap rings retaining output shaft in case. Carefully extract output shaft assembly noting position of thrust washers and bearings. Use appropriate pullers if shaft is tight. Document position and orientation of all components for reassembly.
6. 6

   Extract old output shaft bearing
   Using bearing puller, remove old bearing from output shaft. If bearing inner race separates, use appropriate bearing splitter and press to remove remaining race from shaft. Clean shaft thoroughly and inspect for scoring, wear, or damage. Measure shaft diameter at bearing journal with micrometer to ensure within specification. Clean bearing bore in transmission case and inspect for damage or excessive wear.
   ⚠Do not damage shaft journal surface during bearing removal. Any scoring will cause premature bearing failure.
7. 7

   Install new output shaft bearing
   Using hydraulic press or appropriate bearing driver, install new bearing onto output shaft. Press bearing squarely onto shaft until it seats against shoulder. Apply even pressure and ensure bearing does not cock during installation. Install new output shaft seal into transmission case using seal driver, ensuring seal is flush with case surface. Lubricate seal lips with clean ATF before installation.
   ⚠Press on bearing inner race only when installing onto shaft. Never press on outer race or rolling elements.
8. 8

   Measure and verify bearing preload
   Install output shaft assembly into transmission case without sealing case halves. Install bearing retaining snap rings. Using dial indicator, measure output shaft end play. Refer to factory service manual for proper end play specification (typically 0.05-0.15mm). If end play is excessive, verify correct bearing installation and thrust washer presence. Select appropriate thickness thrust washers to achieve proper preload.
   ℹ️Proper bearing preload is critical for bearing life. Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.
9. 9

   Reassemble transmission case
   Apply thin bead of transmission-safe RTV sealant to case mating surface per factory pattern. Install all internal components in reverse order of removal, ensuring proper orientation. Align case halves carefully and install cover screws, tightening in criss-cross pattern to specified torque. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before filling with fluid.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install valve body and transmission pan
    Position valve body assembly into transmission case, ensuring manual valve engages properly with manual lever. Install valve body bolts and tighten to specification. Install new transmission filter. Clean transmission pan thoroughly and install new gasket. Install pan bolts in criss-cross pattern to specified torque. Install new crush washer on drain plug and tighten to specification.
    ⚠Ensure all valve body check balls and springs are in correct positions before installing valve body.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission (measure depth to verify). Apply thin coat of high-temp grease to torque converter hub splines. Raise transmission into position and align with engine. Install all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts and tighten to specified torque values per bolt size. Install transmission mount bracket and tighten mounting bolts to specification.
    ⚠️Verify torque converter is fully engaged before installing transmission. Improper seating can damage pump.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect drivetrain and fill transmission
    Install axle shafts into transmission and secure with retaining nuts. Raise and install front subframe, tightening bolts to specification. Reconnect transmission cooler lines using new O-rings. Install starter motor. Reconnect all electrical connectors and shift cable. Using transmission fluid pump, fill transmission with SP-IV-M ATF to proper level per dipstick or fill plug specification.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall battery and air intake assembly.
2. Reconnect negative battery cable.
3. Install front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification.
4. Lower vehicle to ground.
5. Verify transmission fluid level is correct with engine running and transmission at operating temperature.
6. Check all electrical connectors are properly seated and secured.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from case, pan, or cooler lines.
• With engine at idle and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear ranges and verify smooth engagement.
• Check transmission fluid level with engine running at operating temperature and adjust if necessary.
• Test drive vehicle to verify proper shift operation, no abnormal noises, and smooth acceleration.
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if needed.
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive.
• Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present using scan tool.

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