transmission
Transmission Input Shaft Bearing
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
12.8 h
Tools
16
Steps
15
This procedure involves removing the transmission from the vehicle to replace the input shaft bearing, a critical component that supports the transmission input shaft and ensures smooth power transfer from the engine.
Warnings
⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 240 lbs. Secure transmission jack properly to prevent crushing injuries.
⚠️Ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands rated for at least 3 tons per side. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠ATF+4 transmission fluid will be hot if vehicle was recently operated. Allow cooling for at least 2 hours before draining.
⚠The input shaft bearing requires precise installation. Improper installation can cause catastrophic transmission failure.
ℹ️Mark all driveline components before removal to ensure proper alignment during reassembly and prevent driveline vibration.
Tools required
Transmission jack with adapterEssential
Engine support fixture or hoistEssential
Torque wrench (10-100 lb-ft range)Essential
Bearing puller setEssential
Input shaft bearing installer toolEssential
Dial indicator with magnetic baseEssential
Socket set (metric and standard)Essential
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Transfer case removal adapters
Pry bar set
Dead blow hammer
Snap ring pliersEssential
Micrometer or caliperEssential
Hydraulic press (if bearing is press-fit)Essential
Pneumatic impact wrench
Parts
- Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transfer case gasket/seal kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission to engine gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- RTV silicone sealant (Mopar approved) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Mopar ATF+4 — 11 qt
- Mopar Transfer Case Fluid — 2.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect both battery cables, negative first, then positive
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
- Remove skid plates and belly pan if equipped
- Mark front and rear driveshafts at flanges with paint for alignment reference
- Place drain pan under transmission and drain transmission fluid via drain plug
- Allow transmission to fully drain for at least 30 minutes
Procedure
- 1Remove transfer caseDisconnect transfer case shift linkage and electrical connectors. Support transfer case with transmission jack. Remove transfer case mounting bolts and carefully lower transfer case from vehicle. Mark orientation of transfer case to transmission for reassembly.
- 2Disconnect driveshafts and crossmemberRemove front and rear driveshaft flange bolts. Support driveshafts and remove from vehicle. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts and carefully lower crossmember. Support transmission with transmission jack positioned at center of gravity.⚠Ensure transmission jack is securely positioned before removing crossmember to prevent transmission from dropping.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect transmission electrical and mechanical connectionsDisconnect all transmission electrical connectors including speed sensors, solenoid pack, and transmission range sensor. Remove transmission cooler lines and cap open ports to prevent contamination. Disconnect shift linkage at transmission. Remove torque converter dust cover.Torque specSensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 4Remove torque converter boltsRotate crankshaft using 32mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt to access each torque converter bolt through starter opening. Remove all torque converter to flexplate bolts. Push torque converter back into transmission bell housing and secure with wire or retention strap to prevent it from sliding out during transmission removal.⚠Mark torque converter position on flexplate before removal to maintain balance during reassembly.
- 5Remove transmission from vehicleInstall engine support fixture to prevent engine from tilting when transmission is removed. Remove transmission bellhousing bolts working from top and bottom. Verify all connections are disconnected. Carefully slide transmission rearward ensuring torque converter remains in transmission. Lower transmission from vehicle using transmission jack.⚠️Transmission must slide straight back to clear engine dowel pins. Binding indicates misalignment or missed connection.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 6Remove torque converter and access input shaftPlace transmission on suitable work surface with front facing up. Carefully remove torque converter from transmission. Remove transmission pump bolts and carefully extract pump assembly. This provides access to input shaft and bearing assembly.ℹ️Keep torque converter hub and front seal area clean to prevent contamination during reassembly.
- 7Remove input shaft assemblyRemove input shaft retaining snap ring using snap ring pliers. Carefully extract input shaft assembly from transmission case. Inspect shaft for wear, scoring, or heat damage. Measure input shaft bearing surface with micrometer and compare to service manual specifications.
- 8Remove old input shaft bearingUsing appropriate bearing puller or hydraulic press with support plates, carefully remove input shaft bearing from shaft or case (depending on bearing location design). Inspect bearing bore in case for damage, scoring, or wear. Clean bearing bore thoroughly with clean lint-free cloth and brake cleaner.⚠Apply pressure evenly when removing bearing to prevent damaging shaft or bearing bore. Do not use heat unless specified by manufacturer.
- 9Install new input shaft bearingVerify new bearing matches old bearing specifications. Using proper bearing installation tool and hydraulic press, install new bearing onto input shaft or into case bore with even pressure. Ensure bearing is fully seated against shoulder. Install new bearing retaining snap ring and verify it is fully seated in groove.⚠️Bearing must be installed with correct orientation. Installing backwards will cause immediate transmission failure.
- 10Verify bearing installation and endplayUsing dial indicator mounted to transmission case, measure input shaft endplay by pushing and pulling shaft while monitoring indicator. Endplay should be within manufacturer specifications (typically 0.010-0.030 inches). Verify bearing rotates smoothly without binding or roughness.⚠Incorrect endplay indicates improper bearing installation or damaged components. Do not proceed if endplay is out of specification.
- 11Reinstall input shaft and pump assemblyCarefully reinstall input shaft assembly into transmission case ensuring all components align properly. Install new input shaft seal if required. Apply thin coat of ATF+4 to pump seal and gasket surfaces. Reinstall transmission pump with new gasket and torque pump bolts in criss-cross pattern per service manual specifications.
- 12Install transmission to vehicleApply small amount of high-temperature grease to torque converter hub. Install torque converter into transmission ensuring it fully engages pump (should click into place with approximately 1 inch recess from bellhousing face). Raise transmission into position using transmission jack. Align transmission with engine dowel pins and carefully slide forward. Install bellhousing bolts and torque in star pattern.⚠️Torque converter must be fully seated in pump before mating transmission to engine. Insufficient engagement will destroy pump during installation.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 13Install torque converter and transfer caseRotate torque converter to align with flexplate bolt holes. Install and torque converter bolts in star pattern. Install torque converter dust cover. Apply new gasket or RTV sealant to transfer case mating surface. Raise transfer case into position and install mounting bolts. Reconnect transfer case linkage and electrical connections.ℹ️Verify torque converter alignment marks match original position to maintain balance.Torque specCover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 14Reconnect all components and fill fluidsInstall transmission crossmember and torque bolts to specification. Reconnect driveshafts aligning reference marks made during disassembly. Reconnect all electrical connectors, shift linkage, and cooler lines. Install new transmission filter and pan with new gasket, torquing pan bolts in criss-cross pattern. Fill transmission with 10 quarts ATF+4 through dipstick tube. Fill transfer case with 2.5 quarts Mopar transfer case fluid.⚠Do not overfill transmission. Overfilling can cause foaming and transmission damage.Torque specPan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 15Final inspection and initial startupInstall drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Double-check all bolts are torqued properly. Reconnect battery cables, positive first then negative. Start engine with transmission in park and check for leaks. With foot on brake, shift through all gears pausing in each for 5 seconds. Check fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to bring to proper level on dipstick.⚠Initial test drive should be gentle with close monitoring for abnormal noises, vibrations, or shifting issues.Torque specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall skid plates and belly pan if equipped
- Perform complete visual inspection under vehicle for any loose bolts or leaking fluids
- Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears under various load conditions
- Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
- Monitor transmission operation for first 100 miles and recheck fluid level and condition
Verification
- Transmission shifts smoothly through all gears without delay or harshness
- No fluid leaks present at transmission pan, cooler lines, or bellhousing
- No abnormal noises from transmission or transfer case during operation
- Transmission fluid level is correct when checked with engine running at operating temperature
- No driveline vibrations present indicating proper driveshaft alignment
- All warning lights remain off after test drive