Frustrated!!!!

[scottg918514]

I encountered my first real maintenance hurdle today. I've changed all the fluids, fixed axle seals, replaced shocks, replace window regulators, etc... But, today I started to change my transmission fluid, drop the pan and change filter.

All was going pretty good until I realized I couldn't get the pan down because the shift cable bracket was in the way. I had already disconnected the shift cable and put it out of the way, but didn't remove the bracket.

Stupid thing has a T-40 Torx bolt on top, screwed down towards the ground. Impossible to get to, I can barely touch it, let alone turn a wrench on it.

Pissed me off, horrible design. I've heard of others just bending it out of the way. But, I can't get enough torque or room to bend it either. It is right next to the drive shaft, so, again no room to maneuver.

I did, at least, drain out 3 qts. and replaced, and what I drained looked good. I guess I'll take it in to a tranny shop, filter and gasket in hand and surrender.

Unless, anyone can tell me a trick to get to that bolt. I figure I just need to get to the one by the actual cable ring, and then pivot the bracket out of the way.

 

[TnTahoe]

damn that sucks, i hate little piss ant surprises like that

 

[Mac]

It's a pain, but there's a trick to bringing it down.
First, drop the passenger side of the pan, then push the shift bracket out while pulling and working the drive side of the pan, you have to force it a bit it will give.

 

[scottg918514]

I guess I'm not the only one.

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23522

---------- Post added at 06:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 PM ----------

It's a pain, but there's a trick to bringing it down.
First, drop the passenger side of the pan, then push the shift bracket out while pulling and working the drive side of the pan, you have to force it a bit it will give.

I drained pan, but there will still be fluid in the pan. How do you avoid a mess with your method?

 

[Mac]

Mine came with a drain plug...Not sure about yours. Try using a towel to soak up the remaining fluid.
One more *IMPORTANT NOTE*. Don't try to remove the rubber and metal ring seal. Trust me, leave as is or else you will be in world of shit trying to get it out.

 

[scottg918514]

Mine came with a drain plug...Not sure about yours. Try using a towel to soak up the remaining fluid.
One more *IMPORTANT NOTE*. Don't try to remove the rubber and metal ring seal. Trust me, leave as is or else you will be in world of shit trying to get it out.

Yup, heard that about the filter seal. I'm planning on leaving it, if it doesn't come out.

 

[ScottyBoy]

I actually had no problems removing the bracket on mine. I used a flex ratchet with a T-40 torx bit. Just very tight and couldn't get long swings on the ratchet, but I got it off with plenty of short swings.

 

[redemn93]

Mine came with a drain plug...Not sure about yours. Try using a towel to soak up the remaining fluid.
One more *IMPORTANT NOTE*. Don't try to remove the rubber and metal ring seal. Trust me, leave as is or else you will be in world of shit trying to get it out.

LOL. when i did mine the seal stayed in. took me almost 2 days to get it out. sucked balls. and i couldnt get the plug out. it was stuck as hell. completley rounded out the bolt head. took the pan off and couldnt even break it free from the inside. i just left. i know it aint going no where.