Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 2021

21 - 318 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)
is applied. The clutch application can also be felt by
touching the appropriate element while applying air
pressure. As the air pressure is released, the clutch
should also release.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
two items must be established before repair.
(1) Verify that a leak condition actually exists.
(2) Determined the true source of the leak.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill or fill after repair.
Converter housing leaks have several potential
sources. Through careful observation, a leak source
can be identified before removing the transmission
for repair. Torque converter seal leaks tend to move
along the drive hub and onto the rear of the con-
verter. Pump cover seal tend to run down the cover
and the inside surface of the bellhousing.
Some leaks, or suspected leaks, may be particu-
larly difficult to locate. If necessary, a Mopar
approved dye may be used to locate a leak.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAK POINTS
Possible sources of converter leaks are:
(1) Leaks at the weld joint around the outside
diameter weld (Fig. 7).
(2) Leaks at the converter hub weld (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE ASSEMBLY
2 - STATOR
3 - CONVERTER HUB
4 - O-RING
5 - IMPELLER ASSEMBLY
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH PISTON
7 - TURBINE HUB
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum trans-
mission case and valve body can be repaired by the
use of Heli-Coils™, or equivalent. This repair con-
sists of drilling out the worn-out damaged threads.
Then tap the hole with a special Heli-Coil™ tap, or
equivalent, and installing a Heli-Coil™ insert, or
equivalent, into the hole. This brings the hole back to
its original thread size.
Heli-Coil™, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle
(3) Remove any necessary skid plates. (Refer to 13
- FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - REMOVAL)
(4) Mark propeller shaft and axle companion
flanges for assembly alignment.
(5) Remove the rear propeller shaft
(6) Remove the front propeller shaft, if necessary.
(7) Remove the engine to transmission collar (Fig.
8).
Fig. 8 Transmission Collar
1 - ENGINE
2 - STRUCTURAL DUST COVER
3 - TRANSMISSION
(8) Remove the exhaust support bracket from the
rear of the transmission.
(9) Disconnect and lower or remove any necessary
exhaust components.
DR