1G: How To Remove Torque Converter Bolts??

[autodsm]

I am replacing the auto tranny on my 1991 FWD turbo. Removed everything and the tranny is ready to be dropped, but i cant figure out how to get the 4 torque converter bolts out.

I can fit a 17mm socket onto the bolt, but once I put an extension on then the oil pan interferes with the wrench. I have tried running a 17mm wrench between the tranny and frame and theres barely not enough space to get hold of the bolt...cant angle it.

Theres not much to grab onto in the first place....the bolt head is pretty flat and has an X or whatever through it.

Any suggestions?

[autodsm]

So nobody has an answer....have tried everything and cant get them to break loose. Socket with wobble head and extension gets on but cant break the damn things loose

[bryzenga]

Maybe try welding some sort of long handle onto the socket to make a special wrench? I do believe one of my friends made a tool like I described. You just might have to get creative if nothing else is working.

[95'RS-T]

Why can't you just use a 1/2" breaker bar with a shallow 17mm socket?

[bryanwheat]

I just use a wrench.

[autodsm]

The bolt heads are pretty flat so there isnt much to grab in the first place. On top of that the bolts are rusted/seized.

I cant get a 1/2" breaker bar in because of space constraints...the oil pan is obstructing the head of the breaker bar. 3/8" bar will fit but just no luck getting the bastards broken loose

[95'RS-T]

Try some PB blaster, just spray and let it sit for a hour or so. Should come loose then.

[turbodsm90]

Originally Posted by bryanwheat

I just use a wrench.

Same here. I put it on a belt sander to flatten it down to where the teeth bite the head of the bolt more when flush against the flex plate. It give the wrench more control of the low profile head of the bolts.

As 95RS advised, use some PB blaster.

Originally Posted by autodsm

The bolt heads are pretty flat so there isnt much to grab in the first place. On top of that the bolts are rusted/seized.

I cant get a 1/2" breaker bar in because of space constraints...the oil pan is obstructing the head of the breaker bar. 3/8" bar will fit but just no luck getting the bastards broken loose

Sounds like you need to jack the car up higher. The oil pan shouldn't be in the way at all, when using a wrench. A low profile socket should still get you by when you rotate the engine to have the bolt at the very bottom of he rotation.

Did you remove the tcase? EDIT-Just seen you were FWD. Should have tons of room down there.

Are you turning the engine over by the front crank pulley bolt? Use that to hold it in place, it shouldnt come loose on you either since you are tightening it, while loosening your converter bolts.

[awdspyder98]

a wrench is pretty much all you can use.

[turbodsm90]

I manage to squeeze my torque wrench in there with a modified socket.

Its all about angles and someone else manning the breaker bar on the crank pulley bolt.

[autodsm]

Had a buddy come over today and help me out. Ended up pulling the cross member to get the bolts off and then pulled rear motor mount to tilt the engine to get the trans out.

Couldnt get the bolts loose without pulling the cross member. Then after, held crank pulley bolt while the other used a socket wrench on the torque converter bolts. They were pretty stuck on there but managed to get them off and drop the trans.

Now another question....how can i tell if my torque converter is good or not? It looks pretty much brand spanking new, but no idea....my trans is toast so not sure if torque converter is bad as well.

[jayson427]

you would need to give more details to how your tranny is "toast" is there metal shavings all over the place or did it not shift out of first, second or what?

[bryanwheat]

If the transmission has toasted a few clutch packs than the converter will need to be replaced. It will be full of fluid that has clutch pack material in it and will ruin a new transmission.

[autodsm]

Well when I drained the fluid, it was a dark muddy red/brown mixture and smelled burnt up. As it drained, it looked like someone had thrown a jar of sparkles into the fluid. Very small but i am sure it is all metal...sparkles, not shavings.

When i had driven it last, it was mostly just stuck in 3rd gear...starting out in 3rd and that was it. OR it started in 2nd and mushed its way ino 3rd. I took the end clutch pack out and all the discs were in good shape, but it never had overdrive.

I have a new trans and torque converter on the way and also got a new TCU...my current one was damaged from the cap leaking and someone had tried to repair it, leaving a shoddy solder trail. Got a new TCU in great condition so will be swapping that in as well.