In 1998, Transmission Technologies Corporation, or Tremec, purchased Borg-Warner Transmissions, a longstanding manufacturer of manual transmissions. As the successor to the Tremec 3550, the Tremec TKO 5-speed manual is a heavy-duty, performance-oriented transmission. Two models exist, the TKO-500 and the TKO 600, named after their torque rating: 500-foot pounds for the TKO-500, and 600 for the TKO-600. In order to change the input shaft seal on the TKO series, the transmission must be off the vehicle. When replacing the seal, a logical step is to replace the input shaft bearing as well.
Instructions
- 1
Access the front of the Tremec TKO. The input shaft extends from the front of the transmission into the engine when installed. Unbolt the bellhousing with a socket wrench and socket. The bellhousing is the large, dome-like extension that connects the transmission to the engine. When removed, wipe down the transmission front with clean rags.
2Remove the bolts surrounding the input-shaft bearing retainer with a socket wrench and socket, mounting the input shaft. The input shaft extends out at the transmission front and has bolts surrounding it; remove these bolts and gently remove the cover using the shaft, keeping any shims in the order installed.
3Pry the input-shaft seal off the shaft using a screwdriver. Don't worry about damaging it, it gets thrown out.
4Slide out the bearing, if it is to be replaced. The bearing presents as soon as the seal is removed. Pack the new bearing with bearing grease, making sure both the inside and outside are sufficiently greased. Slide the bearing in and replace the shims in the order they came out.
5Grease the outside circumference of the input shaft with a thin layer of bearing grease to complete the seal and tap it gently into the transmission case with a rubber mallet. Bolt the bearing retainer back on the transmission case and re-install the transmission.
