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"2020" Seminar Information: Ford 4R70 Series Transmissions

The document summarizes the chronic failure of the Ravigneaux planetary in certain Ford 4R70 series transmissions from 2008-2012. It details that the root cause is failure of the front sun gear needle bearing, which puts stress on other components and can lead to planetary failure over time. The document provides images showing examples of worn parts and recommends replacing failed components like the needle bearing or entire planetary if damaged beyond repair. Technicians are advised to inspect for cracked parts or bearing wear and replace as needed.

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Gina López
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26 views

"2020" Seminar Information: Ford 4R70 Series Transmissions

The document summarizes the chronic failure of the Ravigneaux planetary in certain Ford 4R70 series transmissions from 2008-2012. It details that the root cause is failure of the front sun gear needle bearing, which puts stress on other components and can lead to planetary failure over time. The document provides images showing examples of worn parts and recommends replacing failed components like the needle bearing or entire planetary if damaged beyond repair. Technicians are advised to inspect for cracked parts or bearing wear and replace as needed.

Uploaded by

Gina López
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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46 "2020” SEMINAR INFORMATION

FORD 4R70 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS


PLANETARY FAILURE
COMPLAINT: Chronic failure of the Ravigneaux planetary in a 4R70 Series Transmission. For the 2013 model
year Ford issued factory TSB 13-4-23 that included various models built from 2008 to 2012 to
replace the faulty planetary with the updated part using part number AL3Z-7A398-C.

CAUSE: Ford stated that the root cause of the problem was the failure of the front sun gear needle bearing
which in fact is the cause of the planetary failure. However, the events leading up to the planetary
failure were not revealed at the time the bulletin was issued. This bulletin will reveal the events
leading up to the failure and how to remedy the situation.
The planetary is a rather heavy component, as a result of this the wide bushing in the bottom of the
planet wears as seen in figure 1. This starts the failure process due to the additional stress the worn
bushing exerts on the needle bearing in the planet. This also puts additional stress on the planet
pinions caged needle bearings as indicated in figure 2. The needle bearing seen in figure 3 shows
signs of stress which broke a piece of the race off. This can be due to the yoke bottoming out on
the output shaft due to an overloaded vehicle. Some techs grind an 1/8" off the end of the output
shaft to prevent this from occuring.
This overheats the needle bearing which can be seen in figure 4. In 2009 this bearing thickness
was increased to .215” also seen in figure 4 and the bearing pocket in the planet was made deeper
to accommodate this change. The bearing that is being used in the updated planet is the same one
used in a 5R110W front planet. If the planet has not yet reached catastrophic failure, knock out
the pins of two small pinions and replace the bearing, then tack weld the pins back into position.
If you have bearing failure on a 1993 to 2008 planet, you can replace the bearing with one from a
1999 or later 4L60E front planet and is sold by Sonnax under number 77747-01.
Look closely at the bearing once it is removed from the transmission, inspect the outer rim of the
bottom race as seen in figure 5. It may already be cracked or broken as seen in figure 6.
Obviously if the pinion caged needle bearings are like the one seen in figure 7, the planet will
require replacement.
If the needle bearing has worn the pocket in the planet as shown in figure 8, the planet will require
replacement.
Once the needle bearing collar breaks, it starts cutting into the planet as shown in figure 9, when
this occurs, the planet will require replacement.

CORRECTION: If the planetary has not sustained serious damage use the repair steps mentioned above or else
replace the planet.
A special thank you to Beau Hansen, R&D Specialist from ETE for the information contained in this bulletin.

Automatic Transmission Service Group

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