Finally started my TCC solenoid replacement today

turbojimmy · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 05:39 PM

So I finally started my TCC solenoid replacement today. In between shoveling snow, I didn't get a lot done. But I did enough that I can't go back now.

I can't get the RH axle hub nut off. The real irony is that I put it on. You see, I paid a guy $1,200 last summer to replace my wheel hub assemblies and tie rod ends. When he told me both hubs were bad, I told him that I had just replaced it. He said "I don't know what to tell you, it's bad". So today, when digging into this transmission job, it became obvious that he did replace the LH hub, but didn't touch the RH hub. Friggin' thief. Same guy that told me my GN needed new ball joints - wouldn't align it otherwise. Ball joints are fine, took it somewhere else to have it aligned with no problems. STS Tire Centers in NJ - stay away from them.

But I digress. I'll dig deeper into it tomorrow, but I got the up-top work done and am now working on dismantling the suspension.

The engine support bar installed:

Close up of the special bracket for the left cylinder bank:

Working on the LH side:

Not sure why it's puking grease everywhere:

I'll put up some more tomorrow.......loads of fun!

Jim

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 06:55 PM

That green grease is from your CV joint. The boot is ripped somewhere.

turbojimmy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

That green grease is from your CV joint. The boot is ripped somewhere.

That's what I figured. It's interesting how the centrifugal force stacks it all so neatly around the boot. I'll add a boot to the list of things I need to finish the job. I broke the stabilizer link on that side, too. And I need a front motor mount. And an oil cooler line. It'll be like a new car when I'm done!

Jim

**Ranger** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 08:49 PM

I can't see the clamp on the inboard side of the boot. If that is what came off you might be able to get some CV joint grease put it in and reclamp it. I did that once by cleaning out a grease gun and filling it with CV grease. I used a needle attachment on the gun and refilled it. Used a big hose clamp to clamp it on.

dirt_cheap_fleetwood · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-09, 11:25 PM

I want a lift in my garage!

turbojimmy · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I can't see the clamp on the inboard side of the boot. If that is what came off you might be able to get some CV joint grease put it in and reclamp it. I did that once by cleaning out a grease gun and filling it with CV grease. I used a needle attachment on the gun and refilled it. Used a big hose clamp to clamp it on.

The clamp is still on there - just can't see it in the pic. It must be torn somewhere. The factory replacements require a special tool to clamp them on, I think. But a hose clamp is a good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirt_cheap_fleetwood

I want a lift in my garage!

It does come in handy. It's a little tight in my garage, but it gets the job done. I usually use it for parking (can put 2 cars in that one bay). For repairs, a 2-post would be better but they take up more space and are more complicated to install. The 4-post is free standing. I set the Caddy down on jackstands on the lift and can get it at a comfortable working height. Makes it easier to get the trans and engine cradle out when the time comes, too.

Jim

JVRudnick · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 09:31 AM

Just a quick question - is this TCC item the same one as is reported by running the codes and receiving this one -- PCM p0741 current - P0741 - TCC System Stuck Off
?

I ask in that it appears that my own TCC item is somehow reporting itself as faulty...course, when I reset all the codes that one has neve shown up again....

Oh, and I was told that this "fix" to the TCC item was a $20 part but $2000 in labour just to get it done....is that true too?

Jim

turbojimmy · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JVRudnick

Just a quick question - is this TCC item the same one as is reported by running the codes and receiving this one -- PCM p0741 current - P0741 - TCC System Stuck Off
?

I ask in that it appears that my own TCC item is somehow reporting itself as faulty...course, when I reset all the codes that one has neve shown up again....

Oh, and I was told that this "fix" to the TCC item was a $20 part but $2000 in labour just to get it done....is that true too?

Jim

Yes and yes. P0741, and the occasional P1860. $20 part, $2000 in labor. Transmission has to come out, or at least dropped down far enough to get the side cover off of the transmission.

I still can't get the RH axle nut off, and can't get the axle shaft out of the LH side. This is becoming a pain in the butt. I need to find an axle shaft removal tool locally. Not sure what I'm going to do about that nut yet. I've been hammering on it with an impact wrench all morning.

Jim

dirt_cheap_fleetwood · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 04:02 PM

Is the TCC solenoid the one that locks the torque converter at highway speeds? In my FSM they call it a VCC Lock Solenoid.

99Classillac · #10 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 04:32 PM

Looks like fun. As for your CV Joint, it might be more beneficial in the long run to just replace the CV Joint. Their cheap as hell, like $50 on RockAuto.com. I replaced them on my old 99 Deville on both sides. I'm just saying because who knows how long the boot has been torn and what dirt got inside. You can clean it out and replace the boot, but I would rather just buy a whole new shaft. At least the new shaft will be new with no wear on it either. Just my opinion.

turbojimmy · #11 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirt_cheap_fleetwood

Is the TCC solenoid the one that locks the torque converter at highway speeds? In my FSM they call it a VCC Lock Solenoid.

Yes, the TCC solenoid is the one that locks the converter at highway speeds. Not sure why your FSM would call it a VCC. TCC = Torque Converter Control solenoid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99Classilac

Looks like fun. As for your CV Joint, it might be more beneficial in the long run to just replace the CV Joint. Their cheap as hell, like $50 on RockAuto.com. I replaced them on my old 99 Deville on both sides. I'm just saying because who knows how long the boot has been torn and what dirt got inside. You can clean it out and replace the boot, but I would rather just buy a whole new shaft. At least the new shaft will be new with no wear on it either. Just my opinion.

Great fun indeed. I will definitely replace that axle shaft. My brother gave me the same advice. He came over and got all medieval on it and was able to remove the axle shafts with a crowbar. I was able to jump up and down on my 1/2"-drive breaker bar and free up that axle nut. In between looking for a job (got laid off a couple of weeks ago), I was able to do this:

Tomorrow the trans comes out!

Jim

**Ranger** · #12 (**permalink**) 03-03-09, 06:54 PM

Earlier ones where called VCC (viscous Converter Clutch). Obviously they worked wit a viscous fluid. Later ones are electronic, thus TCC (Torque Converter Clutch). TCC's lock up at 41 MPH. Don't remember about the VCC's.

turbojimmy · #13 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 02:28 PM

Ugh. This thing kicked my arse today. What a total pain in the nads this thing is. All for a $20 solenoid. But, the hard part is over. Need to order up the parts. I waited to see what else I broke before I ordered anything.

The clearance between the trans is zero on both sides. Unbelievable. Jammed up against the frame rail on one side and the flywheel on the other. But, it's out. My brother said "wouldn't it be a hoot if replacing the solenoid didn't clear the SES light?". No, it wouldn't.

Jim

turbojimmy · #14 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 03:19 PM

So, got the parts from the dealer.

The new axle listed for ~$400, my cost was $250 so I said forget it. Got a new boot instead. If the axle does go bad, it will be a walk in the park compared to this transmission job.

The source of the oil leak appears to be the oil pan, which the dealer told me is common. The parts guy told me that they recommend a new car when people bring in their Northstars with leaky oil pans. Since the cradle and transmission are out of the way, I decided to replace it while I had access to it. $150 worth of parts since it requires: new gasket, 2 new baffles and a new pickup tube.

Got a new power steering hose for the pressure side. It was leaking pretty bad, which explained the melting plastic smell all the time (burning power steering fluid).

New front motor mount, LH stabilizer link, side cover gasket for the trans, and of course the offending TCC solenoid.

This has been by far the crappiest repair job I've ever undertaken, and that's saying a lot. I'll never do it again.

Jim

JVRudnick · #15 (**permalink**) 03-04-09, 05:07 PM

just wanted to add, Jim...that as a totally NON fixit guy, I've muchly enjoyed these pix and your comments....

good on you! I hope that you get her all back together and she runs fine for like a decade or two....

me? Oh, I'd be paying my mechanic for all of this...course, the SES lite's been off now for like 10 days or so....so I'm hoping that myown TCC warning "fixed itself!"

:-)

Jim