Removing a 4hp22 (autotrgic) trans

[bimmerjon]

Can someone that actually physically removed one let me know wtf and how the fk to remove this pos.

So I have 89 325is up on jack stands, drive train components removed, enough clearance to drop the trans...

the lower bellhouseing bolts are removed and now its the other torx bolts that are giving me shit.

I need to know, other than its shitty and difficult and I need a bunch of extensions to do it...

How do I accomplish removing these stubborn bolts! Also, I do not have access to air or power tools for removal.

Please post pictures too and video would be excellent if available

(AND YOUTUBE AND THE REST OF THE INTERNET DON'T HAVE SHIT!!!)

[scottinAZ]

only way to do the bastards is with a long assed extension. I just installed one of these, and they are truly a motherF$%&er to do.

[b*saint]

Cowboy up and buy air tools. You're committed now.

[u3b3rg33k]

Air tools, a boatload of extensions and bendy joints, and a 2nd person to hold the socket on the bolt.

[KillaCams]

Did you drain the fluid? Loosen the lines? Disconnect the kick down cable? Make sure you remove the shield that's on the back of the oil pan too. Try jacking the front of the motor a little bit to get the back of the tranny to angle down, then put some extensions on it and use a breaker bar. Be prepared to do lots of cursing lol even more so going back in. Do you have a tranny jack? These autos are fucking heavy compared to the 5 speed trans so be careful.

Edit: also remove the plastic breather thing on the bottom of the trans, use something to spin the flywheel and remove the bolts holding the torque converter to the flywheel (4 of them i think) it's easier to drop it together with the trans

[KillaCams]

I would also suggest leaving a bolt or 2 in the bottom to hold the tranny in place until you're ready for it to come down, instead of having the trans possibly come down on its own when you remove the top bolts

[bimmerjon]

Good looking out fellas, I'll keep you posted with my progress

[bimmerjon]

Other than breaking impact knuckles and getting grungy, Im no closer to removing the transmission. My alternative is impact tools and paying $$$ to get it removed and installed, whats the approx cost on this job (removing and installing an auto trans)?

[crazyrabbittown]

oh dude your giving me nightmares
i hated doing this those bolts are just unreasnable i couldnt use air tools per the management
aside from what you have done extensions and such i used a second jack to turn the wrench and break the bolts loose it took forever i broke a couple of extension and my hands looked like hanburger at the end of the day but i assure you no matter what is is in fact possable good luck bro

[LJ851]

How long of a wrench are you using? You need to be swinging the max handle length possible ,if its a longer breakerbar or a pipe over a shorter one. 1/2 drive extensions flex less so are better. Spray some penetrating oil like Kroil or PB blaster where the bolt head contacts the transmission. Got any buds that are burly-er than you?

[Sagaris]

I am dropping the subframe+ engine to do this. I would rather spend a couple extra hours removing excessive parts if it helps me avoid stripping and breaking things, increasing my blood pressure, and allows me the convenience to have a big ol happy smile on my face while I am replacing components in plain view with full range of motion. Heck, I could even wave to my neighbor while aligning the clutch!

[bimmerjon]

I'm now having nightmares over this, I have someone offering to buy my car but if that goes bust then Im gonna get the penetrating oil, lift the jack stands a bit higher for more leverage and swing for my breaker bar and see if that works.

Thanks for the tips, I hope I can get the trans out without too much more mental and physical pain