Torque tube flexibility
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 7
From: Gatlinburg Tennessee
Torque tube flexibility
Finally getting ready to change fluid in my 2008 Base A6 tranny. I've researched the procedure and feel pretty confident in all of the steps. One question I have is about jacking the tranny in order to gain access to the rear bolts on the pan. How flexible is the torque tube? Is there a danger of doing any damage by jacking the trans a slight amount? From diagrams I see, it appears the tube is rigid and since the engine is mounted and immovable, I just wonder how much flex the tube will take. I know many on the forum have done this maintenance, so I appreciate input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 806
From: West coast CA
Finally getting ready to change fluid in my 2008 Base A6 tranny. I've researched the procedure and feel pretty confident in all of the steps. One question I have is about jacking the tranny in order to gain access to the rear bolts on the pan. How flexible is the torque tube? Is there a danger of doing any damage by jacking the trans a slight amount? From diagrams I see, it appears the tube is rigid and since the engine is mounted and immovable, I just wonder how much flex the tube will take. I know many on the forum have done this maintenance, so I appreciate input.
If you loosen the two transmission mounts and lift the gearbox, the whole assembly will rotate on the front engine mounts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,481
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From: Miami Florida
I lift up my ‘11 A6 car put it on jack stands and remove the trany oil pan without jacking up the trans using with a 10mm 1/4 inch flex socket on that left rear conner bolt then after I removed the pan the first time I hand grinded with a 3/8 inch porting tool the access to that bolt be easier the next time so is best to take a black marker and mark where, then I welded a oil pan plug for easier drain next time.
Last edited by xBoostx; Feb 9, 2020 at 05:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 7
From: Gatlinburg Tennessee
I lift up my ‘11 A6 car put it on jack stands and remove the trany oil pan without jacking up the trans using with a 10mm 1/4 inch flex socket on that left rear conner bolt then after I removed the pan the first time I hand grinded with a 3/8 inch porting tool the access to that bolt be easier the next time so is best to take a black marker and mark where, then I welded a oil pan plug for easier drain next time.
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I had initially thought I could access the bolts without jacking the trans, but wonder if it will be too tight to get my fingers in there to reassemble. I think I will try it before jacking though. The welded drain plug is a great idea--but I don't have the equipment. Thanks for the info.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 223
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From: Gatlinburg Tennessee
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 223
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From: Gatlinburg Tennessee
Leave a thread or two on the trans mount nuts to be assured it stays in place for reassembly. You'll still have plenty of room to remove/replace the pan bolts. I covered that aspect when I wrote the fluid change instructions, but if those weren't in what your researched, here's the link. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tructions.html