How to adjust the bands of your 47RE / RH and 48RE transmission

The front and rear bands of a hydraulic transmission are very important components in managing gear changes.

Over time, they lose their fit.  An ill-fitted band will wear prematurely and gear changes will be affected.

Here are some symptoms of ill-fitted bands

  • The transmission shifts hard or takes time when it goes from neutral to drive or vice versa
  • Transmission does not reverse or shifts backwards only
  • Transmission takes a long time to shift and shifts are rough and hard
  • The transmission skips first and goes direct in 2nd or 3rd, or it stays in first

The adjustment of the rear band is done by the oil pan.

  1. Open the pan to locate the rear band lever located on the passenger side towards the rear of the transmission.
  2. With a ⅝ key, unlock the lock nut
  3. With a ¼ socket, you have to tighten the center screw all the way.
  4. It should be torqued to 72 lbs / inch.
  5. Then you have to come back 3 turns
  6. Lock the lock nut
  7. Put back the pan

The front band adjustment is located on the outside of the transmission.

  1. Locate the lock nut on the driver’s side just above the gear lever.
  2. With a ¾ key, release the lock nut
  3. Tighten the center screw to 70 lbs / inch with a tork or square bit
  4. Undo 1 ⅞ turn
  5. Lock the lock nut
Panne transmission SML Diesel Performance 1 1

When your pan is off, it is a good time to change the filter and clean the magnet of the pan. Inspect the contents. You must not find any scrap of metal. It is normal that there is black mud stuck on the magnet, but if there are pieces of aluminum or brass, it is better to open the transmission to inspect the interior and find where it comes from.

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