RING GEAR REPLACEMENT

If the the ring gear teeth on the tighten converter are damaged, the torque converter must be replaced. The ring gear cannot be separated or reinstalled individually.

If a ring gear is damaged on the flywheel of a manual transmission car, it is usually cheaper and easier to buy a new flywheel assembly than to change the gear. If you possess the proper equipment for heating and handling the ring gear, the procedure is as follows:

1. With the flywheel removed from the car, tap around the ring gear to loosen it and remove it from the flywheel.

   An alternate method is to drill a 0.39 in. (10mm) hole between any two teeth on the gear, being careful not to drill into the flywheel. Mount the flywheel in a vise and split the ring with a hammer and sharp chisel.

   WARNING
   Do NOT heat the ring gear or flywheel during removal. The gear cannot be removed when heated.

2. Heat the new ring gear to 572°F (300°C). Use heavy gloves and tongs to manipulate the gear. Since the required temperature is more than twice the boiling point of water and well above the flame point of paper, take special care to keep anything flammable out of the area.
3. Position the ring gear onto the flywheel. It should align easily. If it does not, tap it lightly with a brass punch to get it in position.
4. Allow the ring gear and flywheel to air cool for a period of hours. Do not attempt to cool the metal with water, oil or other fluids.
5. Install the flywheel and tighten the bolts to specification.

   Fig. 1: Common flywheel and flexplate assembly — all engines similar