Some car owners have a desire to change the automatic transmission to a mechanical one. This operation is possible on many vehicles, but it will require a large amount of work.
Why change the automatic transmission to mechanics? In each such case, people solve their specific problems. Someone does not like automatic transmissions, and the required car model is not equipped with mechanics. Sometimes, when the machine breaks down, they replace it with a mechanical box, because it costs less. Often people who are fond of motorsport decide on such an operation. Replacing the machine with mechanics allows you to improve the dynamics of the car and independently control the engine operating modes.
Dismantling the automatic transmission
Replacing the automatic transmission with mechanics is accompanied by a very large amount of work. The easiest part is dismantling the old gearbox. Of course, each model and even vehicle equipment has its own characteristics, but the general principles are similar.
The car must be lifted with a hoist. If not, raise the front of the vehicle with jacks, be sure to secure it carefully. A flyover or repair pit can be used if these provide the ability to remove the transmission.
Next, the engine panels are removed. The electrical circuits of the car must be de-energized by removing the terminals from the battery. If the starter is located at the bottom of the engine, it must be removed. All wires going to the box must be disconnected. Disable the speedometer sensor.
The cable going to the transmission from the automatic transmission lever must be disconnected from the box. Disconnect the transmission cooling radiator carefully. Drain the lubricating fluid from the crankcase. Before removing the box, secure the engine with spacers.
The automatic transmission case must be fixed with a reliable support that will not allow it to fall after unscrewing the bolts. For this, it is convenient to use a jack, with which the removed box can be gently lowered to the floor. After removing the bolts that secure the transmission housing to the engine block, disconnect the intermediate shaft from the box. Remove the elements with which the box is attached to the body, remove the torque converter. Lower the box with a jack.
Mechanical transmission installation
The most difficult thing in this matter is the installation of a manual transmission. Most likely, it will significantly differ from the automatic transmission installed for this, in size, shape and attachment points. You may need to replace the electronic control unit, drill a large number of holes, construct new fixtures, and much more. Replacing the electronics module may also require changing the wiring harness that connects multiple sensors to the computer. There are no uniform recipes here, everything is very individual.
However, the basic operations are similar in most cases. First you need to install the flywheel and connect the cables from the manual transmission to the shift lever. Dismantle the automatic transmission mode selector together with the console and install the gear selection lever in its place. Install the clutch master cylinder and pedal. Everything is now ready to install the gearbox.
It must be securely fixed. Most likely, the mounting holes on the body and on the manual transmission housing will not match. Therefore, you will need to independently develop the fastening technology, find suitable pillows and brackets, drill new holes and cut threads into them.
