My 2006 1LT 2.4L 5-speed needs a new transmission. I have been driving for a year and a half with no second gear. Third gear is now gone.

I got a replacement transmission from a local junkyard for $300. It only has 8K miles on it.

I have already stripped off the driver side suspension, removed the axle shafts, and removed all the splash shields.

Is there any interest in me providing pictures as I go along for a how-to? I searched the forums and there is a written how-to from a few years ago, but no pictures.

I am hoping to have the job done in the next week or so.

Steve

 

We love pictures! Thank you for offering to provide them.

 

Well, I got all the way to the point where I remove the cradle with the engine/trans supported by a tall jack stand. Unfortunately the passenger side cradle bolt (rear one that goes through the bushing) is just spinning because the nut is spinning.

What was the solution to that problem? I recall someone had the same thing happen to them. I can barely see the area of the nut with a dental mirror and it looks like the spinning nut is inside a metal cage of sorts?

Steve

 

the nut needs to be jammed
if you show a picture, maybe we’ll come up with a way

 

Either stick something into the slot to jam the nut or cut the bolt.

 

I think I will cut the bolt head off, which will allow me to drop the cradle (along with the lower control arm). Then I will be able to see the cage nut better and see how to fix it.

The number I get for the bolt is GM 11589009.

I found what looks like the correct cage nut here:

Cage Nut 14mm

Steve

 

Lotsa never seize on the new bolts.

 

Yeah, like a tub of margarine. Dip everything before assembly...

 

While we are on the topic of no-seize, I need to buy more since I have used up my copper-based Permatex that I bought long ago.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a GOOD anti-seize?

The reason I am asking is that I have found that, in the last 10 years or so, many old reliable formulas for car chemicals have been replaced with "environmentally-friendly" ones that don't work nearly as well.

Steve

 

Copper

https://www.permatex.com/products/lu...ize-lubricant/

I use this for higher heat applications exhaust manifold studs in cast iron, exhaust pipe flange bolts for instance

Aluminum


https://www.permatex.com/products/lu...e-lubricant-2/

I use this for suspension bolts, spark plugs in aluminum heads, studs in aluminum parts, I just used up my last bottle after about 10 years.