Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

55 400 band adjustment failure
For some unknown reason, I thought it would be a good idea to remove the lock nut, but I could not. There was insufficient room between the end of the screw and the exhaust pipe. The adjusting screw was backed out to nearly touch the Exhaust pipe. Dropped the pipe. Turing the screw in with little resistance. Not even finger tight. Turned screw to nearly its full depth. Remove screw. Removed anchor pin. Replaced O ring seal, Put all back in. Still no resistance. I think this will not be an easy fix.
(un) Happy

Quote:

Take the pin out again and take a look with a borescope. You should see the band where is engages with the pin. The band could be broken or out of place.

You could also have a broken brake band lever shaft or lever. This is on the other side and wouldn't show with a borescope.

55 400 UT bands 2
Thank you for your suggestion. I did try the scope when I first had the pin out but really did not know what I was seeing. So, I Tried again. This time I removed the exhaust pipe for easier access. Got the screw out but could not pull out the anchor pin. The new O ring may be too tight for my magnate. I inserted a short wooden dowel and marked it at the face of the case, this tells me that the pin is too deep and inserting the screw to it maximum depth won’t produce 20 foot pounds,
Happy

You will almost certainly need to drain the fluid then drop the pan to engage the band manually. You absolutely do not want to just guess as you will burn up the band.

Still trying to identify the problem, you are going to need to look inside. If you don't want to take the transmission out, you can remove the pan, remove the control assembly and the low and reverse brakes. Then you will be able to see the ends of the brake bands where they engage with the pins and brake levers. Depending on what you find, you may be able to address it.

It all depends on how you choose to maintain, repair, and restore your car and performance envelope you want for it. In my case, I found pieces of the rear pump driver in the pan and knew I wouldn't trust it to perform to my requirements unless I went through the entire transmission.

I will try again tomorrow. I have a stronger magnate. I did drain the fluid and dropped the pan. I am a little hesitant on removing the inner workings, but not afraid to learn. Life is a learning experience.
Happy

Thanks for your input. Did drop the pan, but not how to proceed next.
Happy

Then grab a half inch socket and drop the valve body. Don't loosen anything that requires a 7/16 socket. The 1/2 in will get you the two servos plus the valve body out of there and then you can see the bands. It's pretty simple to put back in place.