How to Remove the Transmission From a Lumina

by Tatyana Ivanov

The Lumina series, manufactured by Chevrolet, was a line of automobiles produced from 1990-1997. The Lumina came in sedans, coupes and minivans and was later replaced by the Chevy Venture. Transmission issues, as with transmission vehicles in any older cars, can be a problem. To fix internal transmission issues, mechanics must first remove the transmission from the vehicle. Removing the transmission from a Chevy Lumina requires an advanced knowledge of car mechanics and a full removal of the transaxle system.

Step 1

Disconnect the battery cables to prevent electrical shock.

Step 2

Remove the portions of the car's mechanical system that are above the transmission. This includes the hood and cooling facilities. Remove the hood by removing all but one of the brackets on the springs then carefully sliding the hood off the mount with a partner. The cooling facilities can also be removed by loosening and removing the bolts attaching it to the body of the car with a wrench.

Step 3

Place the engine support fixture underneath the engine, then loosen and remove the bolts on the engine mounting. The engine support will prevent damage to the engine while you're removing the transmission.

Step 4

Remove the first features of the transaxle system. This includes the transaxle fluid indicator, range selector and modular pipe. These can be removed with a wrench. Once these pieces are removed, disconnect the air intake duct and electrical connectors from the transxle system by pulling them out of their inputs on the transaxle system.

Step 5

Raise your Lumina up on a car lift so you can work easily from underneath it. Remove the two front wheels and the driver's side splash shield to make it easier to remove the transmission.

Step 6

Remove the steering gear fixtures including the heat shield and bolts and screws. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe and disconnect the front lower arm assemblies from the suspension and strut.

Step 7

Drain the power steering fluid then loosen and remove the bolts holding the power steering fluid system in place.

Step 8

Place jacks under the drivetrain and front suspension frame support them during the removal process. With these supported, remove the bolts holding both systems to the car's body. Once they are unbolted remove them from the car.

Step 9

Separate the electrical connector from the speed sensor by pulling the cables loose from the connector. Once the electrical connector is removed you can begin to remove all the other components that are connected to the transaxle, forming the transmission. This includes the drive axles, transaxle converters, the starter and the torque converter.

Step 10

Secure the transaxle system on a jack and begin removing the nuts attaching the transaxle bracket to the body of the car. Once all the brackets and connections have been removed you can remove the transaxle system transmission from the car.

References

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