GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Main Shaft Assemble NV4500

  1. Clean all the parts in a suitable solvent. Air dry all the parts.
  2. Important: Do not spin the bearings without a lubricant.

  3. Lubricate the mainshaft bearings with the proper transmission lubricant.
  4. Check the bearings for rough rotation.
  5. Inspect the mainshaft gears for the following conditions:
  6. • Cracks
    • Nicks
    • Chipped gear teeth
    • High spots (small-shiny spots on the gear teeth mating surface) that could cause gear noise
  7. Inspect related gear surfaces like thrust faces and bearing surface diameters.
  8. Inspect the synchronizer sleeves for a sliding fit on the synchronizer hubs. The synchronizer hubs must have a force fit on the mainshaft splines.
  9. Replace a synchronizer hub that does not require a force fit on the mainshaft splines.
  10. Inspect the synchronizer springs and the keys for damage.
  11. Inspect the synchronizer rings for excess wear.
  12. Inspect the synchronizer clutching teeth for the following conditions:
  13. • Scuffs
    • Nicks
    • Burrs
    • Damage
  14. Inspect the mainshaft drive gear clutching cones for synchronizer ring metal transfer.
  15. Inspect all the gear teeth for excess wear.
  16. Remove nicks and burrs with a soft stone or a crocus cloth.
  17. Replace any components that are bent or show signs of excessive wear. Inspect the mating parts.
  18. Inspect the bearings and the bearing surfaces for the following conditions:
  19. • Nicks
    • Burrs
    • Bent cages
    • Wear
    • Overheating
    • Scoring
    • Pitted condition

Assembly Procedure

Tools Required

J 22828 Gear and Bearing Installer

Important: Use TRANSJEL on bearings and contact surfaces.


    Object Number: 100840  Size: SH
  1. Install the 1st speed gear bearing and the 1st speed gear.
  2. Install the reverse gear clutch gear and the synchronizer ring. Ensure that the synchronizer ring teeth face down toward the mainshaft shoulder.
  3. Install the reverse gear clutch gear retainer ring.

  4. Object Number: 100838  Size: SH
  5. Install the reverse bearing spacer and the bearing.

  6. Object Number: 100835  Size: SH
  7. Install the reverse gear and the synchronizer assembly. Rotate the assembly until the gear drops into the fully seated position. If the synchronizer assembly was disassembled, the synchronizer sleeve must be reinstalled with the taper of the sleeve towards the reverse gear.

  8. Object Number: 100829  Size: SH
  9. Install the reverse gear thrust washer.
  10. Install the rear mainshaft bearing. Use a hydraulic press and the J 22828 .
  11. Turn the mainshaft over.

  12. Object Number: 100748  Size: SH
  13. Install the following parts:
  14. 9.1. The 1st speed gear clutch gear
    9.2. The clutch gear snap ring
    9.3. The synchronizer rings

    Object Number: 100590  Size: SH
  15. Install the 1st speed gear synchronizer ring retainer ring.

  16. Object Number: 100588  Size: SH
  17. Install the 1-2 synchronizer assembly. Install the synchronizer with the taper side of the synchronizer sleeve towards 2nd speed gear.

  18. Object Number: 100586  Size: SH
  19. Install the 1-2 synchronizer assembly retainer ring. Verify proper orientation of ring by ensuring that the letter R on the hub is up.

  20. Object Number: 100583  Size: SH
  21. Install the 2nd speed gear synchronizer rings.

  22. Object Number: 100579  Size: SH
  23. Install the 2nd speed gear synchronizer ring retainer ring.

  24. Object Number: 100577  Size: SH
  25. Install the 2nd speed gear bearing.

  26. Object Number: 102272  Size: SH
  27. Install the 2nd speed gear.

  28. Object Number: 100575  Size: SH
  29. Install the following parts:
  30. 17.1. The 2nd speed gear thrust washer retaining pin
    17.2. The 2nd speed gear thrust washer (Be sure the thrust washer is seated on the gear and the retaining pin.)
    17.3. The 2nd speed gear thrust washer retainer ring.

    Object Number: 100573  Size: SH
  31. Install the 3rd speed gear bearing spacer and the bearing.
  32. Install the 3rd speed gear and the synchronizer assembly. Hold the unit together and press on as an assembly.

  33. Object Number: 102279  Size: SH
  34. Install the main drive gear thrust bearing.
  35. Install the 4th speed gear synchronizer ring.
  36. Install the 4th speed gear clutch gear.