Hi all. We all know that this transmission is a ticking time bomb. I have a 99 xk8 with 85000 miles on it. I have just read a previous post and its the 1st I read on it. I changed my filter and fluid a couple of years ago and wish I was I had done better research. It seems to me replacing with upgraded valve body is money well spent. I am going to consider doing this next driving season. If anyone has done this I would be interested in hearing how it went etc. It seems easy enough but my problem is the tag is gone off the transmission and I do not have a build sheet. Believe there is another ID on the transmission. Anyway hope to hear from you.

 

I did two of them. It was easy, but having a second pair of hands to R&R the cover on the valve assembly is convenient. It took about 1 hr extra over filter change, and that's being conservative.

 

I did the same research and ordered a valve body from Sunbelt and am having my mechanic install it in conjunction with a transmission oil & filter change. Would have preferred to do it myself, but have a physical issue with my shoulder.

 

Ok tks for reply. I am going to def look into this. It seems to be not talked about a lot like the secondary tensioners. Granted they go and you have a major problem . Although like the tensioners investing in a new module seems a wise thing to do. Who wants to have to remove your transmission and from what I have read its not if but when. Btw just had a great cruise and put some miles on the car. Everything worked !!!!

 

Hi RJ,

Did you replace the whole valve body or just the improved Main Pressure Valve 5SHP24?

I am considering with 53K replacing this modified valve only with help.

Thanks.

 

They do sell the modified control valve separately. The problem is that wear in the bore of the valve body where the control valve is located is allegedly one of the causes of the pressure spikes, and the subsequent "A" drum failure. You can ream out the existing hole in the valve body and then install the modified control valve (I saw a kit online for that). I chose to go to Sunbelt Valve Bodies (sunbeltvalvebodies.com) and order one as an exchange unit. Figured that there was no way I would be able to clean any dirt or shavings out of the valve body and didn't want to take the chance. It's being installed next week, after which I can see if there's any noticeable difference.