4.4 X5 with 5hp24 problems

[swissfrank]

For the last 2-3 weeks now I've been dealing with a slipping reverse gear. It would initially slip before fully engaging, but now it has completely stopped moving in reverse period and while down shifting in manual to 1st is occasionally displays no signs of engine braking. All forward gears remain normal otherwise.

I've been doing some research into this and it is either one of two problems;

1-It is a Valve Body issue as per the earlier 5hp30 transmission where it would wear the check balls out thus causing the line pressure to the F clutch pack to be diminished, with the familiar no reverse.

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5HP30

...In this transmission, the problem is that the plastic ball in the valve body passes through the plate. This problem is solved by installing slightly larger balls. If I hadn’t read about this problem numerous times through the aforementioned sources, there is a good chance we would have avoided the repair, or suggested a complete rebuilt unit...

quoted from
http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic100076.html
***


2-Or the slightly more complicated F Clutch Issue where the clutch seal itself is likely blown as per the 4hp22.

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COMPLAINT:
ZF4HP22 NO REVERSE
(F CLUTCH CYLINDER FAILURE)

Vehicles equipped with the ZF4HP22 may come to the shop with a complaint of intermittent or no reverse. All of the other ranges may seem fine.

QUALIFICATION: During the road test it may be noted that there is no engine braking in manual first or second gear.

CAUSE: If an examination of the valve body fails to pin point the problem, an internal inspection will be necessary. Severe ring groove wear on the (F) clutch cylinder where the (E) clutch rides or even ring grooves missing because of wear is possible with a new ring installed on the drum, side clearance should be .003-.006 in.

CORRECTION: A new F clutch cylinder must be installed if any wear or damage is found. New sealing rings must also be installed. Steel rings mast be used for the E clutch sealing grooves.

The part number for the F clutch cylinder is 24-23-1217-088.
***

I've been reading a lot on this forums and like most people on here, i refuse to pay lots of money to have this problem fixed. My issue is instead of BMW diagnosing the actual root of the problem they just opt to replace the entire transmission (vaguely saying the transmission is defective), and for the unlucky ones, usually at our cost.

I can't be exactly sure which problem I have, But I'm hoping it will be problem #1 where it would be a worn out check ball, which would be labour intensive but cheap... If it's #2, I'll deal with that when the time comes.

I'm going to be dropping the pan and removing the valve body and measuring the diameter of the check balls this weekend. This should shed some light onto the subject for me. There is a detailed how-to with pics on the 5hp30 for reference.
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/356031

The 5hp24 Valve body itself
http://www.freddiestransmissions.com/CIMG1774.JPG

List of other cars with 5hp24 transmissions that i may steal one out of
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_5HP24_transmission

People to talk to
http://www.noreverse.org/repair.html
-ZF Parts passenger car transmission distributor 1-800-660-2269. You can also email your inquiry to [email protected]

Additional Helpful Info
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/foru...TID=39297&PN=1


Hopefully someone finds this helpful as it was a real pain to find any information regarding our specific problem. I was hoping someone just like me would have already gone done this path and done this (replaced the check balls) but it doesn't seem like anyone has made that post yet.

If anyone can provide me with anymore detailed information regarding the ZP5HP24, knowledge is power and I'd appreciate that.

Regards,
Frank