Pages 4–37 (34 pages)

Fundamental Principles

From the 1957 Pontiac Hydra-Matic Service Manual

Explains how the transmission works: planetary gear train, fluid coupling, sprag clutch, component locations, power flow in each range and hydraulic action. Covers the front and rear pumps, governor, overrun clutch valve, neutral clutch regulator valve and forced downshifts, with many diagrams.

Read this section free, starting at page 4

What this section covers

  • Planetary gear train
  • Fluid coupling
  • Sprag clutch
  • Power flow by range
  • Front and rear pump operation
  • Governor
  • Overrun clutch valve
  • Neutral clutch regulator valve
Year
1956, 1957
Make
Pontiac
Vehicle
Components and Systems, Hydra-Matic, Passenger Cars, Transmissions
Type
Overhaul & Unit Repair, Service Manual
Models
1957 Pontiac Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic (P-57); 1956 differences in appendix
Pages
132

What’s inside

Service manual

  1. Description and Operating InstructionsOperating the Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic: the P, N, DR (two driving positions), LO and R ranges, starting, cold weather, towing, pushing the car, fluid type and the P-57 serial number location.pp. 1–3
  2. Fundamental Principlespp. 4–37
  3. Periodic Service RecommendationsFluid level check every 2000 miles, fluid change every 25,000 miles, oil level indicator markings and new car and 2000 mile inspection items.pp. 38–38
  4. Adjustments With Transmission in CarThrottle control linkage and selector lever linkage adjustment using gauge pin J-2544, plus neutralizer switch adjustment so the starter works only in P and N.pp. 39–40
  5. Minor Services and RepairsChecking oil level, fluid capacity (about nine quarts after draining), draining and refilling, and replacing the rear seal, oil cooler adapter, extension housing, governor and control valve with the transmission in the car.pp. 41–43
  6. Removal of TransmissionEighteen-step procedure for removing the transmission, flywheel housing and torus assembly as a unit, using engine support fixture J-4732 and a transmission jack.pp. 44–44
  7. Disassembly of Units from Casepp. 45–52
  8. Disassembly of Units from Case (repeated pages)These eight scanned pages repeat the disassembly pages before them. The book's section on disassembly of individual units does not appear in this copy.pp. 53–60
  9. Cleaning and Inspection of Partspp. 61–73
  10. Assembly of Individual Unitspp. 74–91
  11. Assembly of Units into Casepp. 92–101
  12. Installation of TransmissionFitting oil cooler sleeves, raising the transmission on its jack, checking flex plate to flywheel clearance (.013 to .024 inch) with shims, and the closing steps. Page 103 is a repeat of page 102.pp. 102–104
  13. Testing and Diagnosispp. 105–113
  14. Torus Drain Back and Special ToolsFinishes the torus drain back discussion, then lists the special J-tools (Fig. 218) with illustration. Page 115 repeats page 114.pp. 114–116
  15. Specificationspp. 117–120

Appendix and index

  1. Appendix: 1956 Strato-Flight Hydra-Maticpp. 121–128
  2. Indexpp. 129–132

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