Technical Bulletin #164

Transmission: RE4R01A, R4A-EL

Subject: Premature planetary failure
Application: Nissan, Mazda
Issue Date: April, 1993

RE4R01A, R4A-EL
Premature Planetary Failure
Several areas require extra attention when addressing a complaint of repeat or premature planetary failure on
this unit.

#1 Clogged or Restricted Coolers

#2 Mislocated Case Bushings
#3 Geartrain Set up
#4 Lube Relief Valve
#5 Filter Restrictions

Coolers
The transmission coolers in the vehicles listed below are of the "Fin" Type design. These fin type coolers will
trap any contaminants in the fluid. Once the cooler is plugged or restricted with these contaminants, lube oil to
the transmission will be reduced. The fin type coolers cannot be properly cleaned using conventional methods.
Cooler replacement will be required if the cooler is clogged or restricted. Acceptable cooler flow is 1 quart in 20
seconds returning to the transmission.

These Nissan vehicles are originally equipped with fin type coolers:

MODEL YEAR
300ZX 1990-92
Truck 1988-92
Pathfinder 1988-92

Mazda vehicles equipped with this transmission have not had any widespread cooler concerns.

Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. ! Page 1 of 4

Technical Bulletin #164
Case Bushings
Mislocated case bushing will also cause planetary failure due to lack of lube. Lube oil is fed through the hole
between the case bushings, and into the mainshaft. Make sure the bushings have not moved together, covering
the hole.

NOTE: The rear case bushing

should be flush with the
rear edge of the bore.

The front case bushing

should be approximately
.150" below the front
edge of the bore.

! Page 2 of 4 Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.

 Technical Bulletin #164
Geartrain Set-up
To help the lube reach the front planet, remove the sun shell bushing. This allows lube oil to flow freely out the
end of the sun gear into the front planet.

NEW replacement shells DO NOT have a bushing installed from the factory.

To prevent a potential loss of lube through clearance in the geartrain, limit end play to the minimum side of fac-
tory specifications. Listed below are the Nissan part numbers for the selective washers available.

Factory specifications on end play are:

Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. ! Page 3 of 4

Technical Bulletin #164
Lube Relief Valve
There is a lube blow-off ball & spring in the rear of the case that vents the lube circuit at approximately 17 psi.
To test it for leaks, plug the hole between the case bushings and blow a 10-15 psi regulated air supply into the
rear cooler line fitting. If the blow off ball leaks, remove the ball, spring and orificed cup plug. Thread the hole
and install an allen head set screw to plug the hole. Be sure to apply Locktite to the threads to set screw during
installation.

The life of the planetary in this unit depends on a free flowing filter to supply the lube circuit with an adequate
volume of oil. A restricted filter will cause the pump to suck air, which is eventually fed into the lube circuit. A
restricted filter will cause the pump to suck air, which is eventually fed into the lube circuit. The filter can be
restricted to the point that the unit doesn’t exhibit any operational complaints but still not flow enough volume
to supply the lube circuit sufficiently.

Take extra time to thoroughly clean the valvebody, and blow dust and stray fibers off new friction material. It
may also be worthwhile to drip the pan and clean the filter after the vehicle has been in service for a week or
two after overhaul. This will clean out any loose material that may have collected in the sump and on the filter
during "break-in."

! Page 4 of 4 Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.