722.6 ValveBody Sonnax Kit Install.AVI

[@josh8loop]

Thank you for the kind words and great products! Glad we have folks like you all R&Ding ways to make these gear boxes last longer. Thanks for the tip on the filter. Good point-I went with the german MANN filter for mine. Interesting it was made in China! I was surprised to see that, although the quality looked to be on par with the original. Thanks again :)

[@josh8loop]

Sonnax is a very well known and highly respected company in the transmission industry. I have always admired their investigative R&D and problem solving ability-it is evident in their publications. Remember they only develop their products in response to REAL transmission issues. I only replaced parts that I could replace without requiring fixturing and tools for a bore ream job on mine. It would have been more thorough if I had done the whole thing however.

[@josh8loop]

63K miles after this video I flushed the fluid with 12 quarts of Shell ATF134 and new filter/gasket. This time no metal particles/flakes in pan or filter. Just a little bit of sludge on the magnet but that appears to be expected. The fluid looked pretty good to me for 63K miles of use. Not sure if the overlap sleeve installation and other mods done in this video helped keep things cleaner with less wear or not. I am glad however to see that the internals look much better than they did before.

[@TheDomin8rr]

+josh8loop excellent video, my 05 E320 CDI was experiencing flaring & harsh shifting between 2-3 in C mode when car is 1st started & not yet warmed up. A fluid flush & filter change were done @212K miles which seemed to resolve the issue until about 2K miles ago. It now has 218K miles on odo & the flaring & harsh shifting is back until engine temp gets >60C. I believe I read a post by you over on benzworld about engine coolant & thermostat change being of benefit for rough shifting so that is what I intend to do next.

[@josh8loop]

That's quite a bit of mileage on that gear box. You did the right thing with the fluid and filter change. I'm sure you used the appropriately rated fluid too right :) As far as the thermostat and coolant change go that too is a great idea to do since there is finite life on the coolant itself, and the thermostats seem to drift from ideal temps after 100K miles of service. In your case, I wouldn't expect any significant change in shifting. Seems like a new or remanufactured valve body and new shift solenoids might be more appropriate. Those items are a bit on the expensive side I know, particularly the valve body itself. You could take a bit of a gamble and install the shift overlap sleeves that I did, install a new Sonnax TCC Damper Valve and Sleeve kit(68942-23K), and replace all the solenoids and see how that goes. Again, a bit of a financial gamble but if it pays off it will save you some dough and increase the service life of that gear box. Best wishes!

[@Tranibob]

Pretty good job you are doing there, this kit was never really intended for do it yourself, our parts are really meant to be installed by transmission repair specialists, but I like the way you approach it this. Very clean and logical approach, the solenoid swap among other things is a good logical thing to do. One word of caution about the the filter, be sure to use only an OEM filter. There are lots of aftermarket filters out there that can give you very costly problems.

[@josh8loop]

Good point :) I do need to have it checked through Star and see where things are at on it. Shifts are about the same as they were before. Not horrible at all just not as positive and sure as I think they should be on a car like this. Thanks for the kudos on the VB job! It was fun to do.

[@auaq]

I actually rebuilt my ZF 5HP19 transmission that had a downshift concerns only between 3-2 and 2-1 shifts. After the rebuild it drives better but not absolutely perfect like brand new. Again, just likes yours it has to with the adaptation issues. However, I'm fine with the rebuild and is getting better and better. Thought I'll give some optimism to you.

[@sethbaron458]

Josh, could you explain where and or part numbers you have for the Viton o-rings used for the reinstallation of the solenoids. I agree that replacing these o-rings after disturbing them is the right thing to do but could not locate how or where to buy them. Thanks much

[@vvactivist]

Where can you get the o-rings for the solenoids?

[@tuzlak251]

My shifts used to be slow and sloppy but i installed stage 1 selenoids on my 722.6 and also went with redline D4 fluid shift are a lot better faster and still smooth and also new lock up solenoids

[@zeiglerr]

There are a lot of things you can do with the Star diagnostic system to adjust shift quality. Your issues may be more software than hardware related. If you could find a good Indy shop with the Star system, they could take a look at the current adaptations and tell you a lot about your transmission. Good job on the valve body kit.

[@jesseparris6507]

I went into the computer box on my 1998 E300 and took out the TCC. It had over a couple of ounces of transmission fluid that had wicked up from the connector into the plastic housing. You might want to check yours if you are still having problems.

[@josh8loop]

+Jesse Parris Good idea-That was actually one of the first things I did after purchasing the vehicle and researching the 722.6 transmissions. Seems like the Pilot Bushing likes to leak fluid into the harness and wicks it's way up to the TCM under the passengers side floorboard. Fortunately mine was dry as a bone, and so I just pre emtively replaced the Pilot Bushing during the flush service. Another thing I did was to purchase a $30 ATSG repair/rebuild book for the 722.6. It has solenoid resistance values that can be checked externally through the TCM plug to verify the general health of the shift solenoids.

[@EndofUSA]

I wish you could have videod the location of each solonoid so we could follow where each part comes from!! thanks

[@budlanctot3060]

You said you measured the spring length and compared it to specs. Where did you find the spring length specs.

[@josh8loop]

It didn't necessarily help or hurt my symptoms. I'm beginning to think that is just the way this transmission operates and is some what normal. At least I got in there and inspected things and cleaned things while I was at it. I flushed all the fluid, replaced some valve body solenoid "O" rings(with viton) and various other things. I can say however that in the future I may replace either the whole valve body or potentially just some of the shift solenoids as a preventative maintenance.

[@geco4]

Is it possible to install 1-2&4-5 sonnax sleeve without dropping valvebody?

[@badbanano]

put the transgo kit in and drill the feed hole larger.

[@rovu]

Have you installed a Transgo? I was thinking of doing transgo +sonnax.

[@claudiotapado6152]

Como posso adiquirir estes manuais

[@EndofUSA]

where is your next video for the results of this work???

[@EndofUSA]

How did you identify the location on the valve body which cylinder is responsible for what gear matches to it?

[@claudiotapado6152]

how do i get the manuals from sonnax

[@delviacv2]

Hello, any updates?

[@newwavepressure6478]

Wondering if u can help I have a 06 Dodge Charger Dayton with a nag1 I'm getting a bad shudder in low RPMs under light load when I'm just cruising and when I'm slowing down to stop it shift fine if I put it in manual mode it goes away could it be my torque converter not locking up or having problems unlocking or my clutchs in my transmission I had overhauled like two years ago because in was goin into manual mode by itself but if u have any suggestions I can real use some help thanks

[@tlarsen5793]

Hello josh8loop, Did you changed the lock up valve, the one that you have written 2.6 Ohm, because as I have heard it may provide poor shifting, I have also ordered a sonnax kit and a new lock-up valve as I'm about to change within the next week's time, I'll come with an update on the outcome :)

[@josh8loop]

No, actually no solenoids were changed. I just swapped the 2-3 for the 1-2/4-5 like I mentioned in the video. If I had new solenoids at the time I wouldn't hesitate to change them however. Maybe in the future.

[@sencanboz2645]

The one with pulse wide modulation endowment 👩‍⚖️

[@frontlinemedia4270]

what solvent did you use to clean the transmission and parts. how is it working now

[@josh8loop]

I used cheap brake parts cleaner and cheap carburetor cleaner from Walmart. Everything seems to fine-not really any better or worse than before. It is possible however that getting in there and cleaning things up(the speed sensor specifically) may have kept this thing from having issues that would have otherwise come up. Eventually I will install the last Sonnax kit that doesn't require machining and replace all the shift solenoids with new ones. This in my opinion should allow it to continue to work for a long time.

[@esteemedenergy]

josh8loop what is the last Sonnax kit? I only know of 68942-05K.

[@claudiotapado6152]

I'm from Brazil I work with automatic transmissions I need help to. get information about automatic transmissions

[@dannylopez6858]

Hi Josh my tyranny 722.6 won't shift. Mercedes Mech told me its the valve body needs to be replaced. Can one if these kits help get my tyranny back to working good and what kit would I need. Thank you

[@josh8loop]

Hi Danny, it is possible that replacing the valves with the Sonnax kit may help, although not a guarantee. There are also shift solenoids that can be electrically tested and replaced. If you replaced all those things it may still not work, and you will be out the time and money. You will have to decide if you want to gamble-it could pay off. One thing I would do however is buy the 722.6 transmission repair manual and electrically test the solenoids through the TCM electrical connector. That will tell you if you have an solenoid electrical failure or not and could help with diagnosis. TCMs can also get filled with transmission fluid wicking up through the wiring which can also cause issues too, so research how to check for that too. God Bless!

[@dannylopez6858]

@@josh8loop thank you for taking the time to answer will do and I will keep you posted. God bless

[@SteU4IA]

Considering this clearance issue (i guess symptoms are exacerbated with cold weather due to metal shrinkage) do you think a friction modifier additive (i.e Lucas Transmission Fluid) would help? I also believe they promote some seal swelling to lessen the effects of o-ring shrinkage.

[@josh8loop]

Unsure on the friction modifier additives. I have used LUCAS in the past on a VW jetta 01M transmission with good results. I had nothing to loose on that particular car since the transmission was bad so I figured why not try it out. I would be much more cautious on the 722.6 especially since mine is not bad right now and I wouldn't want to make it worse. If I had it to do over again I would have most likely just replaced the shift solenoids when I was in there. That is what I am going to plan for the next time I drop the pan. FWIW

[@SteU4IA]

josh8loop the consensus on the internet is to not put additives into the 722.6, I'm not sure if this is based on any hard facts or just paranoia. isn't the 722.6 identical to the NAG1 transmission found on a number of American cars? I suspect many NAG1 car owners have placed some additive in their transmission. is there any particular reason why you think replacing the solinoids would produce the best prognosis?

[@josh8loop]

I would tend to agree with that consensus. There seems to be no end of reading about accounts of people damaging their transmissions by using the wrong fluids when doing services. The other thing that can change fluid properties is adding additives that modify the fluids operating characteristics. The manufacturers come up with a particular fluid recommendation based on solid engineering evaluation and even post failure analysis to re-evaluate fluid specifications previously made. If you have a clearly identified deficiency of the gearbox and that deficiency is specifically addressed by an additive then it gives you more confidence to use it. That requires quite a bit of investigation and consideration however and that is why most people don't put in the effort rushing to conclusions adding things blindly. Your correct, the NAG1 is the same gear box and is used on quite a few vehicles. I am thinking of doing the solenoids based on some past research into this particular gear box and positive results from solenoid replacements. I can't cite the examples right now since it was long ago that I was looking into it. It kinda makes sense to me since the electrical solenoid internals can get fretting on the sliding surfaces which slow down their response and also would allow fluid to leak by and not go where it should go.

[@wesdizz6297]

Does the Valve Body have to be split to do this?

[@thetangster]

Where did you get the o-rings for the solenoids?

[@chriswilliams2652]

I know your question is 2 years old but I saw it was unanswered. I just got a set from cobratrans. Only company I found that sells em. They are on ebay as well. Just google 722.6 solenoid orings. 🖖live long and prosper.

[@jat1mat1c]

Hi I assume Sonnax kit is easy way but my question is, can you modify original sleeves on lathe to accept O-ring? Or is it also abt sleeve internal diameter/wear?

[@josh8loop]

+jat1mat1c I'm sure you could chuck it with soft jaws into the lathe and make an external O ring slot. Only thing is that like you mentioned it is also about the internal sleeve ID/wear. Ebay has some nice Sonnax kits available that include the ones I did plus the TCC Damper Valve and Sleeve kit: 68942-23K

[@chriswilliams2652]

Yeah the kit is only like $35 and you know it's just right. I'd be afraid to go through breaking it all down and putting it back together with new fluid just to discover I didn't get the oring deep enough or too deep.

[@canbaran1477]

I have a tool that will issue protons brand of turkey istanbul, model 1998 Mitsubishi motor motor vehicle automatic gearbox problem I'm working, but I'm not moving very slowly an automatic transmission did new car, but cıktı solenoid problem does occur, how do we solve, you must help me

[@BenMarar]

Hello Josh, just wondering, did you find your problem, I have 2005 E320 CDI with 2-3 flare shifts. Thanks for answer!

[@josh8loop]

I just noticed a slight flare between 2-3, and during a pan drop noticed sediment in the pan. I decided to do everything I could do to prolong the transmissions life. If I had the money at the time a fully rebuilt valve body with the Sonnax mods would have been the way to go.

[@terrenceg3257]

How was the repair? I have 125,000miles on my car. I don't have any serious problems with it. Sometimes I feel a vibration when gears shift. I'm going to change the fluid and filter. Should I do this repair as maintenance and is there anything else I should do before I put it back together ? Thanks!!

[@josh8loop]

The repair went well but I'm not sure it ended up helping anything. I would do the fluid and filter on yours and make sure you don't have a Valeo radiator in it. The Valeos sometimes let coolant seep into the tranny fluid causing damage.

[@jaeski33]

Your Valve Body looks pristine. Did you clean it up at all? What did you use?

[@josh8loop]

+jaeski33 I used brakeclean and carb cleaner. Cleanliness is important with these!

[@EndofUSA]

where can I buy the Sonnax Kit?

[@josh8loop]

+EndofUSA Here you go: www.ebay.com/itm/like/121797659936?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82 No tools needed for either of the two kits.

[@EndofUSA]

josh8loop Thank You for you kind help!!! Much appreciated!!

[@sonikempire]

Do you have a guide of tolerances? Such as for springs, ohms, etc....?

[@BERNARD7269]

Cost ?

[@Tranibob]

Where something is physically made, does not make much difference nowadays. Cheap is not good and good is not cheap that's what it boils down to. Many OEM have their simple components assembled in China. But they have their own skilled people in charge their and doing the training. They also are in charge of design and quality control, that's what matter the most. Unfortunatelly anyone who wants to make and sell things for cheap without the slight concern over quality also goes to China.

[@EndofUSA]

How did you identify the location on the valve body which cylinder is responsible for what gear matches to it?

[@josh8loop]

+EndofUSA s3.amazonaws.com/sonnax-dev/uploads/valve_body_layout/vbl_file/17/Mercedes_722_6.pdf Sonnax seems to have some great resources available. Also recommended is the ATSG book for 722.6 transmission. I got one on Ebay for $30.00

[@EndofUSA]

josh8loop thank you very much!!! You are a BIG HELP!!