Drop-in signal accumulator piston kit and method for replacing an original equipment signal accumulator piston

A method for replacing an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a vehicle transmission hydraulic circuit, the OE signal accumulator piston positioned in a bore in a valve body having a fluid port, the method comprising:

• removing the OE signal accumulator piston from the bore;
• installing a cylindrical sleeve having open first and second ends in the bore, wherein an internal diameter of the cylindrical sleeve reduces at a transition between the first and second open ends thereof;
• positioning a piston in the cylindrical sleeve;
• and
• positioning a spring in part in the piston and in part extending beyond the piston, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is configured such that the transition in the internal diameter limits movement of the piston within the cylinder sleeve in opposing the spring;
• wherein the sleeve, the piston, and the spring are enclosed within the valve body bore.

A drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly to replace an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a vehicle transmission hydraulic circuit, the OE signal accumulator piston positioned in a bore in a valve body having an open end and a fluid port, the drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly comprising:

• a cylindrical sleeve having open first and second ends, one of the first and second open ends having a reduced outer diameter region relative to an outer wall of the sleeve, and wherein an internal diameter of the cylindrical sleeve reduces at a transition between the first and second open ends thereof;
• a piston positioned in the sleeve, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is configured such that the transition in the internal diameter limits movement of the piston within the cylindrical sleeve;
• a spring positioned in part in the piston and in part extending beyond an end of the piston;
• and
• a seal positioned at the reduced outer diameter region, wherein the sleeve is positioned in the valve body bore, with the seal, the piston, and the spring, such that the seal is positioned between side and bottom walls of the valve body bore and wherein the seal provides a seal between the valve body bore and the sleeve.