Methods and apparatus for installing clutches in automatic transmissions

A method of installing second and third clutch assemblies in an automatic transmission, said method comprising the steps of:

• placing a first cylindrical alignment tool, having a plurality of external splines, within a clutch housing of a first clutch assembly;
• placing a plurality of annular clutch plates about said first alignment tool, said plates having radially inner teeth engaging said splines of said first alignment tool;
• applying fluid under pressure to a piston of said first clutch assembly to apply an axial compressive force to said plates;
• removing said first alignment tool, while said axial compressive force is being applied;
• engaging an externally axial splined portion of said second clutch assembly with said plates while said axial compressive force is being applied, said splines of said second clutch assembly engaging said inner teeth of said clutch plates of said first clutch assembly;
• placing a second cylindrical alignment tool, having a plurality of external splines, within a plurality of annular clutch plates of said second clutch assembly, said plates having radially inner teeth engaging said splines of said second alignment tool;
• applying fluid under pressure to a piston of said second clutch assembly to apply an axial compressive force to said plates of said second clutch assembly;
• removing said second alignment tool, while said axial compressive force is being applied to said second clutch assembly plates;
• and
• engaging an externally splined portion of said third clutch assembly with said plates of said second clutch assembly, while said axial compressive force is being applied to said second clutch assembly plates, said splines of said third clutch assembly engaging said inner teeth of said clutch plates of said second clutch assembly;
• wherein said steps of applying fluid under pressure to pistons of said first and second clutch assemblies comprise the steps of:
• inserting a valve, having first and second outlet nozzles, into a valve body of said transmission, said first and second nozzles communicating with a center support orifice and a direct clutch apply orifice, respectively;
• moving said valve to a first position directing fluid under pressure to said first outlet nozzle;
• and
• moving said valve to a second position directing fluid under pressure to said second outlet nozzle.