30 GEARS June 2014

More Problems with the Toyota U660E

The Toyota U660E sure seems to be having its share of prob-lems.

The U660E first appeared in the Lexus ES350 and the Toyota Camry in 2007, and was followed by five addi-tional models in the U.S. over the next four years:

• RX350 2010-13• Avalon 2008-12• Highlander 2008-12• Sienna 2010-13• Venza 2009-13Since then we’ve starting to see

recurring problems with this unit, such as shifting and solenoid issues, to name a few.

In the last issue of GEARS we dis-

cussed the case problem caused by the double ball bearing rotating in the case, sending metal throughout the unit. As it stands right now there is no aftermarket fix for this. It’s a costly repair, because the only fix is to replace the case.

If that isn’t enough, here’s another problem: The rear planetary sun gear assembly works its way out; it’s a press fit (figure 1).

Figure 1

More Problems with the Toyota U660E

STREET SMART

by Mike Brownmembers.atra.com

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32 GEARS June 2014

More Problems with the Toyota U660E

When this happens, the sun gear rubs the bottom of the planet, putting metal through the unit (figure 2). But that’s not the only place the metal is coming from: Once the sun gear works its way out of the hub, the hub rubs against the balance piston, putting even more metal through the unit (figure 3).

After looking over this problem area, there appears to be a simple fix, if you’re a skilled welder or have a skilled welder available. Check the measurement of the sun gear height; it may need to be pressed down to the correct height of 2.33" (figure 4A)

On the bottom of the rear planetary sun gear assembly, weld the hub to the sun gear in four spots (figure 4B). This will prevent the sun gear from moving forward into the planet and stop the hub from rubbing the balance piston.

This simple fix will save the planet and that’s not just smart, that’s street smart!

Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

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