New to the forums and had some questions. I’m not a mechanic, so If this post doesn’t make sense or is worded poorly please help me correct myself. Thank you.

The problem is my hard shifting Buick.
1991 park ave with the 4t60e.

Been told there Are a few fixes for a hard shifting 4t60e. The fixes include:

replacing the 1-2Accumulator spring,
cleaning or replacing the accumulator valve (in valve body),
and replacing the 1-2 shift solenoid.

the easiest would be to replace the accumulator spring (if broken, I’m unsure) so that’* where I’m starting. I had some questions about what to do and look for, however.

1. When taking assembly apart at junkyard, I noticed big springs in the piston housing, and a small spring behind the back side of the 1-2 accumulator piston. This spring, in this vehicle, was broken. It’* smaller than the rest. Is this spring my culprit? And when replacing, can I just stick it in the slot behind the 1-2 piston, then set it in the housing again? I’ve also heard about a washer, my new accumulator piston kit comes with a washer. Is this washer necessary and where would I put it? I have 0 idea… thank you for any explanation.

2. I’ve heard while you’re taking this system apart, it’* important to check the bore fit between the piston pin, and the piston. Do I ALSO check the bore to the piston housing / outer shell? The pin goes thru the piston and into a similar shaped hole in the housing.

the car at the junkyard had a lot of clearance between the pin and the housing, however the piston and the pin were still perfect fit with each other. This question might sound confusing so hopefully images help.

the first picture shows perfect piston to pin clearance, however this isn’t my concern. It’* the pin going into the same hole in the housing. Do those need to also have perfect clearance / fitment?

the second picture is the spring for the backside of the 1/2 piston. Can I just rest the new spring in there, then set the accumulators back in place in my trans? Does the washer go on this exterior part or on the inside of the accumulator piston?


Once again, any experience shared is highly appreciated (be me and my old Buick)!

That'* a problem yes. Can cause hard shift.

How many miles on it?

Hope this helps;
There is an accumulator shift kit for the 4T60-E from Transgo. Two links here is the first one. https://res.cloudinary.com/transgo/w.../4T60-ACM2.pdf
:https://transgo.com/product-details/4t60-acm2/