4L30E Clutch Module, new and ready to install. Fits the 4L30E. Ships fast from the USA.
If your BMW 318i, 325i, 328i, 525i, 528i or Z3, a Cadillac Catera, or an Isuzu Rodeo, Trooper, Amigo or Axiom flares between gears, slips in 3rd or 4th, or smells burnt on the dipstick, the friction plates in the 4L30E are the usual suspect. This module (Remco RCP96-079, reference RHT96-079) is the friction set for a 4L30E overhaul, built with the late-model high-energy 3rd clutch plates. It ships loose, about 2.3 lb, ready to soak and stack.
The 4L30E stacks an overdrive section in an adapter case in front of a three-speed main case. Its gears come from the overrun, reverse, 2nd, 3rd (direct) and 4th clutch packs working with a band and two freewheels. Each pack relies on its frictions keeping their thickness. As the facing wears, pack clearance grows, the piston has to travel further before the clutch holds, and every apply puts more heat into the plates. That is why a tired 4L30E gets worse quickly once it starts to slip.
In 1998 GM went to more, thinner direct clutch plates (0.063 in) to add holding power, along with a dished direct drum, dished piston and a pressure plate machined for a friction to ride on. The "late model HT 3rd" in this module refers to that late style direct clutch.
Reverse complaints on this transmission are common, but many come from a leaking TCC solenoid or mismatched adapter case parts, not worn frictions, so check those first.
Pull the pan. Fine dark friction material and a burnt smell point to clutch wear; bright metal points to hard parts. Note which gear slips: a 3rd-only slip leads to the direct pack, a 4th-only slip to the 4th clutch or its accumulator. Our slipping diagnosis guide walks through the order of checks, and flare vs slip helps tell a pressure problem from a burnt pack.
Listed for: BMW 318i 1991-98, 318is 1992-97, 318ti 1995-99, 323i and 323is 1998-99, 325i 1994-95, 325is 1992-95, 328i and 328is 1996-99, 525i 1991-95, 525iT 1993, 528i 1997-2000, Z3 1996-2000; Cadillac Catera 1997-2001; Honda Passport 1994-2002; Isuzu Trooper 1990-2002, Rodeo 1991-2003, Rodeo Sport 2001-03, Amigo 1998-2000, Axiom 2002-04 and VehiCROSS 1999-2001.
The direct clutch is the catch. Late plates suit the 1998-up dished drum and machined pressure plate. If your unit still has the early flat direct drum, count your 3rd clutch plates and compare before ordering, or send us your year and VIN. This set is frictions only: steels, seals and gaskets are not included. More 4L30E parts are in rebuild kits.
A cracked direct drum or worn bushing will undo new frictions, so inspect it and replace with a matching 4L30E 3rd clutch drum if needed. Flush the cooler and lines so old debris does not return.
| Fits | 4L30E |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. It is the friction plate set only, shipped loose. Reuse your steels only if they are flat and show no heat discoloration; otherwise order a kit with steels.
The late plates were designed for the 1998-up direct clutch with the dished drum, dished piston and machined pressure plate. If your unit has the early flat drum, count the 3rd clutch plates before ordering or send us your year and VIN so we can check.
GM specifies Dexron III for the 4L30E. Soak the new frictions in the same fluid for at least 30 minutes before assembly.
Not always. Many no-reverse complaints come from a leaking TCC solenoid feeding the reverse lockout valve or from adapter case, center support and spacer plate parts that do not interchange between makes. Rule those out first.
BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and Z3 from 1991-2000, Cadillac Catera 1997-2001, Honda Passport 1994-2002, and Isuzu Trooper, Rodeo, Rodeo Sport, Amigo, Axiom and VehiCROSS from 1990-2004, all with the 4L30E.
