Five bonded clutch pistons for the GM 6L80E and 6L90, 2006-up: the 1-2-3-4, 4-5-6, 2-6, and low/reverse pistons plus the 4-5-6 retainer.
A 6L80 that slips into a gear, flares between gears or takes a long time to pick up Reverse is usually losing apply oil somewhere, and on a high-mileage unit the bonded pistons are a big part of that leak. This five-piece set replaces the rubber-bonded pistons and retainers in the GM 6L80E and 6L90 from 2006 up, the six-speed in Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Escalade, Camaro and Corvette. It is meant for the rebuilder who has the unit on the bench and wants every bonded seal fresh instead of reusing rubber that has spent years in hot fluid.
The 6L80 has no bands. Six forward gears and Reverse come from five clutches applied two at a time: 1-2-3-4, 3-5-R, 4-5-6, 2-6 and low/reverse. First uses 1-2-3-4 with low/reverse, second swaps low/reverse for 2-6, third brings in 3-5-R, fourth uses 4-5-6, fifth runs 3-5-R and 4-5-6 together, sixth runs 4-5-6 and 2-6, and Reverse uses 3-5-R with low/reverse. Every shift is one clutch releasing while another applies, timed by the control module.
A bonded piston has its sealing lip molded to the steel, so there is no loose lip seal to install. As it ages the rubber hardens, cracks or starts to peel from the steel. The piston then leaks under pressure, the clutch fills slowly and clamps with less force, and the module sees a shift that takes too long. The rotating clutches also use a balance piston or retainer to cancel centrifugal pressure; if that seal leaks the clutch can drag at high speed or release late.
Note what is not here: the cast 1-2-3-4 apply piston and the 3-5-R piston. The 1-2-3-4 apply piston is the part most known to crack on this transmission, so inspect it closely while you are in the drum and upgrade it if you find cracks.
Match the slipping gears to the clutch chart above to find the shared clutch, then check line pressure against command before blaming a piston. If pressure is good and the slip follows one clutch, air check that circuit; a leaking piston hisses and will not hold. Rule out the cold 2-3 flare GM attributes to trapped air in the 3-5-R circuit first. Our 6L80 shift problems guide and the 6L80 common problems guide cover both tests.
The set fits the 6L80, 6L80E, 6L90 and 6L90E from 2006 up and each piece interchanges with the OE number listed. The 6L90 carries heavier internals, so compare each new piston to the one you removed before you stack the pack. Send your year and VIN if you want a second check, and see the rest of the line on the 6L80 parts page.
| Fitment | GM 6L80 / 6L80E / 6L90 / 6L90E, 2006 and up |
| Pieces | 5-piece bonded clutch piston set |
| Piston style | Rubber bonded to steel (not lip-seal) |
| 1-2-3-4 clutch piston retainer | OE# 24224708 |
| 4-5-6 clutch piston | OE# 24232416 |
| 2-6 clutch piston | OE# 24224169 |
| Low/reverse clutch piston | OE# 24224178 |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
The 1-2-3-4 clutch piston retainer (OE 24224708), the 4-5-6 clutch piston (OE 24232416) with its retainer, the 2-6 clutch piston (OE 24224169) and the low/reverse clutch piston (OE 24224178).
No. The cast 1-2-3-4 apply piston and the 3-5-R piston are not in this set. Inspect the 1-2-3-4 apply piston for cracks and replace it separately if needed.
Yes, the set is listed for the 6L80, 6L80E, 6L90 and 6L90E from 2006 up. Compare each piece to the one you removed before final assembly.
The sealing lips are molded onto the pistons, but you still need new sealing rings, O-rings and gaskets, which come in a master rebuild or overhaul kit.
Air check each clutch, fill with Dexron VI, set the level hot using the check plug, shift into Reverse before Drive to purge air, and reset transmission adapts.
