Full set of replacement friction plates for the Aisin AW55-50SN / AW55-51SN (AF23, AF33) five-speed, for a clutch-pack refresh during an overhaul.
A burnt AW55-50SN usually shows up as slipping on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift, a flare between gears, or a delayed engagement into drive, and it is a common fix list on Volvo S40, S60, S80, V70 and XC90, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, Saturn Ion and Vue, Chevy Malibu and 2003-2006 Nissan Altima, Maxima and Quest models that use this Aisin five-speed. This kit is the full set of lined friction plates for an overhaul of the AW55-50SN and AW55-51SN, also called AF23 and AF33 by GM and Opel. It replaces every friction in the unit at once so the packs come back to even, known clearances.
The AW55 shifts by applying multi-plate clutches and brakes against the planetary gear sets. Sonnax's AW55-50SN test guide names the apply elements: C1 forward, C2 direct and C3 4-5 clutches, the B1 coast, B2 second, B3 low/reverse and B5 1-2/reverse brakes, plus the B4 third-gear band and two one-way clutches. Each multi-plate pack stacks these lined frictions between steel plates; hydraulic pressure squeezes the stack so the drum and hub turn together or the member is held to the case. When the lining glazes or burns, the pack cannot hold torque during a shift and you get flare and slip. Note that B4 is a band, not a plate pack, so it is not part of a friction set.
Do not stop at the frictions. Sonnax lists worn valve body bores, the solenoid modulator valve and the solenoid relay valve, behind 2-3 flare, delayed forward and B5 clutch distress on this unit. Burnt plates are often the result of low line pressure from the valve body, so a new friction set in an unrepaired valve body can burn again.
Check fluid level and condition first, then read stored codes and the adaptation values with a scan tool. If line pressure is low or the shift complaint appears only when hot, follow the checks in our AW55-50SN service guide and the Aisin slipping under load guide before committing to a teardown. Once the unit is apart, frictions that are glazed, flaking, or worn down to the core plate confirm the kit is the right buy.
The kit fits the Aisin AW55-50SN and AW55-51SN, coded AF23 and AF33, in front- and all-wheel-drive applications built roughly from 1999 into the early 2010s. Several clutch packs changed during production, so lay each new friction next to the old one and match outside diameter, inside spline count and thickness before stacking. Read the ID tag on the case to confirm AW55-50SN or 51SN, or send us the year and VIN. The full AW55 lineup is on our Aisin transmission parts page.
If the forward or 4-5 drum shows a worn spline or cracked piston, our AW55-50SN clutch drum is a direct replacement.
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No. It is the lined friction plates only. Reuse steels that are flat and not heat-discolored, or buy a master rebuild kit that includes them.
Volvo S40, S60, S80, V70, XC70 and XC90, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, Saturn Ion and Vue, Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima, Maxima and Quest in various years, plus Opel and Renault models overseas. Check the case ID tag for AW55-50SN or 51SN.
A JWS 3309 type ATF, sold as Toyota Type T-IV or Volvo and Saab equivalents. Do not use Dexron. Total capacity is listed at about 7.2 liters.
Only if the frictions are the cause. On the AW55 a worn valve body or solenoid modulator valve often causes the flare and burns the plates, so repair the valve body at the same time.
No. Third gear in the AW55 uses the B4 band, which is a separate part. Inspect it during the overhaul and replace it if the lining is worn.
