AW55-50SN Transmission Clutch Friction Plate Kit

A complete friction plate set for the Aisin Warner AW55-50SN and AW55-51SN five-speed automatic, also coded AF23 and AF33 depending on the carmaker. This transaxle was used in Volvo, Saab, Opel/Vauxhall, Nissan and several other front-drive cars through the 2000s. The kit covers the lined frictions for the clutch packs shown in the photos; it does not include steels, seals, gaskets, pistons or filter.

The AW55 is known for harsh or delayed 2-3 and 3-4 shifts, flare on upshifts and slip once fluid has been neglected. Once the unit is apart and the frictions are glazed, burnt or worn down to the paper backing, replacing every friction in one go is the only way to get consistent clearances and shift feel back.

On the bench: tear down each drum, measure your steels for flatness and heat discoloration and replace any that are blued or warped, then soak the new frictions in the correct ATF (JWS 3309 / Toyota Type T-IV spec for most AW55 applications) for at least 30 minutes before stacking. Match each friction to the old one by diameter and spline count, set pack clearance with the correct selective plate, and air-check each circuit before the valve body goes back on.

Pair it with a gasket and seal overhaul kit if you are doing a full rebuild. Verify your transmission ID tag reads AW55-50SN or AW55-51SN before ordering.