AW55-50SN Clutch Module, new and ready to install. Fits the AW55-50SN. Ships fast from the USA.
Volvo S60, V70 and XC90 owners, Saab 9-3 and 9-5 owners, and anyone running a Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox or Pontiac Torrent with the five-speed Aisin AW55-50SN eventually face the same rebuild question: are the clutches still good? When the answer is no, this AW55-50SN clutch module gives you a complete friction set for the unit, 29 new friction plates in one kit, so every pack in the transmission goes back together with fresh lining instead of a mix of old and new.
The AW55-50SN, badged AF23 and AF33 by GM, is a transverse five-speed that uses multi-plate clutches and brakes to lock planetary members for each gear. The forward clutch (C1) drives the gearset in Drive, and the direct clutch (C2), housed in the end cover, is applied in Reverse, which is why a C2 pack that is assembled too tight shows up as a hard reverse engagement. Each pack depends on friction plates holding against steels. Once lining wears down, the pack slips, generates heat and contaminates the fluid that the valve body depends on. This kit contains 29 frictions across six plate sizes (4, 4, 4, 6, 4 and 7 of each), enough to reline the whole transmission. Steels, seals and gaskets are not included.
This transmission is known first for valve body wear, and Sonnax's diagnostic notes for the AW55-50SN and AF23/33 show how worn bores and linear solenoid supply problems mimic clutch failure. Run pressure tests and check the fluid before you condemn the clutches; our Aisin harsh or delayed shift walkthrough covers the order. If the pan shows heavy lining debris or the slip persists with good pressures, the frictions are worn and an overhaul with this kit is the fix. Transmission Digest also flags case wear where the output gear assembly mounts on high-mileage units, so inspect that area once the unit is apart.
This kit is listed for the AW55-50SN in its Volvo, Saab, GM (AF23/AF33), Opel and Nissan applications. The unit was built across roughly 2000 to 2015, and plate thickness changed during that run. Vehicle Service Pros reports that the C2 direct clutch frictions are 0.068 in. thick on 2004 and earlier units and 0.059 in. on 2005 and later units. Measure your old C2 plates against the new ones before assembly, and send us your year and VIN if you want us to check the build first. All of our AW55-50SN parts are on the Aisin transmission parts page.
Soak the frictions in the correct fluid for at least 30 minutes. That fluid depends on the vehicle, not the transmission: Volvo and Saab units call for the Aisin JWS 3309 or AW-1 spec on the fill label, while GM versions use Dexron VI, as our AW55-50SN service guide explains. Set clearance on every pack. For the C2 direct clutch the published spec is 0.030 to 0.049 in. (0.76 to 1.24 mm), adjusted with a selective backing plate in 3.6, 3.8 or 4.0 mm sizes; a pack that is too tight causes a harsh reverse engagement even with a good valve body. Check the clutch drums for cracks while they are out, and replace a damaged one with a new AW55-50SN clutch drum. The AW55-50SN master rebuild kit covers the seals, gaskets and steels. Clear the adaptive values and complete a relearn drive once the unit is back in.
| Fits | AW55-50SN |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
29 friction plates across six sizes: 4, 4, 4, 6, 4 and 7 of each. That relines every clutch and brake pack. Steels, seals and gaskets are sold separately.
The kit is listed for the AW55-50SN family, but C2 direct clutch frictions changed from 0.068 in. on 2004 and earlier units to 0.059 in. on 2005 and later. Measure your old C2 plates and send us your year and VIN if you want us to check.
A C2 direct clutch pack that is too tight, often from the wrong friction thickness, causes a harsh reverse engagement. Set C2 clearance to 0.030-0.049 in. with the correct selective backing plate.
It depends on the vehicle. Volvo and Saab versions use the Aisin JWS 3309 or AW-1 specification shown on the fill label, while GM versions such as the Vue and Equinox use Dexron VI.
Only if it tests bad. Valve body bore wear is the most common AW55-50SN failure, and it can burn clutches. If pressures were erratic before the rebuild, repair or replace the valve body so the new frictions are not damaged.
