Holds the vane pump slide spring seated so it will not launch while you set the slide and ring on GM 700R4, 4L60E, 6L80, and 6L90 pumps.
Anyone who has rebuilt a 700R4 or 4L60E pump knows the moment: the slide spring is compressed behind your thumb, the slide is in your other hand, and the spring shoots across the shop. This flat aluminum installer hooks the slide spring and holds it compressed so you can set the slide and ring in one clean motion. It is for builders working on Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Camaro and Corvette pumps, plus the later 6L80 and 6L90 six-speeds that use the same style of spring.
The 4L60E uses a 13-vane, variable-displacement pump. Instead of a fixed gear set, the rotor and vanes turn inside a slide that pivots on a pin. Fluid pressure from the pressure regulator side pushes the slide toward the center to cut output, and the slide spring, often called the priming spring, pushes it the other way toward maximum output. At start-up, with no pressure yet, that spring is what holds the slide at full stroke so the pump primes and builds pressure quickly. If the spring is missing, weak, cocked or seated wrong, the pump can be slow to prime and line pressure control suffers, which shows up on the road as a pressure complaint rather than an obvious broken part.
A line pressure gauge comes first. Readings that are low everywhere point to the pump, slide or regulator; readings that jump high can come from a worn slide pivot pin letting the slide sit off position. On the bench, look for wear on the slide, the pivot pin bore and the seal ring groove, and measure the pump body bore. Our 4L60E pump rotor and bushing wear guide lists the checks, and the 1-2 accumulator and shift feel guide helps separate a pump pressure fault from an accumulator complaint.
The installer is listed for GM 2004R, 700R4, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, 6L45, 6L50, 6L80 and 6L90 pumps. On the 4L60E side that covers the 1993-2013 trucks, SUVs and cars on our 4L60E parts page. It works with the spring in the pump body you already have; it does not replace the spring itself. If your pump has been modified with an aftermarket slide or a non-stock spring, test-fit the tool before you rely on it.
The tool is made in the USA from corrosion-resistant aluminum and weighs 4.6 ounces, so it can go through the parts washer with the pump halves and live in your pump kit drawer.
If the rotor or vanes are scored, rebuild them with the 4L60E heavy duty 13-vane rotor kit. Once the halves are assembled, center them with a GM front pump alignment band before torquing the body bolts, then fit a new front seal and outer O-ring. Prime the pump with Dexron VI before the first start.
| Transmission | GM 2004R, 700R4, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, 6L45, 6L50, 6L80, 6L90 |
| Function | Installs the vane pump slide (priming) spring |
| Material | Corrosion-resistant aluminum |
| Origin | Made in the USA |
| Weight | 4.6 oz |
| Size | 6.1 x 3.94 x 0.75 in |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
It is listed for GM 2004R, 700R4, 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, 6L45, 6L50, 6L80 and 6L90 pumps, which share the same style of vane pump slide spring.
No. It is an assembly tool that holds the spring already in your pump body. Replace the spring separately if it is weak, broken or distorted.
The spring is what holds the slide at full output when the engine starts. If it is cocked or missing, the pump can be slow to prime and line pressure can be low or unstable, causing delayed engagement and slipping.
No, but they can feel similar. Code P0748 points at the pressure control solenoid circuit. Check the solenoid and wiring and put a gauge on line pressure before deciding the pump is at fault.
A pump alignment band, a new front seal and outer O-ring, and a rotor and vane kit if the old parts are scored. Prime the pump with Dexron VI before first start.
