RE5R05A Transmission Master Rebuild Kit for Nissan

Pathfinder, Xterra and Frontier owners with the 4.0L V6 and an automatic all have the same five-speed underneath: the Nissan RE5R05A, which Jatco catalogs as the JR507E and JR509E. When it starts flaring on the 3-4 shift, hesitating into fifth, missing or banging the 1-2, or slipping under load, the direct and high clutch packs have usually burned. This master overhaul kit goes further than a basic soft-parts set. Along with frictions, steels, gaskets, seals and O-rings, it includes a band and bushings, two parts that are easy to forget and expensive to skip on this transmission.

Why the band and bushings matter in an RE5R05A

The RE5R05A holds part of its gear range with a front brake band in addition to its clutch packs, so a unit that has run on burnt fluid often has a glazed band lining as well as cooked frictions. Putting a new band in at the same time means every apply element in the unit starts fresh. The bushings matter for a different reason. The front pump bushing supports the torque converter hub, and when it wears the hub moves off center, wears the front seal, and the rebuilt unit starts leaking within weeks. The case and drum bushings keep shafts centered so the sealing rings can hold pressure. Having all of them in the box means they get replaced while the case is open instead of being reused because nobody ordered them.

Symptoms that call for this kit

• Flare on the 3-4 shift or a delayed, soft 4-5 shift
• A harsh, late, or missing 1-2 shift
• Slipping under load once the direct and high clutches overheat
• Burnt fluid with friction and band material in the pan
• Front seal leaks that keep returning, a sign of a worn pump bushing

How to confirm before buying

Burnt clutch material does not stay in the clutches. It circulates, gets into the valve body bores, and loads up the torque converter, so an RE5R05A that has burned its clutches is never a clutch-only job. Before you commit, scan for codes and check line pressure. Sonnax points out that wear in the valve body pilot valve bores causes delayed engagement, erratic shifts and flare upshifts that can look like a mechanical failure, and they publish a vacuum test for it. Our RE5R05A diagnosis and service guide covers that check along with pump wear and solenoid testing. If the pan is full of debris and the fluid smells burnt, rebuild.

Fitment

This kit is listed for the RE5R05A / JR507E / JR509E in the Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier, Titan and Armada, the Infiniti EX35 2003-2011, FX45 2003-2008, G35 2003-2011 and Q45 2000-2007, plus several Japanese-market Nissan models including the Caravan, Cima and Elgrand. The RE5R05A had a long production run and its internals were revised along the way, so go by the year range and the transmission tag rather than the vehicle name alone. Send us your year and VIN if you want the kit confirmed before it ships. Every RE5R05A part we stock is on the RE5R05A collection page.

Install notes

• Air-check each clutch circuit in its drum before the case goes back together. Gears Magazine found worn sealing ring lands on an RE5R05A support that needed 70 psi of air to apply the direct clutch where about 50 psi should do it.
• Install the new pump and case bushings while the unit is split, and set the band adjustment to the service manual specification.
• Flush the cooler lines and replace or professionally clean the torque converter, or old debris will wear the new frictions.
• Inspect the one-way clutch for wear. A slipping RE5R05A sprag clutch shows up as a slip in first.
• Consider a 2007-2011 RE5R05A shift kit if the truck tows.
• Prime the pump with Nissan Matic-S ATF before first start, then fill and level the transmission hot, at idle, in park.

This kit is for a complete bench overhaul by someone with a service manual and the specialty tools for the job.

Does this kit include a band and bushings?

Yes. Along with frictions, steels, gaskets, seals and O-rings, it includes a band and bushings for a complete overhaul.

Is a filter included?

A filter is not listed in this kit. Plan to install a new RE5R05A filter and pan gasket with the rebuild.

Is the JR507E the same as the RE5R05A?

Yes. JR507E and JR509E are Jatco's designations for the five-speed Nissan calls the RE5R05A.

Will this fit my 2008 Pathfinder 4.0L?

The Pathfinder is on the listed fitment. Confirm the transmission tag reads RE5R05A, or send us your year and VIN to check before it ships.

Do I need a new torque converter?

If the clutches burned, the converter is full of debris. Replace it or have it professionally cleaned, and flush the cooler lines, before installing the rebuilt unit.

• Nissan/Infiniti RE5R05A Transmission Service Guide: Pathfinder, Armada, QX56