Bench-mounted T-0158 clutch drum spring compressor that squeezes the return spring in an automatic clutch drum so you can pull the retaining snap ring safely, on drums up to 6 inches.
Changing the piston seals in an automatic clutch drum is a ten-minute job once the return spring is out, and a frustrating one until it is. This T-0158 style clutch spring compressor is a 7.65 lb steel bench tool that pushes the spring retainer down square so the snap ring comes out with pliers instead of picks and screwdrivers. It suits rebuilders working on GM Turbo-Hydramatic, Ford and Chrysler rear-drive automatics, and any drum up to about 6 inches across.
The frame mounts to a workbench or clamps in a vise. You set the drum on the base, bring the bridge and its legs down onto the spring retainer, and turn the pressure screw. As the screw feeds down, the retainer moves below its snap ring groove, which takes the load off the ring. Pull the ring, then back the screw off a little at a time until the springs are fully extended and the retainer lifts free. Reassembly runs the same steps in reverse. The GM 4L60-E overhaul procedure for the input housing follows this pattern with its J-series compressor: install the compressor and adapter, compress the spring, remove the overrun clutch retainer snap ring, then lift out the spring assembly and piston.
Slipping can come from fluid level, low line pressure, valve body wear or a worn pump as well as clutch packs, so test before tearing down. Our transmission slipping diagnosis guide covers the order of checks. Once the unit is out, an air check on each drum tells you which piston is leaking before you commit to opening it; the bench air-check walkthrough shows the method.
The T-0158-HD design this tool copies is listed for Turbo-Hydramatic 180, 375, 400, 425 and 475, Ford C4, C5, C6, AOD, AODE and ATX, and Chrysler 904 and 727. The 700-R4 is on the list only with the drum out of the case. Two limits to know: it is not designed for pistons that sit in the back of the case, and very small or shallow front-drive drums may need a different adapter. For the 4L60E and 700-R4 low and reverse piston in the case, use the T-0151 rear clutch compressor. For a drum that needs a three-point load on the spring cage, the T-0171-J adjustable adapter is the better choice.
Steel construction for repeat use, and it ships fast from the USA.
| Tool type | Clutch drum spring compressor (bench mount) |
| Drum capacity | Common clutch drums up to 6 in |
| Fitment | Chrysler, GM, Ford, Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmissions |
| Material | Steel |
| Mounting | Bolts to workbench or clamps in a vise |
| Weight | 7.65 lb |
| Equivalent to | Atec Trans-Tool T-0158-HD |
It holds the piston return spring retainer down below its snap ring groove so you can remove or install the snap ring, then lets the spring extend slowly instead of all at once.
It is a functional equivalent built to the same pattern. Applications listed for that design include TH400, C6, AOD, 727 and 904 drums up to about 6 inches.
Only once the drum is out of the case. For the low and reverse piston that stays in the back of the 700-R4 or 4L60E case, use a T-0151 style rear clutch compressor.
It weighs 7.65 lb and bolts to a workbench or clamps in a vise.
At minimum the piston seals, and inspect the snap ring, check ball, sealing ring lands and frictions. Air-check the drum after assembly and set clutch clearance to spec.
