TF-81SC Clutch Drum, used and ready to install. Fits the TF-81SC. Ships fast from the USA.
Ford and Mazda owners usually find this part after a six-speed automatic starts slipping off the line, flares between the lower gears, or stops pulling in Drive while Reverse still works. On teardown the C1 pack is burned and the drum that holds it is scored, heat-blued or cracked. This listing is a used, original Aisin C1 drum for the TF-81SC, the version of the Aisin six-speed that Ford calls the AF21 and Mazda calls the AW6A-EL. It is the 6-clutch type, cleaned and inspected, and the listing names it for the TF-80SC as well.
The C1 clutch is the TF-81SC's forward clutch for the bottom half of the gear range. Sonnax describes the C1 clutch as applied in first through fourth gear together with other clutch packs, which is why the industry calls this the 1-2-3-4 drum. The drum is the housing for that pack: the frictions and steels spline into it, the apply piston rides in its bore, and its sealing ring surfaces take apply oil from the input shaft. Pressure to the piston is metered by the C1 clutch control valve in the valve body. In a heavier Ford or Mazda V6 crossover, nearly every launch and every stop-and-go mile loads this one pack, so a drum that no longer seals or holds its plates flat ends the transmission's life quickly.
Several of those complaints also come from the valve body. Sonnax lists a burned C1 clutch, delayed forward, coast-down neutral, flare shifts and gear ratio codes as results of wear in the C1 clutch control valve bore, so a new drum alone may not fix a leaking circuit. Check fluid level and condition, scan for codes and verify line pressure before condemning the clutch. Our Aisin harsh or delayed shift walkthrough covers the engagement tests, and if the pan is full of friction material the pack is gone and the drum needs a close inspection.
This drum is listed for the TF-81SC and TF-80SC. Wikipedia's application list for this Aisin family includes Ford and Mazda models such as the Fusion, Milan, Zephyr and MKZ, the Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9, but engine and model year decide which version you have, so read the tag on the transmission case before ordering. The two versions are not identical inside. Compare drum height, spline count and the number of C1 frictions in your old pack against this drum, or send us your year, make and VIN and we will check it. The TF-80SC page for this same drum is here, and every Aisin part we stock is on our Aisin parts page.
| Fits | TF-81SC |
| Part type | Clutch Drum |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Yes. TF-81SC is Aisin's name; Ford calls it the AF21 and Mazda calls it the AW6A-EL. The TF-80SC, also called the AF40 or AM6, is the closely related version used by Volvo, Saab, Opel and Land Rover.
First through fourth. That is why a failing C1 drum or pack causes slipping and flares low in the gear range while fifth and sixth can still feel normal.
It is a common cause, but a worn C1 clutch control valve bore in the valve body can cause the same complaint. Check fluid condition and line pressure first; clutch material in the pan points to the pack and drum.
New C1 frictions and steels, piston seals and input shaft sealing rings at minimum. Most installers do it as part of a full rebuild and have the valve body checked at the same time.
Yes. Reset the transmission adaptives with a scan tool and complete a relearn drive so the control module learns the new clutch fill times.
