U760E Sprag Clutch 2012

A 2012 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L four-cylinder that revs up from a stop and crawls until it finds second gear has a short list of suspects, and the one-way clutch is near the top. This listing is the complete original-equipment piece as it came out of a 2012 Camry with the 2AR-FE engine and the U760E six-speed: the sprag one-way clutch still mounted with its planetary ring gear. Buying the assembly rather than a loose sprag matters when the race the elements ride on is pitted or the ring gear teeth are damaged, because then the bare sprag alone will not fix the car.

What the sprag clutch does in a 2012 U760E

Toyota's front-drive six-speed family uses one one-way clutch, which ATSG labels F1, alongside two driving clutches and three brakes acting on a Ravigneaux gearset and an underdrive gearset. ATSG's application chart shows F1 holding in Drive first. With the vehicle stopped and C1 applied, the sprag elements wedge between the races and stop the held member from turning backward, giving the low first-gear ratio. On the 1-2 upshift the load reverses and F1 overruns, which is what makes that shift smooth without a timed clutch release. The ring gear on this assembly is the outer member of the gearset; its internal teeth carry the planet pinions, so it carries full drive torque in every gear the set is active, not just first.

Symptoms this assembly fixes

• No first gear, or a flare to high rpm on takeoff, in Drive only
• The 2012 Camry launches normally in S1 (manual first) but not in D
• A clunk or jolt from a stop when damaged elements roll over and catch
• A whine or growl that rises with road speed, from chipped or worn ring gear teeth
• Sprag fragments or chunks of steel in the pan after a failure

None of these set a dedicated code, since the sprag and ring gear have no sensors. Stored codes on a 2012 U760E more often point to the shift solenoids or valve body.

How to confirm the diagnosis

Start with the fluid. Toyota's bulletin T-SB-0036-13 covers the U760E: WS fluid only, checked between 185 and 194 F on a level car through the overflow plug. Then compare launches in D and S1. ATSG shows the B3 brake holding in manual first, so a car that pulls in S1 but slips in D has a one-way clutch that is not holding. A speed-related whine with metal in the pan adds the ring gear to the list. If the slip is present in every range, the problem is pressure or clutches instead; our U660E and U760E problems and service guide covers valve body wear and the shudder checks to make before teardown.

Fitment

This part came from a 2012 Camry 2.5L with the front-wheel-drive U760E. It is the natural match for 2010 to 2012 four-cylinder Camry transaxles, which Gears Magazine dates from the U760E's 2010 introduction, and likely for other U760E units of similar production. Toyota made running changes, so lay your old ring gear next to the photos and match the tooth count, spline and sprag race before installing, or send us your year and VIN. All-wheel-drive U760F units and the V6 U660E are not confirmed for this assembly. Everything we carry for the family is on the U660E and U760E parts page.

Install notes

• Test the sprag on the bench: hold the outer race and check that the inner race freewheels counter-clockwise and locks clockwise viewed from the rear cover end, per ATSG's rotation chart.
• Inspect the ring gear teeth and splines for chips and fretting, and fit new thrust bearings and washers at this position.
• If only the elements on your own assembly are worn and the races are perfect, the loose 20-element U760E sprag is the cheaper fix.
• A failed sprag means a full teardown, so renew seals, gaskets and frictions with a U760E overhaul kit. On a 2012 unit with harsh 2-3 shifts, a 2010-2012 U760E shift kit can go in while the valve body is out.
• Flush the cooler, refill with genuine WS fluid as described in our WS fluid type and capacity guide, and reset the adaptive learned values with a scan tool.

What exactly is included?

The used original Toyota one-way sprag clutch together with the planetary ring gear it mounts in, removed from a 2012 Camry 2.5L 2AR-FE with the U760E transaxle. Thrust bearings, seals and gaskets are not included.

Do I need the full assembly or just the sprag?

If the race surfaces or ring gear teeth are pitted, chipped or worn, buy this assembly. If the races are smooth and only the sprag elements are worn, the loose 20-element sprag costs less.

Will it fit a 2010 or 2011 Camry 2.5L?

Those Camrys use the same U760E transaxle and are the closest match, but Toyota made running changes. Compare the tooth count, spline and race to your old part or send us your VIN before ordering.

Does it fit the V6 Camry?

The V6 uses the U660E, which is not confirmed for this assembly. Send us your VIN and we will check it.

What should I do after installing it?

Fill with Toyota WS ATF, set the level hot between 185 and 194 F at the check plug, and clear the transmission adaptive values with a scan tool so the computer relearns launch and shift timing.

• Toyota/Aisin U660E and U760E: Shudder, Valve Body Wear, and the WS Fluid-Level Procedure
• U660E Fluid Type, Capacity and Service Interval
• Toyota Camry and Tacoma Transmission Service: What the Dealer Won't Tell You