RDM clutch drum swap

[newbievueowner]

I determined a few weeks ago that I think there is something wrong with the AWD in my 05 Vue (after riding in an old buddy of mines Vue).

Well, today I purchased a used RDM clutch drum from an 06 V6 Vue AWD with 9500 miles on it. $119, not to shabby I guess provided it works!! The Ebay seller has a 100% feedback rating and said that there was nothing wrong with the unit and it never made any noise (is it anyone on here???). My only question then is why was it removed in the first place?? I guess I will find out eventually. Can't wait to get it and swap it out with my current one to see what kind of a difference it makes. I also can't wait to get my old one out and tear it down to see if there is anything 'visually' wrong with it. I also want to see if there is a spring in the RDM that 'delays' the RDM engagement.

Wish me luck and I'll let you guys know how it goes. I may also take a bunch of pictures and post. :arr:

[thermalfinder]

Yes, take notes! I would appreciate seeing your experiences. And pictures are worth a thousand avatars.

- J

[Ritz]

In particular, I'd be curious to know what (if any) "special tools" are required.

Good luck!

[newbievueowner]

Can do.

Just found out that it was removed from the vehicle before it was sent to the wrecking yard for being involved in a front end crash.

Excellent deal, hopefully everything is good and the AWD works a little better after the swap!

[newbievueowner]

In particular, I'd be curious to know what (if any) "special tools" are required.

Good luck!

As far as I know (as listed in the service manual, which I will be reading closer now) only a spline alignment tool (I bought one on Ebay for $9) and a yoke holding tool (for removing the big nut). I will be making the yoke tool at work as there is really nothing to it. Other than that, I don't think any other 'special' tools are required for servicing/replacing the RDM clutch drum.

[newbievueowner]

If anyone wants any 'specific' pictures please list them in this post and I will see what I can do to accomodate. :cool:

[far2grumpy]

NBV ... I admire your courage ... give em hell.

BTW ... I checked my FSM and they mention the yoke tool but no other unique items. They also have filter replacement instructions so do you plan to lay one of those in (if they put in 05 RDM)?

[newbievueowner]

The filter is likely nothing special (prob similar to the plastic mesh screen pick up in some trannies), probably just a good cleaning will suffice. I will look at what a new one costs and decide from there.

That yoke tool is the one I will be making at work. There is really nothing to it.

I am quite familiar with gerotor pumps as this is what we make at work. So I will be checking to see what the gear set looks like and what the endface clearance is. What I REALLY want to know is what do the clutch disks look like and is there any spring in the RDM unit that controls the AWD engagement point?! I want to get the engagement lower (ie: so the front wheels don't have to spin so much)!!

I'll probably be doing the swap within the next month so I'll keep everyone posted.

[Ritz]

The filter is likely nothing special (prob similar to the plastic mesh screen pick up in some trannies), probably just a good cleaning will suffice. I will look at what a new one costs and decide from there.

That yoke tool is the one I will be making at work. There is really nothing to it.

I am quite familiar with gerotor pumps as this is what we make at work. So I will be checking to see what the gear set looks like and what the endface clearance is. What I REALLY want to know is what do the clutch disks look like and is there any spring in the RDM unit that controls the AWD engagement point?! I want to get the engagement lower (ie: so the front wheels don't have to spin so much)!!

I'll probably be doing the swap within the next month so I'll keep everyone posted.

Sweet. If you can sort out a way to tune the engagement point, that would be amazing and potentially a cottage business. :)

Cheers,

[newbievueowner]

I just hope the RDM clutch drum comes apart and is not fully welded together!!

[far2grumpy]

NBV - the RDM filter PN is 12569934 per RDM clutch replacement instructions. Saturnparts.com lists for around $10 USD plus shipping.

I believe you indicated you had the service bulletin but I will email if you want a second copy (size is ~1.1 MB).

I've also attached a extract to this post briefly describing RDM operation ... not necessarily for you but others could find informative.

The extract states the RDM fluid is good for lifetime. This is misleading and just flat wrong. I changed mine at 36K after viewing Ritz's post of the mess he found at about same mileage.

[1saxman]

Newbie; the drum was replaced in my '03 by the dealer, so I know it can be done. I have thought for a long time that there was perhaps a ball-check spring detent that bypasses the pressurized oil from the gerotor pump until it reaches a certain point, then allows it to pass to the clutch. Just like an engine oil pump high pressure bypass. This seems like the most likely way they prevent rear drive engagement untill the front wheels have spun several times. I sure would like to put mine back the way it originally was. The modified unit they put in is delayed and engages with a jerk. The original one came in earlier before the RPM built up and was smoother. I think it's all about one little spring. let us know what you find out.

[newbievueowner]

That's what I'm hoping! I'll let you guys know when I get the new one, replace the old one for now and then tear into the old RDM to see what could be done to potentially 'modify' the AWD engagement point. The excessive AWD engagement delay makes the whole system suck a** as far as I'm concerned.

[Ritz]

The excessive AWD engagement delay makes the whole system suck a** as far as I'm concerned.

Absolutely. It is by FAR my biggest complaint about our VUE, especially given the crazy level of torque steer when the fronts are spinning.

Cheers,

[SaturnTech122]

we also attempt to flush the rdm before replacing, water enters and degrades the lubricant, id try flushing with synthetic lube with friction modifiers we se a 50-60% success its much cheaper than a new drum

[newbievueowner]

I just changed the lubricant so that's not it. :arr:

[SaturnTech122]

Replace the differential clutch drum in the RDM and replace RDM filter. On vehicles produced prior to VIN 3S849825, install a vent cap on the RDM vent hose to prevent water intrusion.

[newbievueowner]

Little bit of bad news boys. The clutch drum showed up today and they ARE welded together!! So they are not easy to disassemble, which means that to change the engagement point will be a real SOB. It still probably won't stop me from trying to take it apart. LOL! Once I get the new one in and verify it's operation then I will likely take it to work and cut the weld off in the lathe to 'hopefully' get it apart to see what's inside. Have to make sure the one I bought works good first though. What a bummer about the welding, I kind of had a suspicion/feeling about that!!

[BobbyP]

Absolutely. It is by FAR my biggest complaint about our VUE, especially given the crazy level of torque steer when the fronts are spinning.

Cheers,

Agreed, 250+ hp and a transverse front wheel drive requires your attention, especially when the VTEC kicks in... :)

The 3.5L in my Chrysler 300 feels lame in comparison.

http://world.honda.com/automobile-technology/VTEC/

[Ritz]

Agreed, 250+ hp and a transverse front wheel drive requires your attention, especially when the VTEC kicks in... :)

The 3.5L in my Chrysler 300 feels lame in comparison.


Yep, I had a 300m for a few years and never noticed torque steer at all. That car's achilles heel was the relatively lazy 42LE transmission. Seemed to have an inordinate amount of parasitic loss. However, I was still able to eke out 27-28mpg on my '99 on some long trips up to Montreal from NYC. 10 years ago, that was a hot ride for the money and quite comfortable. I'd still have it today if Mrs. Ritz hadn't totaled it (necessitating the purchase of the VUE....grrrr). :)

Cheers,

[1saxman]

Little bit of bad news boys. The clutch drum showed up today and they ARE welded together!! So they are not easy to disassemble, which means that to change the engagement point will be a real SOB. It still probably won't stop me from trying to take it apart. LOL! Once I get the new one in and verify it's operation then I will likely take it to work and cut the weld off in the lathe to 'hopefully' get it apart to see what's inside. Have to make sure the one I bought works good first though. What a bummer about the welding, I kind of had a suspicion/feeling about that!!

I hope you mean 'take the OLD one to work and cut it open'!

[newbievueowner]

I hope you mean 'take the OLD one to work and cut it open'!
Yea, may cut the 'old' one apart once I verify the functionality of the new one.