Transmission Flush

Posts Tagged ‘Change’

Why is it so important to change your transmission fluid?

Whether you drive a manual vehicle because you enjoy getting better gas mileage or love the feeling of control, changing the transmission fluid is crucial. Manual transmissions are usually positioned in cars with small engines that dedicate more power to the power train. Having a manual transmission can save hundreds of dollars when it comes time to replace it, as they are much cheaper than automatic transmissions. A problem they do have, however, is the fact that they wear down easy because of the friction and wear and tear of the clutch in city driving. If you are experienced, own a vehicle with a manual transmission and not driving in city traffic then your transmission will most likely last longer. Checking with a car mechanic in Tampa Bay can help your vehicle remain dependability.

Automatic Transmissions tend to be more expensive to replace. They are costly because they have more parts than manual transmissions like a valve body, primary and secondary fluid pumps, and actuators that enable the vehicle to shift automatically. Although manual transmissions are said to be more fuel efficient, the automatic transmissions have improved by overdrive gears, which enable the engine to use less gas. Having automatic transmission fluid checked regularly is never a bad idea.

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What is Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid is a liquid that helps keep all the moving parts inside your transmission lubricated so they can function smoothly without any resistance. In an automatic transmission, changing fluid is best left to a knowledgeable auto expert because they have tools and transmission flushers that can replace the fluid more efficiently than human hands. Hiring a knowledgeable mechanic to replace transmission fluid can eliminate the stress from do-it-yourself catastrophes and many mechanics carry a guarantee behind their services.  

Why is it important to change Transmission Fluid?

Having transmission fluid changed at the time recommended by the owner’s manual will keep the vehicle running how it is supposed to—smooth and durable–and can also save costly repairs.

 Manual transmissions may use various amounts of oils like regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even in some cases automatic transmission fluid. It is best to check the owner’s manual for information about what type is recommended for the vehicle.

 Automatic Transmissions tend to generate more heat, which forces the automatic transmission fluid to degrade and break down with use. Automatic transmissions release the microscopic metal flakes too.

It is a good idea to do this service when it is recommended for both automatic and manual transmissions. In manual transmissions, the fluids may contain contaminants, which occur over time from the synchronizers, bearings, and gears in the transmission. The result, small metal particles float in the lubricant. Having these pieces of metal swimming around in your oil will only lead your transmission to a shorter life. It is best to have clean oil versus oil with metal flakes that end up restricting the transmission.

 It is recommended by most manufactures to have the manual transmission fluid of a car changed 30,000 to 60,000 miles and 15,000 if the vehicle is pushed hard. For an automatic transmissions, it is suggested to have the fluid changed from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Changing more than recommended will not harm anything.

If the transmission fluid is not changed on schedule, the transmission will be lubricated with metal shavings and other contaminants. This will result in a shorter transmission life and may end up being a costly payment to your auto specialist. Therefore, it is best to have the fluid changed as soon as it is needed.

More Transmission Fluid Articles

(1) Before attempting to change your fluid, you should check and make sure that you have choked the wheels of your vehicle, so as to prevent your vehicle from rolling.

(2) Raise up the front of your vehicle with a jack, high enough that you can get underneath and work comfortably. (Transmission fluid is located within the transmission fluid pan, underneath the vehicle, directly behind the engine.)

(3) Find the bolts that are holding up your transmission pan. You will have to find the proper size of Socket to remove the bolts and drop the transmission pan.

(4) Then start by removing all of the bolts except the corner bolts.

(5) The transmission pan will be completely full of fluid, so you will have to use a 6-10 quart drain pan. This is to prevent the fluid from spilling on the ground.

(6) Loosen the remaining corner bolts and place the drain pan under the end of the pan that will remove first.

(7) Remove either the front corner bolts or the back bolts and catch the fluid and drain as much as you can before completely removing the transmission pan.

(8) Place one hand underneath the transmission pan while removing the remaining bolts.

(10) Slowly lower the pan to the ground and place the pan out of the way, so as not to spill the remaining fluid. (Look up at the bottom of the transmission, you will see a filter hanging in place, it’s just held on loosely by a rubber grommet.)

(11) Gently pull down on the filter, and remove it. (When buying a new filter, it is a good idea to take the old one with you so as to buy the proper filter for your car)

(12) Take the new filter out of the package and place it in the same location where you took off the old one. (Be sure that the rubber grommet is in place on the new filter) Place the filter in the proper location on the transmission and push up firmly so as to get it in place.

(13) Drain old fluid out of transmission pan, completely.

(14) Replace the pan bolts, corners first.

(15) Then put in the remaining bolts all the way around the pan.

(16) Use your socket and ratchet and tighten the bolts one across the pan from the other until all the bolts are snug.

(17) Replace transmission fluid as recommended in your owners’ manual.

Remember safety first and make sure that you have choked the wheels of the vehicle to keep it stabilized during fluid change.