Transmission Flush

Posts Tagged ‘Important’

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

Information concerning fluid levels

Fluid level is spoken about often here are the facts. With and auto trans and in particular the 4L60E there is no such thing as low. If you let the trans get even 1/2 quart low you will and or have damaged your transmission. They are absolutely not forgiving. We recently did some intentional test with a unit we use to check different ideas. Here is what we found, At 1/2 quart low approximately 1/2 inch bellow pan rail we ran the transmission. We monitored pressure. The pressure in this condition was completely unstable. Jumping from very low to beyond the max of our 300 PSI gauge’s. When you changed gears particularly on the 2-3 3-4 and the reverse gears this condition became worse. I could easily see how after doing these test you could do a lot of damage to your transmission even this small amount low. In the case of the low pressure the result would be obvious burned frictions however at the same time the pressure spikes could just as easily break parts, push out snap rings etc causing serious damage and or sudden failures.

Now in a past test several years ago I did a similar test going in the other direction too much fluid. Here is what happened there, this was however unlike the first test with a 4l60e it was a 700r4 though would imagine the results would be similar. Adding one quart over after hitting the full line did not seem to have any notable effect. However adding two quarts over the trans began again to have pressures resembling the low fluid scenario the pressure dropped and spiked erratically and of course the fluid began quickly to resemble the appearance of the low fluid trans lots of air bubbles and since a trans is not so different from a brake system the result was similar. You cannot have stable hydraulic pressure with air in the fluid.

The air created in the low fluid scenario is a result of the filter becoming uncovered and the pump pulling air into the system. With the resulting crazy pressure readings and the extremely high fluid this occurred because the internal rotational assemblies in the transmission were acting a lot like a blender and churning air into the fluid more rapidly than it could bubble out.

The Point on this is fluid level is imperatively important with and auto. There is no such thing as a little low. A little low means you just took years off the life of your transmission or even killed it right now.

All transmission should always be kept at the top of the crosshatch level warm running in park or neutral. Ideally I wish there was a way to assure the transmission fluid was equal to the pan rail level in gear running . But I do understand why they don’t have you checking it that way

Another thing that should be addressed is aftermarket and stock deep pans. Some aftermarket pans while deep do not require a deep filter. Others require and extension. Still others use the deep filter like goes in the truck 4L60E. Always carefully read the pan manufacturers instructions. While regardless of the pan type the dip stick will still read the level correctly. If you for instance use a deep pan with the wrong filter bear in mind GM actually used the bottom of the pan to hold the filter up in place. True the little seal feels tight holding it in the pump but it can work its way out and drop into the pan when used this way. This will result in the transmission acting like its low on fluid even when its not. At the same time if you place a filter that’s too tall for your pan combination it will crack in the neck area and again cause the symptom of low fluid. I thought I would mention this because we have run into this with some of our own customers changing pans and not being aware of the filter differences and requirements. So always make sure you are using the correct type filter for the pan you are installing. Also note when installing a transmission. If you do not provide even support across the pan again you can bend the pan and damage the filter causing the same set of symptoms.