Transmission Flush

Posts Tagged ‘Transmission’

Many vehicle owners make the mistake of automatically assuming they need remanufactured Volvo transmissions. Simply by educating yourself about the basics of this drive part and following a few simple steps to identify basic problems, you can essentially save thousands of dollars. You eliminate extra mechanics bills and have less down time.

Tranny Basics

Any brand of tranny involves three main components. The outside metal casing that contains all the intricate inner workings is the bell housing. The second is the gearing that drives the machine. This involves a large set of gears called ‘primaries’ and a second set of gears referred to as the ‘planetaries.’ They allow the vehicle to change directions and dictate the amount of force behind the drive. If anything goes wrong with either of these systems, a rebuilt part is often the only solution.

The third component is the area where most minor problems occur. The fluid system keeps all of the drive’s insides lubricated so it can function smoothly. Without it, metal grinds metal and things stop working quickly. Besides a fluid check system, this involves a series of hoses and a filter that prevents debris and water from entering the system.

Identifying Simple Breakdowns

As previously stated, most simple drive problems involve the fluid system. The first step is to check the level of fluid remaining in the system. If it is low or empty, you will need to determine where it is going. Some of the common areas for leaks include the filler tube connection, speed sensor, connections between the tranny and motor, and the drain underneath. If no leaks are detected, examine the radiator coolant. If the fluid is there, you will notice the coolant level is higher than normal or you will visibly see a contaminant in it. Finally, don’t forget to check and replace the filter. If the problem clears up, you know you found the problem.

When Are Remanufactured Volvo Transmissions Necessary?

If you have noticed a metallic grinding sound, loud banging, a refusal to shift into gear, stay in gear, and/or feel lunging, it may be time to consider remanufactured Volvo transmissions. This happens commonly if you fail to find a leak in time or if you couldn’t find anything wrong with the fluid system. The insides of these parts require specialized knowledge and tools so it is best to make your next step a trip to see an expert. He or she will determine the problem and recommend a solution. Purchasing a rebuilt replacement is a considerable repair, but remanned trannies are often guaranteed.

Taking the time to eliminate basic problems eliminates the hassle of spending additional money needlessly on vehicle repairs. The insides are an intricate and complicated mass of systems, but the outside isn’t as bad as you may think. If it is time to consider remanufactured Volvo transmissions, purchase one from an experienced dealer with a solid reputation to ensure you get one that is of good quality. In most cases, a rebuilt tranny is just as good if not better than the original version. This makes the money more easily spent.

Your transmission’s job is to send power generated by your engine’s 4-stroke combustion process to the wheels. It accomplishes this while keeping the engine operating within a certain range of RPMs to maximize performance and efficiency. After tens of thousands of miles, your tranny will begin to display signs of wear. One of the symptoms involves slippage.

A slipping transmission is one that hesitates before engaging the right gear for a given set of driving circumstances. This hesitation may only last a second or less, but is obvious to the driver. It will worsen with time. If the slippage is left unaddressed, the underlying problem can potentially lead to expensive repairs or worse, an overhaul.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the possible reasons your tranny may be slipping. I’ll describe how low fluid levels, worn parts, and a failing torque converter can each play a role.

Low Fluid Level

Your transmission needs a constant supply of fluid in the same way your engine needs oil. The fluid lubricates the moving parts (i.e. gears, clutches, etc.) and prevents unnecessary friction. It also helps to ensure your tranny can find the appropriate gears quickly and seamlessly. The problem is, fluid can leak from a number of seals and gaskets. If the level declines too far, you may experience slippage.

The most effective way to prevent low fluid levels from causing a slip in your gears is to check the level every two or three weeks. Replenish it whenever it is low. If you notice the level routinely declines more quickly than it should, there is likely a leak somewhere in your transmission. Have a mechanic fix it as soon as possible.

Worn Bands And Gears

Your tranny is comprised of gearsets, bands, clutches, seals, gaskets, and myriad other parts that work together to send the engine’s power to your wheels. The bands are steel straps that are wrapped around drums. One end is connected to a component called the servo. Pressurized oil is delivered to the servo, which tightens the band and prevents the drum’s rotation.

Gears come in several combinations. Sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears rotate in an intricate, interlocking design. These gears reflect driving conditions.

Bands and gears can become worn over time. When this occurs, your transmission may have difficulty finding the right gear whenever your engine hits a certain RPM marker.

Malfunctioning Torque Converter

Your torque converter is responsible for sending torque to your transmission. It allows your engine to continue running even when your vehicle is at a full stop. There are fins inside this component that can wear down or break. If either occurs, your tranny will begin to slip. Replacing this component will usually resolve the problem.

Reseal, Replace Parts, Or Overhaul?

If you experience slippage problems with your transmission, you should have a trained technician inspect the assembly. If the issue is due to low fluid levels, he can check for leaks in the seals and gaskets. If the slip is caused by worn parts, he can recommend an appropriate course of action. The problem may be so extensive that you might need to have the assembly completely overhauled.

Leaks are relatively simple to fix. As long as they are coming from somewhere other than the front seal, the mechanic can usually reseal them without removing your tranny. Replacing worn parts may be more problematic, depending on the assembly’s construction. Many parts will require the mechanic to remove the assembly in order reach them.

An overhaul is expensive. The transmission is removed and taken completely apart after which every individual piece is inspected and cleaned, or replaced. The assembly is then put back together.

A slipping transmission is almost always a sign of worse things to come. If you notice slippage while driving, have your mechanic diagnose and resolve the root cause as soon as possible.

Your car’s transmission can potentially last the lifetime of your vehicle. A lot depends on your driving habits and whether you keep the fluid levels replenished, as needed. Even then, things can go wrong. You might notice problems as the assembly tries to shift; it may have difficulty finding the right gears. You might hear a high-pitched whine while driving. You may also feel a lurching motion as your tranny shifts. All of these are warning signs that something is wrong with the assembly. The challenge is finding the problem.

Below, I’ll explain why diagnosing transmission issues is challenging, even for specialists. I’ll also describe a couple of problems that can cause your tranny to act strangely.

Diagnostic Codes And The Path To Resolution

Automatics are nearly always more difficult to diagnose than manual trannys. Older automatic assemblies are especially problematic because they do not produce diagnostic codes. If you own an older vehicle and your transmission begins to behave oddly, the mechanic will be forced to start from scratch when identifying the issue. Unless he is very experienced, he will basically be flying blind.

Newer cars are equipped with electronic assemblies. That means they’ll produce one or more fault codes that will give the mechanic hints regarding the root cause of any problem you’re experiencing. But, even after identifying the issue, addressing it may not be easy.

One of the reasons most repair garages turn away transmission issues is because it is an extremely complex assembly. Aside from minor leaks, they’ll usually outsource the job to a specialist. What’s more, if there are several individual components that are either failing or about to do so, the specialist will often recommend replacing the entire tranny. The reason is due to the level of work involved with repairing or replacing parts. Some components require that the tranny be disassembled.

Large Leaks

Small leaks rarely pose an immediate problem. They’re relatively easy to identify by looking underneath your car, directly below your transmission. If you see a reddish fluid, it may either be fluid from the assembly or from your power steering. You can check your tranny’s fluid level to verify or invalidate the leak. If one exists, you might be able to postpone repairs by keeping the fluid level replenished.

The problem with small leaks is that they turn into big leaks. When that happens, keeping the fluid level replenished becomes far more difficult. As the leakages continue to worsen, your transmission will become increasingly exposed to low fluid levels. Eventually, you’ll notice slippage, a rough shift, and even long delays before the assembly can find the right gears.

When The Culprit Is The Torque Converter

Sometimes, the torque converter is the culprit rather than the transmission. There are needle bearings in this component that can suffer wear and tear. When they become severely worn, they can generate a whine-like noise similar to the one produced by a malfunctioning tranny.

Torque converter problems can actually cause your engine to overheat in some circumstances. They have a clutch that might lock up, preventing fluid from circulating within. That can lead to a loss of power and even transmission failure if the locked clutch causes the fluid to overheat. The best option at that point is to replace the component.

There are three main influences on the life of your vehicle’s transmission: regular maintenance, keeping the fluid level replenished, and your driving habits. All three are simple to address. Maintenance items should be performed according to the recommended intervals listed in your owner’s manual. Keeping the fluid level replenished is as simple as checking the level every three or four weeks. Your driving habits are entirely in your control. Given that replacing the transmission with a rebuilt assembly can cost thousands of dollars, it’s worth caring for it properly.

Transmissions cost a lot to repair. Cost run $1500 to $4000. My, Mega Power Brand, Transmission-Kit, a do-it-yourself product, may fix an end your transmission problems for about $50.

The fix given here are permanent. However, when excessive wear on a worn-out transmission is such, that they are limping along on their last leg, I seen this kit restore their performance enough to get them by for 6 months, a year or so. Most people on a tight budget want that factor. Me, too! This gives them one more option.

Mega Power provides a great tune up fix benefit and longest life advantage known. Cleans, stops leaks and acid damage, heals and smooths wear-roughen parts, and coats, to do the fix. Reduces abnormal friction drag.

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Directions. Transmission-Help Step one.

Add Mega Power Transmission Cleaner #TS to your old fluid.

Start motor, set parking brake, move gear selector into, and out of all gear positions a couple times. Let cleaner work, with motor running for 5 minutes. Then…
Shut-off motor. Drain old fluid, replace with new. Or follow your fluid exchange machine directions. [You can drive 5 to 10 minutes to your mechanic or quick lube, and have them replace the old fluid with new - after adding the cleaner to the transmission]. Next…. See #6 below -if #4 and #5 do not apply.
Some people like to clean or replace the transmission filter screen – about $30 extra. I do, if the fluid smells burnt, if the transmission “slips.”
Note: Internal screen will clean itself and may not need hand-cleaning/replacement, if the transmission has not been slipping during normal gearshifts, and if old fluid is not dark-dark brown in color – before the cleaner was added. It will turn brown if reddish – during cleaning and is not a filter changing sign.

Step two

To the new fluid level, add Mega Power Transmission Conditioner #T. 12 0z treats up to 12 quarts fluid.*

To reduce slipping, also add Mega Power #10, with #T to the new fluid to reduce slipping.
If still leaking, after a week or so, also add, Mega Power Transmission Stop Leak to the fluid.
This entire service good for, repeat every 36,000 miles, or as required in your car’s service manual.

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The first most importantly thing to do is ask the salesperson for the used car history records. By doing this procedure may save you some time and money. If the used car history report shows that the car in fact was a rental vehicle or has been involved in an accident, there is no point to even looking at it any further recommended. Ask the previous owner or salesperson if any repair has been done to the transmission. If the automatic transmission has already been rebuilt, abstain from buying the car. By saying that… not suggesting that all rebuilt transmissions will have problems but in some cases they work even better than before. The problem is that not all transmission shops can do equally the same high quality job. And since there is no way to verify if it was rebuilt properly or not, it’s better not to take chances. Another thing to be concern about is, ask if the used car you are looking to buy was not used for any towing purposes. Many vehicles that have a towed history like an example towing a trailer. Have much greater risk of having a worn out transmission because of the use for towing that can put a sustainable amount of strain on the transmission over time.

How To Check A Automatic Transmission

You should first get started by checking the transmission fluid level and condition.
With the engine idling, transmission in “Park” (some cars may have different procedures, refer to owner’s manual if needed) remove the automatic transmission dipstick and wipe it off with a clean cloth. Then insert it back in and pull it out again. Check the fluid level, low level may indicate a transmission leak. Pay close attention at the fluid very closely. It helps to drip the fluid on a white paper towel to be able to see fluid condition. The fluid on the paper towel should be clean and transparent, without any metal filings or black flakes. New fluid usually comes out red. Over the time in use it become more of a brownish of color, but it shouldn’t be black.
Try to smell the fluid. It should not have a burnt smell.
It may seem to be difficult to tell at first, but after you check a few similar cars, you’ll be able to pin point the difference with ease.
If you discover that the transmission fluid is too dirty or black, or smells burnt, avoid buying such a car.
Keep in mind, however, that some modern cars simply don’t have the transmission dipstick and require special procedures performed in a shop to check the fluid level. In this case, the only way to check it is by doing a test drive.

Automatic Transmission Indications Of Possible Transmission Problems Overview

One of the indications of a transmission problem is delayed engagement, when there is a long delay between the moment you shift the shifter into “D” (Drive) or “R” (Reverse) and the moment the transmission kicks in.
It’s easier to note delayed engagement after a car was sitting for a while: With the transmission in “P” (Park) start the engine, and wait until the engine rpm has reduced to normal level (650 – 850 rpm).
With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift to the “D” (Drive) position. Almost immediately the transmission should engage – it feels like the car wants to creep forward. This should happen very smoothly, without a strong jerk or clunk.
Shift to “N” (Neutral), and the transmission should disengage. Now, still holding the brakes, shift to the “R” (Reverse) position. Again, the transmission kicks in almost immediately – you will feel the car wants to creep backward. This also should be very smooth, without a jerk or clunk.
Now, still holding the brake pedal down, try to shift from D to R and back. There should be no strong jerk or clunk.
If there is a notable long delay (more than 1 seconds) between the moment you shift and the moment the transmission kicks in, such a transmission might be either too worn or has some problem.
If you feel a strong jerk or clunk while shifting, the car may have a transmission problem, avoid such a car.

Now it’s time to test drive the car.

With the shifter in “D” (Drive) position drive gently, with smooth and gradual acceleration. Until the vehicle reaches a speed of 30-37 mph (50-60 km/h) or you should feel the gears shifting at least twice (from first to second, and from second to third gear).
All shifts should be done very smoothly, without jerks or slipping.
You should be able to feel when the transmission shifts by the slight change in the engine tone or change in engine rpm. If the transmission is severely worn it may shift with quite a strong jerk, shudder or a delay (especially from first to second gear).
Driving at a speed of 25-30 mph (40-50 km/h) if you press down the accelerator pedal for a few seconds, you should feel downshifting to the lower gear, if the automatic transmission works properly.

The next step: check overdrive.

While driving at 60-70 km/h or 35-45 mph on a level road, without using the accelerator, switch overdrive ON. You should feel an up shifting to the next speed. Switch it to “OFF,” and you should feel a downshifting.
Another thing to watch out for that may indicate the transmission has a problem is the slipping. When the transmission is excessively worn it may slip – which means you press the accelerator, the engine rpm increases but the speed remains the same.

While during a test drive you feel any problems such as the transmission seems to be slipping or shifts with a jerk or shudder or if the transmission got stuck in some gear, or has trouble shifting into a particular gear (for example, from second to third), You should avoid buying such a car.
Always try to test drive the car as long as possible. Often the transmission may work well when it’s cold but when it’s warmed up it starts giving troubles or vice versa. So, it is better to spend more time checking the transmission thoroughly than later repairing it at your expense. Normally there should be no shudder, no noises or any kind of strong jerks at any speed and at any engine temperatures while any shifting is going on. If the salesperson tells you that the jerks or shudder or any other abnormal transmission behavior is “normal” for this car or it’s just because the car is cold or anything alike…, don’t trust them. If the “check engine” and, or a flashing overdrive light comes on while driving, have the vehicle inspected with a certified mechanic before buying a vehicle.

How To Check A Manual Transmission

You should first check for oil leaks. There should absolutely not be any leaks.

Now, shift the transmission lever into neutral. Apply the parking brake. With the engine idling, press the clutch pedal all the way, hold it down, and listen for noises. Then release the pedal and listen for noises again. There should be no loud noises at either positions.
The next step will be to take the car for a test drive.
Try to drive the vehicle at different speeds in all gears, one by one. Every gear should shift smoothly and easily without any noises or jerks. While driving at the second or third gear, try to press down sharply on the accelerator pedal for an instance. The clutch should not slip.
If you feel any slipping (example like… the engine rpm increases but the speed remains the same), then the clutch most likely has to be replaced.
Try to drive with acceleration and deceleration there should be no grinding, whining or humming noise under any condition circumstances. All the gears should shift easily and noiselessly free.

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In order to maintain you car in a good shape, to offer you the safety as well the performances it was designed for in the first place, taking care of your vehicle’s transmission is a vital thing you should take care of. Modern cars have very complex drive trains, and the transmission being one of the most important elements of it, repairing it because of the in-proper use can be very costly. The most serious operations on a car’s drive train can only be executed in specialized shops, but the casual maintenance operations you can make them yourself.

The biggest enemy of the vehicle’s transmission is heat. There are many causes for the heating of the transmission’s elements, and many are related to operating your car under difficult conditions. Racing with your vehicle, towing a load, or repeatedly putting it in drive and reverse for exiting heavy snow or mud can contribute to the overheating of its ensembles.

If you often are forced to operate your car under these circumstances, you can benefit greatly from adding additional cooling to your transmission. Such a cooler will be mounted on the radiator and it will cool the transmission fluid. Because many SUV owners use them to tow heavy vehicles, they came equipped from the factory with such auxiliary transmission coolers.

In the following paragraph you will find a series of tips about properly maintaining your car’s transmission.

The most important aspect is to have your transmission fluid checked on a regular basis. Also check for its color. It should be red. If it had turned brown or it has a burnt smell should be changed at once.

Before buying transmission fluid, check with your car’s owner’s manual to se the exact type the manufacturer recommends. Never mix two different types of fluid of fluids coming from different manufacturers.

The recommended period to replace it is every 2 years or every 24,000 miles, which ever condition occurs first.

When you want to put your car in reverse, come to a complete stop first. Changing from drive to reverse while the vehicle is still moving will harm your transmission.

In order to protect vital transmission elements, put the cark into park after you have pressed the brake pedal and pull the emergency brake. By doing this, less stress is applied to the drive train.

Always change gears from park to drive only when your engine is at idle.

When towing a very heavy load or when you are climbing abrupt terrain, be sure to disengage the overdrive feature, if your car is equipped with such a option, as it will prevent the car from repeatedly changing gears from and to overdrive. Overdrive is the highest gear in the transmission and it used to allow that vehicle to run at highway cruising speeds with a reduced revs, in order to mainly save fuel and reduce noise. If the automatic gear in your car has a 4-speed transmission with overdrive, the overdrive refers to the 4th gear. The same is with cars with 5-gear automated transmission with overdrive. There is the possibility to have a smaller car, with a 4 or 5 way automated transmission, but without the overdrive function.

With the cost of both recreational and service vehicles consistently on the rise, in addition to the escalating cost of fuel, purchasing high quality parts that protect and extend the life of your transmission can prove to be a tremendously worthwhile investment. Mag Hytec is an industry leading manufacturer of superiorly designed transmission pans and differential covers that can help eliminate costly repairs and extend the life of your transmission.

Those who own and operate vehicles that are subject to heavy usage know how important it is to properly maintain their vehicles in order to keep them in good working order and avoid costly repairs. The transmission, also commonly referred to as the gearbox, of any vehicle is one of the many hard working and critically important vehicle parts. With heavy usage it is normal for axles and transmission parts to no longer perform at optimal levels and simply wear out. Transmission pans and differential covers make it possible to maintain the original performance standards of your transmission and increase its functional life span.

These parts are highly regarded in the automotive industry. The differences between Mag Hytec products and those provided by the competition are both aesthetic and functional. Mag Hytec differential covers and transmission pans are both manufactured in A356-T6 aluminum and enhanced with a textured, jet black powder coat finish. Machined cooling fins ensure appropriate temperatures are maintained while magnetic drain plugs filter out any metallic debris that could potentially become embedded within the transmission fluid and reduce its effectiveness.
From differential covers to transmission pans, their heavy duty construction and intuitive design are hard to beat and have always been extremely beneficial.

Although there are various types of transmissions, they all operate according to the same basic principle. The primary function of a vehicles transmission is to synchronize power and speed in order for the vehicle to operate efficiently and effectively under various operating circumstances and terrain conditions. This is true of both automatic and manual transmissions of varying sizes and gears. As a vehicles speed is increased the engine is required to spin more rapidly, increasing the amount of power generated in order to move the vehicle and anything that may be in tow capably. The engine does not require as much power when it is being driven at a consistent speed on a primarily level surface. The transmission regulates the ratio between the speed and power required by the engine under different driving circumstances. It will utilize a higher ratio when a lot of power is required at reduced speeds, as would be the case when climbing a hill, and a lower ratio when more speed and less power is necessary, such as during highway cruising.

A constant and safe operating temperature is maintained through the use of transmission fluid which lubricates and cools moving parts. The heat generated throughout the normal course of operations causes the transmission fluid to break down and requires regularly scheduled replacement of the fluid. In addition, the heat generated throughout the course of normal usage causes the transmission parts to wear down, resulting in the mixture of this metallic debris with the transmission fluid. The magnetized transmission covers and pans attract and filter out the debris, resulting in transmission fluid that runs cleaner and extends the life of the transmission and its components.

The construction of Mag Hytec transmission components and products, including their transmission covers and differential pans, are designed to compliment and enhance the cooling process required to keep the engine and transmission running at the ideal temperatures regardless of particular circumstances.