|
Is it a good idea to change automatic transmission fluid to make the gearbox last longer? If so, at what mileage?
|
It's a mileage related service item along with the filter screen in the transmission body, however if you have a high mileage transmission and have not changed the oil for a long time avoid flushing the transmission as this might dislodge particles and these may cause problems in the valve body. If it's not broken don't fix it with a high mileage transmission I say.
Eleanor
|
|
|
It is impossible to completely drain a torque converter transmission, even using the pump drain equipment available. That said, getting rid of half or three quarters of burned or otherwise contaminated ATF is better than keeping it.
HJ
|
|
|
|
Most manufacturers don't bother to list this as a service requirement, however I would do it every couple of years. As HJ says, you can never remove all the old fliud, so what I would do is measure how much you get out, and put that amount back in again, as it can be tricky getting the level corrrect. You can also change the filter, but that requires removal of the trans sump, which can be tricky on some cars. It's only usually a gauze element, so I'm not sure how much it does, and there never seems to be anything on them anyway, but I guess that's not the point. In theory, a well maintained auto box should last a long time, and it's nearly all down to oil changes.
|
|
|
|
Can anyone advise please ? Are auto boxes normally fitted with a drain plug or, does the old oil have to be evacuated through the filler tube or via removal of the sump ?
|
|
|
|
When I had the Scorpio gearbox drained, which cured a problem, the specialist said that cars like BMW and MB dont have a drain plug. The manufacturers reckon that they dont need draining until they go out of warranty. Then its not their problem. He drilled and tapped a plug in place.
|
|
you have been told rubbish - I dont know if my merc e300 has a drain plug but the auto trans fluid gets changed every 36k miles as per the merc service schedule
|
|
|
|
|
Accepted. I was standing under a BMW that he was drilling out to fit a plug. Thats all . I'll retreat to my cave
|
Drilling out for a drain plug whilst the oil pan is still on autobox is going to carry a huge risk of contamination by swarf! Far safer to leave the old fluid in!
My 1992 BMW 5-Series automatic has a drain plug. Fluid changes are not part of the normal servicing, though I plan to change mine soon now that the car has done 110,000 miles.
My 1972 Triumph 2500 (bought in 1975) went to 170,000 miles without any auto transmission problem. I replaced the seals, bearings and fluid at that mileage and then went onto 207,000 miles before converting the car to manual transmission + overdrive. The BW 35 auto box was still working when I changed over but was a bit 'sloppy' in operation by then.
|
|
I meant to mention that the Triumph went the 170,000 miles on the original transmission fluid.
|
|
|
|
Can you mix transmission fluid types? E.g. there is a specific Ford ATF which is supposed not to mix with others. I have had this in the past in the FoMoCo packaging and also a Pennzoil version specifically for Fords. My Ford dealer in Manila says he uses standard Shell ATF and they've never used anything else. I also ask this because I own one Mustang auto (and, Ian, shortly another). I am expecting these to be in the family for some time, and cannot obtain the Ford stuff in the Philippines. Yes of course I know I could bring it in, but that costs.
MY UK storage mechanic says it's all red stuff and he puts the same fluid in all the cars his facility stores.
|
I've never had a problem with mixing fluid - just a question of making sure the box stays filled, and that it is the right colour.
BTW, I drove a (borrowed) 90s mustang ragtop the other day for a few hours. Rather splendid in a straight line, but is it supposed to wallow round corners like that?
Also, some fiend had broken off the RHS door mirror, which made it tremendous fun to negotiate through traffic. My neck is still sore from constantly looking over my shoulder!
|
|
|
|
Haven't driven a 90's -- the '60's one certainly is supposed to wallow and does.
The uncertainty of approaching an unfamiliar bend at speed is only exceeded on the personal Frisson-Meter by the elation of making it out the other side.
|
|
|
|
The SVT Mustangs will not wallow but the normal ones will "the sport suspension' optioned ones slightly less so... (The SVT version of a ford is the ford version of an AMG M-Benz... and they can actualy be quite nice driving autos)
|
|
|
