I'm with Undummy don't have to change the filter...heck on my Nissan Altime ( has a drain plug ) I have never changed the filter...it is just a screen ...though I do now have a bypass filter in it . Ii is extremly easy to change the fluid on my car so I have done it 10-15 times over the last 150,000 miles .
Importance of Trans filter replacement?
- Thread starter Mr Wes
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Here's a good way to deal with ATF changes, if you have acetylene welding capablity:
1) Drop the pan, clean it, chg filter.
2) Go to Home Depot and get a 1" x 5/8 fine thread bolt and nut.
3) Drill about a 5/16" hole in a corner of the pan, facing out from the side at the very bottom, to preserve ground clearance.
4) Weld the nut on the outside of the hole you just drilled.
5) Use a dremel tool or such to bevel a small shoulder into the nut hole on the outer side.
6) Place an O-ring on the bolt and screw it in.
7) Bolt on the pan w/sealant/gasket as appropriate, tighten the nut and re-fill.
You now have an easy-drain trans pan that is bulletproof, will never leak and never need dropped again if you use a good-quality metal screen filter in step 1.
1) Drop the pan, clean it, chg filter.
2) Go to Home Depot and get a 1" x 5/8 fine thread bolt and nut.
3) Drill about a 5/16" hole in a corner of the pan, facing out from the side at the very bottom, to preserve ground clearance.
4) Weld the nut on the outside of the hole you just drilled.
5) Use a dremel tool or such to bevel a small shoulder into the nut hole on the outer side.
6) Place an O-ring on the bolt and screw it in.
7) Bolt on the pan w/sealant/gasket as appropriate, tighten the nut and re-fill.
You now have an easy-drain trans pan that is bulletproof, will never leak and never need dropped again if you use a good-quality metal screen filter in step 1.
Yes, it does happen. You see it most on fine screen type filters. Once enough debris is present, the pump suction tears the material and bypasses the filter. This happens usually at the very end and is consistent with poor service.quote:
Originally posted by Steve S:
You have to talk to a real good trans repair man .quote:
Originally posted by Ugly3:
Has anyone ever seen a "plugged" trans filter?
The fiber type media used in most domestic units is less likely to tear/rupture, but will restrict to the point of causing cavitation, low pressures, and noise.
My advice is to replace the filter at least every other fluid exchange, drain/fill IF its a fiber media type filter. If it's a domestic make, you'll fit into this category.
If you have a Japanese make, a simple steel mesh/screen could be used and these are usually good until a major repair is necessary. Sometimes, a DIYer cannot replace the filter safely w/o removing the valvebody and creating a big mess (Nissan FWDs).
If you can help it, avoid the big box stores (Advance, Autozone, Pep Boys) for filter/gasket kits. They use the lowest quality filters and gaskets (mostly overseas knock-offs) they can get and sell for premium prices. Local transmission shops will likely sell you a better filter and gasket @ a better price.
Good Luck.
DH
I installed a B&M drain plug kit in the AX4N transmission pan of my 2000 Taurus. Costs around $8 from O'Reillys Automotive. Tap 1/2" hole, insert drain plug through the heavy-duty nylon washer on the outside of the pan, torque nut on the inside of pan to 20 ft.-lbs. Turns out Ford stamped a 1/2" circle in the pan, where I located the plug. Must be where they intend one to be installed. Plug doesn't leak a drop and it makes taking care of the transmission so much easier. Performing an intermediate drain is now a snap.
Now that we have discussed the idea of not changing your "filter" at every 30K fluid change, I wish to introduce another "catch 22" wrinkle".
First, my recent experience on my son's '99 Escort, never changed tranny fluid until 67K: his screen filter was very clean(probably didn't require replacing), and there was a thin layer of scum on the pan bottom.
HERE's THE Dilemma: If you don't take the pan off on a regular basis (ie. 30K), how often are you going to strip/break off some pan bolts if you go to 60K or above. It happened to me - steel bolts in aluminum combined with winter salt.
Does this happen to others? Can it be prevented without removing the pan?
Thanks.
First, my recent experience on my son's '99 Escort, never changed tranny fluid until 67K: his screen filter was very clean(probably didn't require replacing), and there was a thin layer of scum on the pan bottom.
HERE's THE Dilemma: If you don't take the pan off on a regular basis (ie. 30K), how often are you going to strip/break off some pan bolts if you go to 60K or above. It happened to me - steel bolts in aluminum combined with winter salt.
Does this happen to others? Can it be prevented without removing the pan?
Thanks.
Great point and something I've never thought about before. It's similar to some people leaving platinum plugs in a long time and then having them seize. Some loosen them and then retorque them for this purpose. Maybe others have experience with using a water displacement spray on the threads, such as WD40, and could tell you if it offers any relief from the salt. Otherwise, periodically take one out at a time and replace it, until all have been checked.
sadly yesquote:
Originally posted by Ugly3:
Has anyone ever seen a "plugged" trans filter?
with friction material that used to be part of the clutch packs.........
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