Split Trans Cooler Line - How much damage was done?

[DV0993]

Hi all,

The trans cooler line on my RX330 split today - I wasn't driving.

Fortunately it occured on a short 5-10minute trip. I replaced all lines (believe it or not, these were on my to do list the next time the splash covers were off).

It lost approximately 50-55% of the total dry fill capacity. It had fresh maxlife and lubegard red in it; and was replaced with the same.

Any thoughts on how much damage was done? Should I be planning for a new trans?

I plan on pulling the pan and replacing the strainer in the next few weeks to further assess and remove leftover "overworked" fluid.

 

[rijndael]

How was the shifting in that short trip, specifically towards the end?

If the pump is quiet and that filter/screen is clean, I wouldn't worry too much about it right now. When was the last time the magnets were cleaned? How is it shifting, post repair?

 

[Lubener]

If the fluid was low enough for damage, it would have started slipping or lost engagement all together. However, continued driving a slipping transmission is what will cause the damage.

 

[DV0993]

If the fluid was low enough for damage, it would have started slipping or lost engagement all together. However, continued driving a slipping transmission is what will cause the damage.

Thanks - As far as I know it was just shifting hard/harsh

 

[rijndael]

Harsh shifting? Yea, that's not great news. I'd probably try to flush out the old fluid a few times and just hope for the best.

 

[DV0993]

How was the shifting in that short trip, specifically towards the end?

If the pump is quiet and that filter/screen is clean, I wouldn't worry too much about it right now. When was the last time the magnets were cleaned? How is it shifting, post repair?

The filter was done 30,000km ago and the magnets were cleaned at that time too.

No apparent change in shifting quality post-repair.

 

[zzyzzx]

No apparent change in shifting quality post-repair.

You should be fine.

 

[Rand]

My guess: it will be fine but maybe shaved some of its life off.. unknown really.

 

[Chris142]

When this happens the fluid level gets low and it's no longer capable of providing pressure to the internal parts.

Should be fine. As Rand said the rest is unknown. All you can do is fix it and go on.

 

[eljefino]

Hard shifting could be a failsafe. If there was enough fluid for the pump to work the car will move and be more or less fine. You're on the right track with your planned fluid change.

 

[tcp71]

I think it has a U151E/F transmission. Should be fine. It's not fancy.