If your car is having transmission problems, you may be thinking about changing the transmission fluid and filter. Transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps your car shift gears. And filter? Well, it’s actually a screen that catches dirt and other debris as the transmission fluid traverses the engine. Both of these can usually be changed at the same time, but there are a few things you need to know before making any changes. In this blog post, we will explore how much to change both the transmission fluid and filter, as well as when to make them.
What is Transmission Fluid and Filter?
Transmission Fluid and Filter:
When your car starts to make strange noises, you might be inclined to think that something is wrong with the engine. But in some cases, the problem may be with the transmission. Transmission fluid and filters can become dirty over time, which can lead to shifts that are hard to control and a decreased fuel economy. When these problems begin to occur, it’s important to take action and have your transmission fluid and filter changed as soon as possible.
How often should I replace my transmission fluid?
This depends on how often you drive your car. Generally, you should replace your transmission fluid every 3-6 months or every 12,000 miles (19,000 km), whichever comes first. If you’re driving in harsh conditions or frequent traffic jams, you may want to change your transmission fluid more frequently. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often your particular model needs to be replaced.
What is transmission fluid made of?
Transmission fluid is a type of oil designed specifically for use in transmissions. It’s made up of many different types of oil and lubricants blended together in just the right proportions so that it works best in a car’s Transmission system. The anti-wear properties of the various oils help prevent damage to the internal parts of a transmission while also providing optimal performance when shifting gears.
Bolting On or Replacing a Transmission Fluid and Filter
If you are experiencing transmission problems, it is time to check fluid level and filter. Transmission fluid should be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely.
Transmission fluid is a light oil that protects the moving parts of your vehicle’s transmission by absorbing shock and distributing power efficiently throughout the system. Over time, if the transmission isn’t receiving enough lube, metal to metal contact can occur which will cause wear and tear on the internals of your transmission. Transmission fluid also serves as a protection against rust and corrosion.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should provide specific information on how to change your transmission fluid and filter. However, generally speaking these tasks can be done in two steps: first loosen any bolts or screws that hold the assembly together and then remove the cover. Inside you will find either a pan with an oil seal or a sponge filter element surrounded by a metal plate. Replacing the pan or element is usually straightforward; however, some transmissions require removal of the entire metal plate in order to replace the filter media. In this case, it may be helpful to remove one or more of the mounting brackets in order to free up extra space. Once everything is removed, clean all surfaces thoroughly before reinstalling using new gasket material and torque specs provided in your owner’s manual..
Checking Transmission Fluid and Filter Levels
Your transmission fluid and filter levels should be checked at least once a year, and more often if the car is being used in severe weather or dusty conditions. Transmission fluid should be changed every 3 to 6 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Filters should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If your car has an automatic transmission, you should also check the torque converter clutch and flywheel assembly for wear or damage. Torque converter clutches and flywheels can fail due to excessive wear, which can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased emissions.
Adding Transmission Fluid and Filter
If your car’s transmission requires transmission fluid and filter changes more often than what the manufacturer specifies, you may want to add an additive. An additive can help extend the life of your transmission by protecting it from thermal degradation and damage.
There are a few additives that can be used in this situation, but one of the most popular is Redline Transmission Fluid. This product comes in a syringe-style container and contains a blend of synthetic and mineral oil additives that work together to protect the transmission against thermal breakdown and damage.
Since adding an additive like Redline can increase your regular fluid and filter changes, it’s important to talk with your mechanic about how much of this product to add and when to schedule these changes.
Changing the Filter on a Manual Transaxle
If you are experiencing transmission fluid leaks or poor shifting, it may be time to change the transmission filter. The following instructions will teach you how to change the filter on a manual transaxle.
Changing the Filter on a Automatic Transaxle
If your automatic transmission is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s time to change the filter and fluid. Changing the filter on an automatic transmission can help to decrease transmission noise and improve shifted performance.
To change the filter on an automatic transmission:
1. Open the hood of your car or truck and locate the transaxle. It will likely be located near the rear of the engine.
2. Remove the cover plate that covers the transaxle unit. This may require taking off some screws or bolts.
3. Locate and remove the filter assembly from inside the transaxle unit. Be sure to save any plastic clips that hold the filter in place.
4. Replace the new filter assembly by reinserting it into the transaxle unit, lining up all of the clips, and replacing any screws or bolts that were removed in step 2. Be sure to replace any plastic clips that were removed in step 3 as well.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your car’s transmission, it might be time to change the fluid and filter. Changing these two components can help to restore Transmission Fluid Management (TFM) and improve the overall performance of your car’s transmission. Here are the steps you need to take in order to change both components: 1. Remove the drive belt if possible or disconnect it from the engine. 2. Disconnect all electrical connections from underneath the car. 3. Remove the radiator shrouds by prying them off from behind then pulling up on them until they release from their mounts. 4. Locate and remove both front engine mounts using a 10 mm socket wrench (included with most manual transmission removal kits). 5. Loosen each fan belt pulley by turning it either clockwise or counter-clockwise using a 7 mm Allen wrench (also included in most manual transmission removal kits). 6. After loosening each fan belt pulley, lower the driven unit out of its mount into an open area so that you can access and replace both transmission fluid and filter assemblies (included with most manual Transmission Fluid Management [TFM] kit replacements).