Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,<br /><br />Well; the time has come for me to go in search of a good transmission mechanic to do a "drain" and refill on my two Fords...a '98 Mustang GT and a '98 F-150. Both with the AR70W Transmissions.<br /><br />But; what to do? Different shops do different service.<br /><br />Some "suck" the old fluid out and replace via the dipstick tube. <br /><br />Others drop the pan to drain...then refill.<br /><br />Others un-hook the coolant line and hook up a pump and "flush" out the system...while leaving the pan installed.<br /><br />Still others drop the pan...and then "flush" with the new fluid feed at the pump.<br /><br />Then; there are the above methods prefaced with solvent type cleaners used prior to the flushing.<br /><br />I'm confused.<br /><br /><br />I'h hoping that a discussion here will get to the bottom of what's needed...and what's not...and what should be avoided.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[jlshields]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

Check with your Ford dealer, then do the way he recommends or let him do it. Those Grease Monkey places are just that, grease monkeys.<br />I have a '96 F150 with 60K miles on it and tranny fluid changed once. Pulled 8k pound boat probably 20K of those miles. E4OD tranny, pulled the torque converter plugs to drain it, then dropped the pan and changed the filter. Took about 16 qts as I remember. No back flushing.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

jlshieds had his done properly. There are no short cuts

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

But...<br /><br />I'm told by a couple of mechanics that there is no drain plug on my TC...<br /><br />That's why they want to a version of the "powerflush" to get the old fluid out of there.<br /><br />Chuck

 

[Pascal]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

I didn't see where you indicated the miles since the last change or the miles on the vehicles.<br /><br />If the fluid is in reasonable condition,(not burnt) and there is not a large amount of debree in the pan when it is removed, change the filter and do the partial fill of the 3-4 qts and forget it for a year. Install a plug in the pan while it is off. You'll have changed about 1/4 of the oil and the new additives will build on what is left of the additives in the rest of the oil<br /><br />If you are suspicious about the condition of the oil, at your next engine oil change, drain the tranny again and add the 3-4 qts of new oil. You'll have replaced between 1/3 and 1/2 with new oil.<br /><br />I believe that this method is less of a shock to the system where the additives can slowly soften the seals and clean any "varnish" that has developed in the tranny. More than a few have the opinion that the flush will bring on a tranny failure in a weak transmission where this method might not.<br /><br />If you do the multiple changes yourself, there is little difference in the cost of the change vs the cost of the flush - might even cost less.<br /><br />I did this partial change 3 times with in the space of a month using synthetic ATF, then went to a yearly partial change and have been happy with the results.<br /><br />just my .02 and it worked for me......<br /><br />JD

 

[20/20]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

When ever I rebuilt auto trans{been awhile} the best advise ever learned was MAKE SURE IT STAYS CLEAN! Do it proper now or you will be sorry later. Also make sure of your mech, some will tell you this or that but never do anything. Alot of mech's don't like Auto trans, toooooo scary. After it is changed check the dip stick and make sure it doesn't smell or look burnt.

 

[jimr]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

your vehicles should have plugs in the TC. Ford didn't do away with them until 2002/2003. You want to get the most old fluid out that you can. the "filters" are basicly a screen to keep big chunks out. most places have gone to the flush machines. When I lived in Boise ID I worked at a tranny/repair shop and the quick lubes that did flushes were our best repeat customers. there are mixed opinions on flushes. if you properly maintain your tranny ----service regularly----- they are great BUT if you never service it and have a ton of miles on it and having problem with it, it's not a magic bullet. also most additives are snake oil.

 

[bandit86]

Re: Discussion Please: Methods for Properly Servicing Auto Transmissions

just change the stupid tranny filter if youre changing fluids. then disconnect the line going to the cooler and catch all the oil coming out while a friend briefly starts the car, you have to get all the old oil out of the torque converter and there is no other way. half a gallon in there. when you see new fluid, shut er off.