I just added auto rx to my transmission in my 1994 Subaru Legacy with 160k. My question is that the filter on the transmission is a screen literally, it basically had no contamination on it after so many miles (to my knowledge this is the original filter). The history of the car is that it had a 30k transmission service then nothing beyond. The fluid was dark and used up but doesn't seem burnt or heavily contaminated. I have changed it twice now so its basically new fluid with the auto rx, with each change The pan was clean no junk and not much clutch sludge even. So my question is does the filter need re-changed after the auto rx clean cycle and re-change of fluid. My point being im not sure what this filter is going to catch other than birds or squirrels in the oil.....
auto rx in transmission filter change question
- Thread starter Dupree
- Start date
- Status
also as a side note the reason I ask is the transmission pan is a terror to remove as it requires exhaust removal so if I can avoid it all the better, I just cant see a metal screen as doing much, it should also be noted that the transmission is shifting good, this is more preventative maintenance to keep it that way.
As you noticed, the filter screens are there to prevent birds and squirrels from getting into your transmission. Seriously it really doesn't filter, it just prevents large particles that would kill a transmission from getting past it. You should be fine not replacing it. And since you've already dropped the pan twice (and presumably cleaned off the magnet), there's really no reason not to just use a fluid evacuator this time around.
Even though the transmission was not serviced for 130k miles, it's unlikely that there's any appreciable amount of deposits in the transmission, aside from some varnish. What not servicing the transmission for 130k really did was increase the wear on the transmission clutch plates/friction plates. I'm not implying the transmission is damaged but rather there would have been less wear with regular fluid changes. But at least it was changed at 30k which got the break in wear out of the system (which is the most important fluid change in the life of a transmission). In short, all you're going to get in the fluid from the auto-rx treatment is some varnish off the transmission (which will be in suspension) and nothing will be stuck in the filter.
Side note: This was also based on the fact that it did not smell burnt, burnt smell generally equals deposits. But dark is normal and your transmission should be fine!
Even though the transmission was not serviced for 130k miles, it's unlikely that there's any appreciable amount of deposits in the transmission, aside from some varnish. What not servicing the transmission for 130k really did was increase the wear on the transmission clutch plates/friction plates. I'm not implying the transmission is damaged but rather there would have been less wear with regular fluid changes. But at least it was changed at 30k which got the break in wear out of the system (which is the most important fluid change in the life of a transmission). In short, all you're going to get in the fluid from the auto-rx treatment is some varnish off the transmission (which will be in suspension) and nothing will be stuck in the filter.
Side note: This was also based on the fact that it did not smell burnt, burnt smell generally equals deposits. But dark is normal and your transmission should be fine!
I thought Subarus, like my 2000 Foreter used an external spin-on oil filter.
Originally Posted By: Eddie
I thought Subarus, like my 2000 Foreter used an external spin-on oil filter.
The newer 4EAT transmission does not have the spin-on oil filter. They started the change around the turn of the century so yours might have just missed it. The older ones do have a spin-on oil filter; but it should also have a metal screen on the intake for the pump, which is what I thought the OP was talking about.
I thought Subarus, like my 2000 Foreter used an external spin-on oil filter.
The newer 4EAT transmission does not have the spin-on oil filter. They started the change around the turn of the century so yours might have just missed it. The older ones do have a spin-on oil filter; but it should also have a metal screen on the intake for the pump, which is what I thought the OP was talking about.
they started the external spin on filter around 95 and I think eliminated it around 99 on the 4eat. So nope I just have a window screen for a filter .lol
Originally Posted By: Dupree
they started the external spin on filter around 95 and I think eliminated it around 99 on the 4eat. So nope I just have a window screen for a filter .lol
It's not just Subaru that stopped it around 2000, every manufacturer seemed to have. They must have had a good reason because if you look at a diagram of the transmission it's not any more difficult to manufacture one with a spin on filter as compared to no spin on filter.
they started the external spin on filter around 95 and I think eliminated it around 99 on the 4eat. So nope I just have a window screen for a filter .lol
It's not just Subaru that stopped it around 2000, every manufacturer seemed to have. They must have had a good reason because if you look at a diagram of the transmission it's not any more difficult to manufacture one with a spin on filter as compared to no spin on filter.
MolaKule
Staff member
Not unless the fluid turns real dark real soon, say within 5,000 miles.
I assumed you added the suggested amount of AutoRx for the transmissions fluid capacity.
If you are using modern fluids speced for the Suby, I see no reason for AutoRx in the transmission.
I assumed you added the suggested amount of AutoRx for the transmissions fluid capacity.
If you are using modern fluids speced for the Suby, I see no reason for AutoRx in the transmission.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked