Drain and fill trans

[mbaker]

When you guys are doing drain and fill trans service on say an older(2006) GM car are you doing filter each time or just the first time then fluid swap a few weeks after?

 

[Lubener]

I wouldn't change the filter just weeks apart. I would get a new pan with a drain plug for your plan..If you have one already, I would install a new filter on the last drain.

 

[redhat]

I would also agree at not changing the filter that soon. Some may disagree, but man do I hate trying to fetch that gasket/oring out of there.

 

[atikovi]

My thought is the transmission sheds particles at a pretty slow rate so if you change the filter the first cycle, the new filter will still be good as new after the 2nd or 3rd cycle. Or you could just as well replace the filter just on the last go-round. And after a refill, it doesn't take long for the new fluid to mix with the old. If I have all my tools and equipment out, I wan't to do all drain and refill cycles now. A 5 or 10 mile drive is enough in my mind between cycles.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

If your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

The filter is something you only need to do once, if at all.

 

[Egg_Head]

If your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

The filter is something you only need to do once, if at all.

Or get a Mityvac and do it topside, should take out 4 quarts or more for that vehicle.

 

[LouC]

I used a Topsider vacuum oil changer with a 1/4” hose to pull 4 qts out of the dipstick tube then cracked the pan loose and but left 2 bolts on to hold it & put the 1/4” hose in the pan & pulled out most of the rest (4-5 qts). Much less mess that way. Next time I’m using a pan with a drain plug & a lube locker gasket. Not a fan of RTV.

 

[Snagglefoot]

When you guys are doing drain and fill trans service on say an older(2006) GM car are you doing filter each time or just the first time then fluid swap a few weeks after?

I find that changing the filter is over-rated. I cut apart my filter last time in my Chev 6L90 with 230,000 miles and there was very little in it. However, there was some fuzz on the magnet, which I cleaned off. I use my vacuum to pull out some and replace it once a year. The amount varies greatly by transmission, but for me, between 2 and five quarts depending on the model. My transmission fluid is always bright red.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Depends on age/mileage of vehicle and filter type

If vehicle is over 10 years old or has more than 100k miles, and has more than a wire mesh screen, then I'd recommend a filter change. I don't recommend generic filters and will recommend an OE filter/gasket/oring when available.

For any other fluid maintenance, I am one that believes in normal drain/refills or fluid exchanges and ignore the filter until that time or mileage is hit...

What is captured by a filter is unknown unless a filter is backwashed and the contents examined. Looks mean nothing.

 

[DGXR]

If your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

The filter is something you only need to do once, if at all.

I agree with replacing the filter just once, after the drivetrain is well worn in. Most trans "filters" are just fine screens and the smaller particles shedding off the transmission friction surfaces will pass through most filters. Regular drain & fills will keep the particles from building up too much while also freshening up the fluid viscosity and additives. I did drain & fills at 60k and 90k miles, then put in a new filter at 120k miles and don't plan to do the filter ever again. Just drain & fills every 30k going forward. Currently at 185k and driving perfectly.