High Mileage Transmission Fluid

[johnsmellsalot]

I changed my transmission fluid a while back because I noticed "black dust" in it. The fluid was still red when I changed it. I wiped the dipstick on a paper towel a week later and still saw the black dust. I told the mechanic to check it out and he said that the clutch plate was wearing out (It's an automatic). He said it was normal for cars with that many miles. I have 172,000. The transmission doesn't really slip but it shifts roughly. My question is will a high mileage transmission fluid help stop the clutch plates from slipping and help extend the life of the clutch discs? The car is a 1999 Buick Century and it takes Dexron III.

 

[Mirra456]

Did you change the filter when you change fluid I use castrol ATF. Highmileage transmission fluid very good fluid

 

[qdeezie]

High Mileage ATF in my opinion is really good stuff. I was using el cheapo transmission fluid in my truck and decided to replace it with Valvoline Maxlife ATF and the truck started shifting so smoothly, it made me downright nervous because the el cheapo fluid had my truck doing all kinds of bucking and weird shifting and all of that type of stuff. Maxlife made it shift almost like it was new.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: qdeezie
Maxlife made it shift almost like it was new.

I've heard lots of good things about MaxLife DEX/MERC ATF. When our Saturn (which has a Honda transmission) hits 60K, the Z-1 is coming out and MaxLife is going in.

 

[spasm3]

What is the difference in high mileage dex III and regular dex III, is it viscosity or just seal swelling agents? anyone know for sure what the difference is?

 

[tomcat27]

you're always gonna find clutch material in an automatic - even early in its life. it does not mean that it is worn out - its simply that there is always some wear on the clutches. of course, 172l is a decent amount of miles on a transmission - depending on brand, driving style.

 

[johnsmellsalot]

Ya I changed the filter.
Originally Posted By: Mirra456
Did you change the filter when you change fluid I use castrol ATF. Highmileage transmission fluid very good fluid