tranny flush

[raptorman53]

Hello, everyone. I am looking to change my transmission fluid real soon. Everyplace I have called so far just flushes the transmission. I understand the reason for the flush. I am not sure why they would not want to replace the filter. So, far the prices that I have gotten have been from $160 to $260. The Transmission is a 4L60E I believe. I would appreciate peoples thoughts. Thanks

 

[nfs480]

Any mechanic should replace the filter if requested. The only places I see refusing to do this would be quick-lubes.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Sometimes the filter is deep within the valve body and non user-servicable and would require Overhaul Tear-Down to access it.

 

[Spector]

Flushing is a back flush which is why they do not normally replace the filter but I concur, if you are going to do it correctly replace it. However, in my entire life and I don't know how many vehicles I have never had a flush done, a drain and fill is fine if done in reasonable time frames and you can do it yourself for peanuts compared to a flush. say every 30,000-50,000 with synthetic a just go. if not drain plug then get and extractor, worth the cost over your lifetime.

 

[DieselTech]

The 4L60E Filter is easily accessable and should be changed. The only filters not requiring being changed are the screen types in many of the newer or ford tranny's that also have a factory bypass filter on them. Find a shop to do it right!!

 

[Kaboomba]

I once paid $150 for a pan-off + flush w/Schaeffer 204SAT in my 4T60E. It sounds like some of these places just want to rip you off.

The costs to the shop:

Fluid: $4/qt ($4 for good quality or syn ATF--the max would be $7) x 14 qt (assuming a total exchange)= $56 to $98

Labor: .35 hr x $30/hr = $11

Machine time: .25 hr x $20/hr = $5

Overhead: .25 hr x $30/hr = $8

Total: $80 to $122
Profit +30%: $105 to $160

I realize I am being generous on some items, and things like overhead and labor costs can vary.

 

[Kestas]

I too am lukewarm on changing media filters in a transmission. After the break-in service where it makes sense to change the filter, it just doesn't load up with debris afterward. I agree with dropping the pan to clean out the silt and magnet, and exchanging the fluid each service, but I don't see the big whoop on replacing the filter. Inspect it and leave it in place if it isn't loaded up.

 

[raptorman53]

Thanks for the reply's. I should say that the prices that I have gotten are from 3 GM dealerships. All three had a different price and added another 50 bucks to change the filter. I am a little leery about the quicklube places. The last time I visited one they couldn't put my skid plates back on right and they over tightened the drain plug.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

My stepfather is having good results having the local high school to do most of the work on his car. I just bought a filter/pan gasket kit and ATF for his 94 Corsica. Labor will be free. So, it should be less than $40.00.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

They have to be careful over torqing the drain plug. The metal at least on my oil pan is really thin, and I could see stripping a possibility if overdone enough. Likely they would just leave it in place so you don't figure out until next oil change.

22 ft-lbs should suffice, but I would check the manual.

 

[bustednutz]

About every 20k I just do a drain and refill with Synthetic trans fluid. I know that there is still old stuff left in the converter as well, but I feel that as long as its getting freshened up, all is well.