OEReplacement News


Few people give much thought to their automatic transmission, whirling along quietly without a problem. Then one day, something happens. Suddenly, an automatic transmission starts slipping. Whether it’s serious may depend on whether there’s been regular maintenance. Maybe it’s leaking fluid: it’s time for the dreaded automatic transmission rebuild or repair. Very often, though, none of that would have been needed if there’d only been a new automatic transmission filter kit installed.

When automatic transmission fluid circulates through transmissions, it does more than lubricate the transmission parts. It’s actually one of the components that makes a torque converter work, transmitting power from engine to the wheels. So the first line of defense against transmission problems is a transmission flush, part of any transmission service. We recommend transmission fluid changes every other year for all transmissions, including the popular GM TH-700R4 or 4L60 automatic transmission. After that, the typical transmission service interval is 50,000 miles, which is when it’s time for a new automatic transmission filter kit, along with fresh ATF. If you don’t do it, expect transmission problems at 60,000 miles.

A transmission service can actually fix many minor transmission problems before it’s time for repair. Transmission fluid breaks down over time, and troubleshooting doesn’t always mean it’s time for an expensive rebuilt transmission, or even any transmission parts other than the transmission filter and gasket that come in automatic transmission filter kits. Over time, contaminants build up in the filter, lowering the pressure within the transmission hydraulic system and causing slow shifting, hard shifting, slipping and other transmission problems.

The other benefit of a transmission service that includes an automatic transmission filter kit is it provides an opportunity for inspection of the filter itself. Since the filter has trapped any particles that are inside the transmission fluid, just looking at the filter will show at a glance if the transmission has any problems. Clean, but used up fluid, is a good sign, but small metal particles, or burned-looking fluid, can mean transmission problems. The longer the interval between routine transmission services, the more likely automatic transmission problems are to develop–not minor transmission fluid issues, but the big problems that require transmission repair or rebuild. A couple of bucks for a new automatic transmission filter kit starts to look like an awfully good deal when you think about it.



Filed under: Product News by Josh Razgunas On: January 13th, 2010