Transmission flush
 

I know a search on this topic would probably bring up volumes of info, but wondering what the latest line of thinking is. ;)

My local Subaru shop is strongly recommending I get the tranny flushed. The fluid is definitely ready for replacing.

I know in the past members here have been against getting an actual "flush" for fear of stirring debris up inside there and causing problems.

I've read some past threads about just changing out the fluid fairly often.

But I can't find anywhere that details exactly how to do it in an idiot-proof (me) step by step. How much fluid, what kind, where does it drain, go in, filters, etc, etc? :D

Or is it worth it for me to just pay the shop $120 to have the tranny flushed and all fluid replaced at once and good to go for a long while?

Re: Transmission flush
 

Starting at 42,000 miles, I have had my tranny fluid "exchanged" every 25,000 miles by my Subaru dealer and have not had any problems to date.

The SVX Master Tech told me that, like most good flushing machines, it uses the transmissions own oil pump to move the fluid. With the engine running, the old fluid is pushed out while the new fluid is drawn in.

Actually its more of a fluid exchange than a flush. It uses the power of the operating automatic transmission to push the old fluid out, while drawing in the new fluid. I believe they are using the T-Tech system.

The mechanic connects the ATF hoses to the machine (which is filled with about 15 qts. of ATF. The car is then started and the exchange starts. The vehicle's own transmission pump regulates the exchange process, guaranteeing that proper pressure and fill are maintained. Using this much ATF guarantees almost 100% fluid exchange.

Since there is no additional pressure used to in this process, other than the tranny's own ATF pump, I wouldn't think there is anything that would disrupt or dislodge anything. It is just moving fluid at the same rate it always did, only the fluid is always fresh.

Still running strong at 119,000 miles... I use either Mobil 1 synthetic ATF or Red Line High-Temp Synthetic ATF.
.

Re: Transmission flush
 

I am definitely of the opinion tha tit is worth it just to pay the $120 and have it flushed. Our shop has been doing flushes for a good long while now and have yet to cause one to fail because of "dislodging some crap in there" or whatever you want to say. Have it flushed, and put in a GOOD synthetic like Mobil 1, or my favorite: Amsoil, and you'll be set for miles of smiles.

I use Amsoil synthetic ATF in all my 3 cars trannies, as well as Amsoil severe wear fluid in the differentials on the SVX. 75w-90 or whatever it is, I forget off hand...Anyway, runs like a top.

Re: Transmission flush
 

Once you've got a good external filter you shouldn't need to flush. just change fluid and filter a couple times. plus a "filtermag", which i'm sold on.
I agree w/ the amsoil. i just drained old, though still good reg dex and put in "super shift" which might be a lil to much, we'll see. suppose to help against slippage. i've got it in my trucks too. amsoil has a less racy trans fluids, "torque drive' and "universal atf", all synths.
i've got synth in the diff's too. though the front needed some "slip lock" to quiet the chatter.

Re: Transmission flush
 

Troy

I would avoid the flush. I would exchange it or change it. I change (without dropping the pan) every 2nd or 3rd oil change. Some do it every time they change oil. There have been many menbers who have had their tranny fail right after a flush at a shop. If you want to discuss it further, let me know. :) :)

Re: Transmission flush
 

I am also a fan of the T-Tech machine as it works as svxcess describes. Being that I don't like others touching my car I installed an external filter so I can just change that instead. A filter and cooler will keep the trans fluid happy for mannnnny miles.

Oh, and for those who have had their trans fail soon after a flush, well it was about to go anyway. I use to make customers sign a waver if I thought their car would be harmed by a flush in any way. If the thing came in with black and/or burnt fluid, a ton of miles or didn't shift proper on the 'beforehand' test drive then I would rather loose the money than have someone pissed at me. Sadly most people out there just see suckers (car owners) with their wallet open and don't know enough or give a crap about the effects of such services and how the car may be effected by it.

Re: Transmission flush
 

One curmudgeon's opinion: Automotive "flushes" of every description were conceived solely to enhance the bottom line of the shop administering the procedure. If your transmission is routinely serviced (thorough gravity drain/clean filter/refill), getting every drop of old oil out by means of a powered exchange can't possibly be of any practical benefit.

dcb

Re: Transmission flush
 

I agree with both svxcess and ensteele.:confused:
Most shops have a "trans flush machine" that used air pressure from the usually 100-120psi wall air supply.
A simple drain and fill, or using a machine that ONLY uses the trans pump pressure is the correct way to go.

Re: Transmission flush
 

Safely jack up and support your car so that you can reach the 17mm drain plug, on the drivers side of the transmission pan.
Remove the plug and you can drain out four quarts in ten minutes.
If you have the time, leave out the plug for two hours and you might drain six quarts.
If you remove the trans cooler lines from the radiator you will get a better drain.:)
If you want to change the in the pan filter, remove the twenty, 10mm head, bolts that hold the pan on.
Remove the pan and clean off the old gasket and gasket material.
There are two black bolts that hold a 1/4" transfer line across the front of the trans inside the aria covered by the pan.
Gently remove the tube by wiggling it while pulling it down.
More oil will drain.
Now remove the four gold 10mm head bolts that hold on the filter.
Remove the filter.
Install the new filter MAKING SURE THE O-RING IS ON THE INLET TUBE.
Do not overtighten the pan bolts.
You refill the transmission through the fill tube, where the transmission dipstick goes.
It is on the drivers side by the firewall.
You can use Dexron Mercon transmission oil of any brand that you like.
You can use synthetic at about $6.00 a quart or generic at about $2.00 a quart.
Hope that helps.
Tom

Re: Transmission flush
 

and the scary thing is.... that was probably all written from memory without using any references....

for crying out loud

Re: Transmission flush
 

Why is that scary???:o
















Whats a life?

Re: Transmission flush
 

I hear concussions are easy to get....

http://www.white-nova.com/images/uns...yairwrench.png

Re: Transmission flush
 

I've always been afraid of a flush but this sounds doable. John which stealer i mean dealer do you take it to.....

Re: Transmission flush
 

Scary or not, thanks Tom, that's just what I was looking for! :)

Re: Transmission flush
 

Hi Henry,
This is John Hoffman, using Toms computer.:):o
I ALWAYS go to OTs shop.:):o
Everyone should!
So, this is really him, John Hoffman, not Tom, saying
Come to my shop!




er, his shop!;);)


Thats the ticket!