How Does Transmission Fluid Work in Manual Transmissions?
Transmission fluid is used to prevent overheating and the premature wear of gears in manual transmissions. In addition to this, the transmission fluid keeps the temperature of the gears cool and lubricated.
Make and model largely determine the type of transmission fluid used for vehicles. The specifications are usually outlined in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Keeping an eye out for contaminated transmission fluid is paramount. Transmission fluid that appears to contain shards of metal which come from one bearings were synchronizers could be early warning signs of internal transmission problems.
How Does Transmission Fluid Work in Automatic Transmissions?
Gear movement starts from the hydraulic system that is powered by the force of pressurized transmission fluid moving through the transmission system, in automatic transmission vehicles. The transmission fluid in automatic transmission vehicles also powers the transmission.
The fluid in automatic transmission vehicles will naturally breakdown and dissipate over time Due to the amount of friction and heat produced by the regular use of an automatic transmission. We regularly recommend the owners of automatic transmission vehicles to check their transmission fluid levels regularly. Transmission fluid levels are low, you could encounter problems.
Owners of vehicles with automatic transmission owners should also be on the lookout for fluid contamination caused by wearing gears, and transmission fluid leaks. Stop by West Ave Automotive & Transmission do you have one of our experience the technicians check the fluid level of your transmission.
Routine Maintenance on an Automatic Transmission
- We obtain the transmission history with the owner of the vehicle
- Test drive the vehicle to see how the transmission performs
- Check the transmission for leaks
- Remove the sump pan- draining 4 to 6 quarts of fluid
- Inspect the contents closely for signs of unusual materials in the fluid such as shards of metal, worn off internal parts etc.
- Clean the pan, replace the filter (if serviceable) and gasket and re-install the pan
- Add fluid to the full mark
- Road test the vehicle again
Transmission Fluid Leak Evaluation
There could be numerous reason for fluid leakage. Some reasons can be harmless while others can indicate minor and major problems. Our experienced technicians will help you understand what system component is leaking.
Includes:
- Inspection by our experienced technicians
- Diagnosis of leaking components
- Recommendations for repair or replacement parts
What is the Difference Between a Transmission Flush and a Transmission Fluid Service
There are two significant differences between a transmission service, which is also known as routine maintenance for a transmission, and a transmission flush. The first difference is during a transmission service, approximately 4 to 6 quarts- which is about 40%-45% of the transmission’s fluid is changed whereas a transmission flush changes nearly 100% of the fluid. We do not do flushes at West Ave Automotive & Transmission.
A pan drop service is the second difference. This is the service we perform at our San Antonio Transmission shop. The pan drop service allows a tech to view any debris that may have worn off the internal parts of the transmission and with the flush procedure. A this point the pan is not yet been removed. In order to flush the transmission fluid, we disconnect the transmission’s cooling lines at the radiator. A third difference is that the flush does not allow for the filter to be replaced.
