I'm not sure if the owner before me changed the transmission fluid, is it safe to change it anyway?
And what kind of symptoms would a dirty transaxle give?
By
rajmaraj863, November 2, 2010
I'm not sure if the owner before me changed the transmission fluid, is it safe to change it anyway?
And what kind of symptoms would a dirty transaxle give?
If in doubt, drain and refill the transaxle - do not flush it. That is the least harmful way to get that older fluid out. As you drive, the fluid will circulate and mix with the existing fluid in the system - since you can only drain a portion of the total fluid capacity. 4-speed transaxle is something like 12 quarts, but there is only about 4 quarts in the pan - the rest is in the lines, torque converter, etc. 3-speed transaxle is a special beast - as it has two separate drain and refill reservoirs/ports - 2.5 quarts from the transaxle drain pan, and 1.5 quarts from the differential.
Shops that service transaxle will do just a drain and refill if you ask them. Otherwise, they'll do a flush (easier for them and they can make more money).
Would they be able to change the filter as well?
Sure, I'd be surprised if they couldn't do that. Have to drop the pan to get at the filter, pretty simple process. There are little magnets on the inside of the pan, if they are able to, see if they will allow you to see how much metal shavings have collected on them. Some cars have very little shavings, some have a considerable amount.
If they look like these:
https://media.photobucket.com/image/metal%20shavings%20in%20transmission/peter_x/SANY0053.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_x6-ZV2czdq0/SOPtyX04FTI/AAAAAAAARxM/5-crdjVYxXI/s912/CIMG0737.JPG
That is OK - looks a lot worse that it actually is. As long as the shavings are as fine as mud, no discernible "chunks" - you are fine.
But if they look like this:
http://rockcrawl.org/Liquor/Images/Hemi%20Work/IMG_2530.JPG
Where there are sizeable "chunks" in there, then you could be looking at a serious transaxle issue.
Hello again, sorry to bring this old thread up, but i just want to give an update on the status of my situation.
The rear wheel bearings were causing the tumbling noises. The shaking, mainly of the steering wheel, were worn tie rod ends. The catalytic converter was actually clogged, there was a real bad burnt oil smell when we revved it, delay in acceleration. And the transmission (not too sure about that one, but my cousin was), and the 2nd gear was slipping.
We went ahead and sold the car, (Normally, i would've kept it and fixed it up, but it was about time to get a new car as i had the opportunity)
I got the new 2011 Corolla S (The body actually doesn't look that bad on the super white).
I just wanted to say thanks for your taking your time to help me out, i really appreciate it.
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