Transmission Filter – Is Now the Time to Change Yours?
The transmission system in a car is a very important part of the driving experience- shifting the power load from the engines to the actual torque and turns of its wheels. It adjusts to the gear changes and allows the car to run smoothly. But what happens if this system is blocked? You guessed it- it’s not good.
What Does a Transmission Filter Do?
The transmission filter makes sure to prevent any dirt and debris and even tiny metal pieces floating in the lubricating fluids, from getting into the transmission. It traps these contaminants and stops them from causing a mess in the smooth sailing system of a vehicle.
Signs That You Need a Change
This filter is placed above the transmission pan, and if clogged, will manifest in a few different ways. For instance, an unexplained rattling and/or whirring sound can be heard, there might be leakage of transmission fluid and smell of fuel. Moreover, the driver might face resistance while changing gears and the neutral gear setting may be very noisy.
Components of a Transmission Filter Kit
Even though replacing just the filter is an option, most people go for replacing the entire transmission kit. The new kit will include:
- Transmission Filter
- Gasket
- Pickup Tube
- Seal
Now that we have the basics covered, let us dive into the real questions:
When Should You Change Your Transmission Filter?
It usually takes different time periods for different vehicles, to get to the point where their transmission filters are clogged and become sub-optimal in their functionality. The general estimate put forth is about 2 years or after a distance of 30,000 miles has been covered. In the newer, automatic transmission vehicles, this figure can rise to 100,000 miles before a transmission filter change is needed.
Can I Change My Transmission Kit Myself?
The short answer is, you can. You should try not to, but if it is really important, these are the basic steps you will need to take. First, remove the transmission pan and drain the fluid out. That would take up a long time and will get quite messy. After that is done, you will have to take out the old filter and screw the new one in. You will also have to use the gasket to reseal the transmission system.
On the other hand, if you only require changing the transmission fluid, you may not have to replace the whole kit. Some cars, however, present more challenges according to their particular features so make sure to do tons of research before you attempt this on your own!
Can’t I Just Clean the Filter Instead?
Again, this is not a question of whether you can, but of whether you should. If you want to preserve the quality of your driving experience and ensure a good, long life for your vehicle you should go for a replacement instead of a tedious and less effective ‘cleaning’ process. In some cases when cleaning is the only option- like in older models, whose filters have been discontinued by the manufacturer, you will have to disassemble the whole thing and put it back together in the same way when you are done. The cleaning itself is done using a disc brake cleaner and a toothbrush. For the outer edges of the transmission filter, a filer is used to remove excess accumulations and debris.
Remember that each car is different, and it is best to take yours for regular maintenance visits to stay on top of any issues that need addressing.
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