Just completed a Trans. Filter Change.

I just got done changing the trans filter and fluid. It was just as easy as doing a oil change. I did, however, run into a few problems while performing maintance.

After I drained the trans fluid and dropped the trans pan, I reached up to pull down on the filter. I guess I either pulled to hard or the damn thing was just brittle as all hell. Because when I pulled on it, it broke at the neck of the nozzle end. So, now I had this filter neck stuck inside the transmission. I yelled and screamed a little. Then I took a few breaths and assessed the situation.

I found that if I chissle the rest of it out, it will break apart and leave me with just the sleeve left to pull out. Well, it worked but the damn sleeve was stuck in there. I just left it in.

Now, with a old sleeve on, I installed the filter. It felt snug inside the sleeve, so I felt comfortable about using the old one.

I bought 6 QTS of Mobile 1 synthetic trans fluid, and put it in with out a hitch.

This is the first time this car has had this done in 135,000 miles. I feel a little sketchy about this fluid change. I hope it don't drop my tranny.

Anyone else feel my worries?

The gasket sticks on almost every single trans fluid service I've done. You just need to check the condition of it; if it looks like hell, pull teeth and get it out. If it looks good, go ahead and slap the filter on.

First-time high mileage trans fluid changes are a bit risky, but that's only IF the trans was in bad shape before the change, something that a simple once-over can't determine.

The gasket sticks on almost every single trans fluid service I've done. You just need to check the condition of it; if it looks like hell, pull teeth and get it out. If it looks good, go ahead and slap the filter on.

First-time high mileage trans fluid changes are a bit risky, but that's only IF the trans was in bad shape before the change, something that a simple once-over can't determine.


The gasket looked ok. At least good enough to use for the filter change. It didn't look cracked or gouged or anything to that nature.

Now the Trans was not in any bad shape, just shifted a little hard, I thought. Now that's I put "MOBILE ONE - FULL SYNTHETIC" in, it feels great. I don't even notice the damn thing shift, when before I felt every gear.

I guess I will have to be nice to it for at least 3,000 miles.

What does everyone else think?

The filter is actually retained by the pan, so your filter won't fall out. The only possible down side is that it may suck a little air past the old seal and under extremely heavy loads, cause foaming of your fluid. If you don't tow with it, or drive in the mountains, I'd say you have nothing to worry about. On a side note, I recommend against using synthetic fluids on high mileage vehicles, because it flows slightly thinner than conventional fluid, and can cause leaks past worn seals.

I see your point about synthetic oils. It is true it will leak. I don't doubt my system will leak (hasn't yet). But, eventually, the synthectic oil will cure all seals and basicilly make them like brand new. That is the most important part of synthetic oils. It conditions seals to make them like new.


This subject has been debated about a lot. If you want more information about what synthetic oils will do, then I suggest googleing it.