Transmission Filter Change???

[jray06]

Got a 2001 Z71 5.3 that has 150k on it. I got it when it had about 54k and I have never changed the tranny filter, I've heard that you should and shouldnt change them. What is everybody's thoughts on this because the last thing I want to do is replace the whole tranny from neglect?

[jdmccright]

I'm thinking old-school here, but I'd say 150k miles is more than long enough on a filter. Even if the manual says only the fluid has to be changed, if you've got the pan off (which you should to inspect the magnet attached to the bottom for metallic debris) you might as well change the filter, too.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jray06

Got a 2001 Z71 5.3 that has 150k on it. I got it when it had about 54k and I have never changed the tranny filter, I've heard that you should and shouldnt change them. What is everybody's thoughts on this because the last thing I want to do is replace the whole tranny from neglect?

If I were an auto manufacturer I would tell you to never change your oil or fluids and filters ....why would I want you to get hundreds of thousands of trouble free mileage ?


My opinion ! the correct interval on these fluids in my vehicle usage on the trannsmission is 3o,ooomi,,,replacing the filter is done every change or skip one ..depends on the debris in pan...usually the first fluid change has the most debris...

I 've owned 4 vehicles since 1967 and never needed or had any tranny issues...but I used a lot of tranny fluid and filters...

my last vehicle was a 1983 with 380,ooomi 17 yrs , original engine tranny no repairs..now let see how long this 2000 silverado can go...

[transman618]

Its already been neglected, automatics need to be serviced with a pan drop fluid/filter change every 25-30k miles regardless of what your owners manual says. I would drop the pan and service it now.


transman

[mudrunner80]

Just about every time I've changed a transmission filter, the transmission usually blows shortly after. Bad timing maybe but I can almost count on doing a tranny replace shortly after a filter change. Something so simple turns into a major headache. Thats just my luck on the subject.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by mudrunner80

Just about every time I've changed a transmission filter, the transmission usually blows shortly after. Bad timing maybe but I can almost count on doing a tranny replace shortly after a filter change. Something so simple turns into a major headache. Thats just my luck on the subject.

If you personally do these fluid / filter maintenance servicing of the trannsmission , what is you proceedure , step by step ?

perhaps the forums can help you avoid this unneccessary failure..

the fluid must be clean, the filter must be correct , and installed correctly, the use of certain chemicals, sealants are not to be used ...replacing the transmission fluid when it starts acting up then , IT'S TOO LATE...

when the transmission has gone too long on a fluid change this then requires the total system to be replaced with new fluid ..thats about 12 qts...

[jd-autotech]

i wanna say change it now but, i know its a dice roll, there comes a time when its to late and not changing it at all will actually last longer,but normally i am firm believer in reg. fluid changes

[mudrunner80]

Originally Posted by j cAT

If you personally do these fluid / filter maintenance servicing of the trannsmission , what is you proceedure , step by step ?

perhaps the forums can help you avoid this unneccessary failure..

the fluid must be clean, the filter must be correct , and installed correctly, the use of certain chemicals, sealants are not to be used ...replacing the transmission fluid when it starts acting up then , IT'S TOO LATE...

when the transmission has gone too long on a fluid change this then requires the total system to be replaced with new fluid ..thats about 12 qts...

what is the propper way to "flush" the entire system? Transfer case included?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by mudrunner80

what is the propper way to "flush" the entire system? Transfer case included?

transfercase you simply clean the magnetic plugs, replace with tracII fluid every 30,ooomi..most all comes out do it in warm weather componets hot..most all will come out..


with the transmission you replace the filter clean pan use mineral spirits and blow dry with a hiar dryer ...fill tranny with 5qts of fluid...


do not start engine,,remove the one transmission cooler line at radiator and with an assistant as the engine is started fluid will come out of the fluid line/radiator replace as this is flowing out ..this will cycle out all the old fluid ..I do a gallon at a time 4qts so that would be 2 gallons at almost...now all the old is gone..then correct for proper tranny level...


so what are your tranny service intervals normally ? do you do this work ? If not who is ruining your tranny's ?

[jray06]

Dont know if it was ever changed prior to the 100k that I've put on it but I have never had any problems or had to add any fluid to it. Guess I will change it when it warm up. Priced them online the other day and it looks as if they run anywhere from $1300 to $1500.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jray06

Dont know if it was ever changed prior to the 100k that I've put on it but I have never had any problems or had to add any fluid to it. Guess I will change it when it warm up. Priced them online the other day and it looks as if they run anywhere from $1300 to $1500.

if you got this vehicle at 50K and now at 150K your thinking of doing some tranny maintenace its too late to save this ..

your probably correct that it was never changed...droping the tranny pan and examining the fiter/pan debris will indicate how bad this is..your chances of going much further, with this tranny are not good, no matter what you do...

[Elbert]

changing trans filter and fluid has no negative impact on transmission life / performance. In fact it's the other way around. You should change the transmission filter and fluid around every 30K in miles, unless you tow a great deal and then I would do it more often. When I say change the fluid I'm just talking about swapping the fluid that you loose out of the pan and what drains out...not a total flush.

Some people are of the opinion that a trans flush will increase the odds of getting crap in the valve body.

I've been changing the trans fluid and filters as described above for 20+ years without issue.