Some fast lube places service transmissions
by "flushing" the transmission using a special machine that
acts like a blood transfusion machine. It pumps out the transmission
fluid, filters it, then recirculates it back into the transmission
several times until the fluid is clean. I have mixed emotions about
automatic transmission flush this procedure. Yes, I will agree that with this
machine it is possible to remove more of the old dirty fluid from inside
the transmission than the
automatic transmission flush conventional method of removing the transmission
pan, draining the fluid and replacing the internal
filter, but I feel
automatic transmission flush very strongly that the internal filter should
also be changed. Metal and plastic debris become lodged in the filter,
and I have
automatic transmission flush seen the filter itself break down and become
compacted to the point that it restricts fluid flow.
If the fluid has become contaminated with water or some
other foreign fluid, then I would recommend the flush method, but for
regular maintenance I prefer the tried-and-true way of draining the
automatic transmission flush old fluid and replacing the filter. If you have
any doubt as to what method would be right for your vehicle, seek the
advice of a qualified transmission shop. I really feel the reason these
fast lube places have adopted this flush method is because it lessons
the chance of
automatic transmission flush "mechanic
error" while removing the transmission pan and filter, not necessarily
because it is the best way to perform transmission maintenance. |
