Transmission Flush vs. filter and fluid change
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From: San Diego, CA
Why would you do a flush if you knew a tranny was on it's last leg?
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From: Claxton, GA
Because the customers tell the service writer or Tech's what the tranny is doing. It can give you an excellent idea of what is going on with their vehicle. Signs are slipping, not moving when putting in gear somtimes, noise, shudder, and other things that might happen. As far as why do it, it's either take a chance with the fluid exchange or rebuild/replace the transmission. Most times people can get by for another 25,000 to 50,000 miles depending on how bad it is.
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From: San Diego, CA
Because the customers tell the service writer or Tech's what the tranny is doing. It can give you an excellent idea of what is going on with their vehicle. Signs are slipping, not moving when putting in gear somtimes, noise, shudder, and other things that might happen. As far as why do it, it's either take a chance with the fluid exchange or rebuild/replace the transmission. Most times people can get by for another 25,000 to 50,000 miles depending on how bad it is.
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I find it hard to believe that a fluid exchange is destroying transmissions. If this were true, wouldn't this be more than a handful of cases ? I can't even imagine how many fluid exchange machines there are across the country. If a flush was done and then the transmission went south, I find it hard to believe the flush alone was the culprit.
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For those of you guys doing your own tranny service, whether dropping the pan and just changing oil in the pan, or doing the entire fluid exchange, what are you doing about the band adjustment. Are you doing that on your own, or dealer, or disregarding?
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From: Forest Grove, Oregon
Having the Band adjustment is up to you. I've had several re-builders over the years tell me not to have them adjusted at all and some people on the forums say its needed at every service. I did get my local Dodge SM to say I did not need to adjust mine at every service as my truck is not driven in town very much. Oh the SM also said more people should use Tow/Haul mode when driving in town.
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From: New Mexico
I find it hard to believe that a fluid exchange is destroying transmissions. If this were true, wouldn't this be more than a handful of cases ? I can't even imagine how many fluid exchange machines there are across the country. If a flush was done and then the transmission went south, I find it hard to believe the flush alone was the culprit.
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From: Claxton, GA
You obviously have never been a tech. Customers have very good information, they just don't know it. Talking with them helps point you in the right direction when driveability problems arise so you can duplicate the issue. Nothings fishy, its not rocket science. I'm done!!!!!
As I said before, Here we go again.....
As I said before, Here we go again.....
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From: San Diego, CA
You obviously have never been a tech. Customers have very good information, they just don't know it. Talking with them helps point you in the right direction when driveability problems arise so you can duplicate the issue. Nothings fishy, its not rocket science. I'm done!!!!!
As I said before, Here we go again.....
As I said before, Here we go again.....
Come on..............
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From: Middletown In.
I would kindof be skeptical of the flush systems. When I worked at the transmission shop a couple years ago, it was amazing how many people came in having transmission problems, who had just had their transmissions flushed.
It seems as if the flushing often dislodges something either from the filter, magnet, etc, and debris becomes stuck on a valve in the valve body, or other close tolerance bore. Although we had a flush machine, we always recommended dropping the pan, and changing the filter instead...even though it meant more labor and not as much profit.
If the customer wanted a "complete" fluid change, we would drop the pan, fill back up with fluid. Then, drive around the block a few times, and do it again.
Flushing seems to work for some, but I've seen a lot of problems coincidentally arising from flushes as well...too many to recommend to a friend, for sure. --Eric
It seems as if the flushing often dislodges something either from the filter, magnet, etc, and debris becomes stuck on a valve in the valve body, or other close tolerance bore. Although we had a flush machine, we always recommended dropping the pan, and changing the filter instead...even though it meant more labor and not as much profit.
If the customer wanted a "complete" fluid change, we would drop the pan, fill back up with fluid. Then, drive around the block a few times, and do it again.
Flushing seems to work for some, but I've seen a lot of problems coincidentally arising from flushes as well...too many to recommend to a friend, for sure. --Eric
Mark
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I think that we have all made some pretty good points on this topic. If you tranny has never been serviced and has 100k on it, yer dumb for flushing it, BUT if you do a routine flush ever 20-30k and keep the fluid in good shape so there isn't any debis build up you'll be fine. I think you should do what ever makes you feel the best. Personally I pull the plug on my pan every other oil change, and put in 6 qts of fresh oil, change the filter ever 18k, and flush every 30k. It may be overkill, but when u spend the money on these trucks you might as well maintain em. Like i said, do what u think is best. It's yer choice.
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From: San Diego, CA
I have heard people say they have used Amsoil without issue however it is not ATF +4. I feel comfortable with ATF +4 only based on lots Q&A with knowledgeable Tranny guys. When talking about the 48RE, Amsoil would not be a better replacement over ATF +4, it's just a replacement.
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From: Forest Grove, Oregon
I have Amsoil ATF in my transmission right now and have not had any problems with it being in there. BTW, Dodge ATF 4+ is made from Group III dino oil base stock. Amsoil synthetic ATF is made from Group IV base stock that is chemically engineered.