Road trip/transmission "flush"

[AMcCormick]

getting ready for a 3200 mile trip from Key West FL to Marin county CA. Can "flushing" the transmission do anything more for it than me on my own changing the fluid? I'll be towing a small box trailer and have recently had the engine serviced but not the transmission. What in the way of aside from changing the fluid can be done to service the transmission?

 

[rbattelle]

Can "flushing" the transmission do anything more for it than me on my own changing the fluid?

My personal opinion is that if the fluid (and filter) is changed regularly - say every 30k miles - then a flush isn't really necessary. If the fluid isn't changed regularly, then a flush is probably a good idea, followed by regular fluid changes.

What in the way of aside from changing the fluid can be done to service the transmission?

About the only other "regular" maintenance item on your automatic is band tension adjustment.



Ryan

 

[DPKetchum]

To change ALL of the fliud requires a Fliud Exchange. Lots of places to get it done. Just mAke sure to supply the fliud ATF+4 or that they have the proper fliud.

 

[BHolm]

The problem is, you can't really change your own fluid. You can drain out about 1/4 of it and change the filter. I am pretty sure the factory reccomendation is for fluid exchanges, they are definately worth the $100 IMO.

 

[RobertP]

just make sure if you do flush it that you change the filter afterward. because all the flush will do is clog the filter! then you will be replacing the transmission half way through your trip!

 

[AMcCormick]

Just got the truck back from the shop had the transmission flushed and a new filter. figured it was better to do a full flush. now the steering box is leaking