Transmission filter change?

[WishIHad$$$]

Well last weekend, my car rolled over 60,000 miles. :(

This weekend I'm going to be flushing the radiator and doing an oil change, and I figured I'd change the tranny fluid as well. Now according to my Haynes manual, I should change the transmission fluid and the filter. But someone else told me the Chilton's manual said the filter could be cleaned with tranny fluid. Is this true? Should I buy a new transmission filter?

[Dr Todd]

"....filter could be cleaned with tranny fluid. Is this true? Should I buy a new transmission filter?"

It would be like re-using your oil filter.
Yes, buy a new filter. It comes with a gasket. Also, tighten the oil pan bolts like you would putting on a wheel...alternate the tightening pattern. Do not get the bolts too tight.

DrTodd
"still green but ripe" Ha

[Question]

Yes, like Todd said go ahead and change your Filter, you wouldnt wanna reuse your oil filter, would ya?

Dont worry Todd, you'll be looking for 13's soon... ;)

[terminaldegree]

Change the filter. It's cheap and easy. Pretty much all ATF is the same if it's non-synthetic, so just buy that $4 gallon at Wallyworld. Reuse the original gasket if it's in good condition, and definitely DO NOT overtighten the pan bolts.

Also, be careful not to overfill your transmission, as what the manual states [capacity] and what actually comes out may not be the same amount of fluid. One way to get close to the right amount back in is to pour in a gallon of new ATF, refill the gallon container from the "waste" ATF container, pour in a new quart, refill that container, etc. until everything's gone. Then drive it around a bit and top off the level while warm.

[HBHRacing]

it's not like not changing your oil filter. Trans fluid contains cleaners and solvents that pretty much keep things from getting jamed up in the filter. The filter is also not as small as the eiments in a oil filter. They rearly get cloged and if it was you would know it. Do yourself a favor and pay the 60-80 bucks and get a transmision FLUSH. Why would you want to only change a 1/3 of your tranny fluid by droping the pan. Thats like only removing 1.5 quarts of oil, changing your filter and caling it good enough. the flush will also push new fluid through the flter cleaning it