transmission fulid Change ok???

[Graham]

I am definitely new to the whole car thing, so please be kind.
I was reading a post or two down that if your transmission fluid is dark, by putting new in fluid in, it might make things worse.
I just got a 1998 Firebird with 88000 miles and have things to fix already… and the transmission fluid needs to be changed. Am I in for a big surprise?

[JoshMcMadMac]

Here is what happens. If the transmission has been abused or the fluid hasn't ever been changed, the fluid builds up dirt and increases the "friction" of the fluid. So, the transmission becomes worn faster, which means it becomes dependant on the additional friction to keep from slipping. I typically set 100,000 miles as the point of no return, but that is on a typical car. I don't consider a sports car to be typical, since they generally take more abuse from drivers that "utilize" the sport of the vehicle. This sort of driving wears the transmission faster, especially with old fluid.

That being said, I just flushed the 96 with close to 80,000 on it and it has held up well thus far, ~2,000 miles. But it is something that you really need to think about before you do it. You need to weigh the options. If you don't change the fluid, the transmission will most likely last until 150k, which still isn't bad, but somewhere along the way performance will probably begin to faulter. Flushing it will keep it in better shape, provided it is still in decent shape.

If you do flush the system and begin to notice slippage, I would recomend to immediately get some Lucas transmission additive. Be sure to remove the same amount of transmission fluid as you are adding additive, though. Overfilling is very bad. This might help save the transmission, but that is not certain. I hope this explaination is what you were looking for, and I hope it helps.

[Graham]

Thank you !!!!!!!!
One thing I forgot to ask .
Are we talkig about an auto or manual ,....Or Does it matter.??

[JoshMcMadMac]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Graham:
Thank you !!!!!!!!
One thing I forgot to ask .
Are we talkig about an auto or manual ,....Or Does it matter.??<hr></blockquote>

Automatic, which I believe is an "M5"

[Bluebird]

A4 = Automatic 4-Speed
M5 = Manual 5-Speed

[JoshMcMadMac]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Bluebird:
A4 = Automatic 4-Speed
M5 = Manual 5-Speed<hr></blockquote>

Opps, :rolleyes: My mistake, and a STUPID one at that. Thanks Bluebird! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[Graham]

Ok Thank you guys.
One last question worse case if I am screwed .....

What will it cost me ????

And is there any way I can tell befor I change the fluid??????

[JoshMcMadMac]

Cost depends on a lot of factors. 1st, if you just go to an average tranny shop you are probably looking at about a $1500 rebuild. However, if you know a mechanic and are good at scavanging, you can probably find a used tranny and have it installed for $500.

As for knowing before hand, it is hard to tell. If the transmission has any slip to it under load, DON'T change the fluid. Take it about 60mph in OD up the steapest hill you can find and just hold that RPM for a steady climb. If the car gives even the slightest lurch or hiccup or however you wish to describe it, that is slippage and you want to leave the fluid alone. Maybe even do some Lucas. But there aren't always tell-tale signs. It's just a calculated risk. :rolleyes: