Another Tranny Question

NothinButBowTies · August 8, 2006

Guys dont shoot me for starting another post about the tranny filter, but when I called Lawrence Marshall this morning to schedule my tranny service, the service advisor told me that GM is now not recommneding a filter change. He said he would do it if I wanted to, but now I am just not sure.

Any and all 2 cents would be appreciated.....

Thanks, Nick

srlbotanical · August 8, 2006

Did he say why? I know a lot of shops like to just do the flush. It's easy, fast and they can make money off it. I like to drop the pan, clean everything out and change the filter every 30K. To me it just makes sense... That filter is there to catch stuff, why leave that stuff there?

Steve

ken1mod · August 8, 2006

changing the filter is the whole reason for trans service. The filter is on the suction side which is engineering heresy because it clogs easily and bypass is not possible. when the filter clogs internal pressure drops causing clutches and bands to not squeeze tight enough and the trans goes up in smoke.

changing the filter is the necessity, not the oil.

Ken

C & A s Dad · August 8, 2006

Steve and Ken are right on the money. I would wonder if GM is recommending not to change the filter or is your dealership recommening this?

Some shops will argue that the filters are now made of screen and they do not need changing. Some are made of a screen mesh but most are stll a paper media. Etiher way, they all need changing.

If we are not to change the filter, heck lets simply shower every day and put the same dirty clothes back on. Same difference.

bigdogxx · August 8, 2006

They said this because basically they are lazy, and like what was said up above using there flush machine which probably takes them about 10 min at the most to hook up then reconnect the tranny lines after it's done is much quicker and much more of a profit maker then the old and reliable way of dropping the pan and doing it the correct way.

Not to mention all the crap it stirs up inside your tranny which is why you hear of so many cases of people having a flush done then 2 days later are getting it towed because the tranny let go.If they don't want to do it the right way find a good tranny shop and I'm sure they would like the business.

NothinButBowTies · August 8, 2006

Thanks for the input...

I completly agree with what was said above on this and will make sure the filter is changed.

I trust the service advisor. He has never given me the run around.

Thanks for input!

pm26 · August 8, 2006

Of course they will recommend no filter change. They figure, your transmission will fail out of warranty anyway, but sooner than necessary, so this way GM can sell you a rebuilt transmission , or rebuild yours for you. And they can sell you the transmission flush service for more than a complete filter and fluid change would cost.

My truck is too new for transmission service, but just at first glance at the transmission oil pan, I see that removing the pan is going to be a headache due to some linkage that appers to be in the way. How do you deal with this?

C & A s Dad · August 8, 2006

Pete, I am not 100% sure you linkage is exactly like mine but I am betting it is. It is no big deal. You will need a male torx socket (cannot rember the size) that fits on the end of a 3/8 ratchet. There are 2 of these torx bolts holding on this linkage and you have to get to the head from top. You do not have to unhook the linkage, just let it hang to the side once you remove the torx bolts. It is really not too bad once you realize how to get them out.

snorydermb · August 9, 2006

I just had my tranny replaced last week got it back yesterday truck only had 32000 miles so I asked the tech when the first service should be and he said 20000 miles but since I was going to be towing my 28ft snomobile trailer and plowing withit the new tranny has a drain plug on it so he told me to drain it after winter and replace with new fluid.

2004 sierra 2500hd

C & A s Dad · August 9, 2006

Mike, when you get ready to remove your plug for the first time, I would recommend a very high quality 6 point black impact socket. Make sure it fits good and snug on the plug and get you a long pull handle. If this is a new GM trans. the plug is installed with loctite thread locker. This is why you read so many post concerning rounding the head off the plug.

Some have said that they used a small propane torch to heat it slightly to break the loctite. I do not think this is necessary in most cases.

NothinButBowTies · August 9, 2006

This will be the second time the tranny has been serviced. I had it done at 30,000 and now again at 60,000. The first time they told me to wait on changing the filter. The cost difference was only 10 bucks, so I told them to do it anyway.

On a side note: I am going to ask them to break the drain plug loose for me this time so if I ever need to get in there myself, I wont have to deal with stripping the head of that bolt off!