How often trans filter change
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
How often trans filter change
How often should one replace the transmission fluid filter and is this something that a DIY can do?
In a previous post I mentioned a squeak under the hood which sounds like a belt squeal. I still have it even though I have repalced the belt, tensioner, and looked at the alignment of the pulleys. It seems to be coming from the area by the power steering unit. If the PS is going, wouldn't is just make a groaning sound and not a squeal? Maybe the bearing for the pulley shaft?
TIA.
In a previous post I mentioned a squeak under the hood which sounds like a belt squeal. I still have it even though I have repalced the belt, tensioner, and looked at the alignment of the pulleys. It seems to be coming from the area by the power steering unit. If the PS is going, wouldn't is just make a groaning sound and not a squeal? Maybe the bearing for the pulley shaft?
TIA.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I do a trans service every 15,000, no exceptions. Having blown one trans due to lack of maintenance is enough for me. It is not hard to do the work, just a little messy if you are not careful. What year Explorer do you have? I currently have a 99, so to be able to remove the trans pan I have to disconnect the front drive shaft from the diff to be able to get the clearance. Not hard, just four little bolts and it swings out of the way. Get a Chilton manual.. they help a ton.
As for your PS question.... every hear a car pulling away that sounds like it has a majorly slipping belt? We all know the sound... that is the PS pump. I avoided having to replace mine, when I still had my 92 X, by simply changing the fluid and going with a synthetic. It had a couple of addatives that were supposed to stop squeals and leaks but I don't remember anymore cause it has been a few years. Before pulling the PS pump try what I mentioned above... it's a lot easier. Keep us updated on what you find.
As for your PS question.... every hear a car pulling away that sounds like it has a majorly slipping belt? We all know the sound... that is the PS pump. I avoided having to replace mine, when I still had my 92 X, by simply changing the fluid and going with a synthetic. It had a couple of addatives that were supposed to stop squeals and leaks but I don't remember anymore cause it has been a few years. Before pulling the PS pump try what I mentioned above... it's a lot easier. Keep us updated on what you find.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Mine is a 99 XLT. I just went out to the local library and reserved the Chilton manual. I hope this will help me with some of things I am looking to do to it.
I have 52,000 on it, second owner, bought it with about 20,000 and have done little but do change the oil regularly.
I have 52,000 on it, second owner, bought it with about 20,000 and have done little but do change the oil regularly.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Do the trans service and check the front and rear diffs. Also check the transfer case. I just had to repalce the fluid at 52,000. Fluid was burnt and the level was low. The book is only about $17, so it may be worth investing in it. That way, you can look at the maintenance schedule and see if you could do it yourself.
Hope that helps... and good luck with the trans job.
Hope that helps... and good luck with the trans job.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
When you drop the pan
Tighten the valve body bolts. These are only about 9 ft-lb, a good hand twist. The 5R55E is prone to blowing out the gasket due to bolt spacing as the gasket ages. I bought a spare tranny with only 52k with this problem so it doesn't have to be old. I added a tranny cooler and remote spin on filter to my 99. Changing fluid is a good idea but not a cure all. Secret is still temperature. They now have a cast aluminum pan that adds an extra 2 quiart for $165. Thinking about getting that. Allways found Fords produce a lot of metal. I put 5 extra ceramic magnets in pan to catch the stuff. Newer Micrefelt filter in these late models do pick up dirt and need to be changed. These are super cheap $10 at www.bulkpart.com compared with $23 retail. Bulk doesn't come with gaskets and O rings. At 145K and heve every confidence I will get over 200K with this tranny.
Lucas tranny stuff works with power steering sometimes. Use a turkey baster method to clean up the fluid first with about 3 quarts.
Lucas tranny stuff works with power steering sometimes. Use a turkey baster method to clean up the fluid first with about 3 quarts.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
Paul-Fl, I'm in tampa and just had my trans.services.The shop said it's a good idea to have all the fluid flushed (power flush) at 60000 miles this help get the stumble out of the trans. They also said you don't want to go over 30000 on the services.
