How about a ZF 5HP24 Transmission Fluid Change and Failures Poll?

[sasquatch]

Let me say something......I think the majority of you are a little misinformed about transmission fluid changes. The ONLY proper way to change the fluid is to have it power flushed and filled by a shop/dealer with the equipment to do so. I'm all for DIY projects but this is one you should not do in your garage. It is impossible to remove all of the old fluid out of the torque converter even if you drain/refill several times over a short period.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

Let me say something......I think the majority of you are a little misinformed about transmission fluid changes. The ONLY proper way to change the fluid is to have it power flushed and filled by a shop/dealer with the equipment to do so. I'm all for DIY projects but this is one you should not do in your garage. It is impossible to remove all of the old fluid out of the torque converter even if you drain/refill several times over a short period.

Now this is what I call misinformed.

[sasquatch]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Now this is what I call misinformed.

How so? Don't just make a empty statement. Tell me why.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

How so? Don't just make a empty statement. Tell me why.

This is purely what I have seen in previous cars, and experience from those that have done the flush.

Flush is one of those things that when they start pumping fluid, all the crud, gunk, sludge, everything gets disturbed. Now with so many micro components in the trans, like valve body, any one of those little things can clog up a passage, and there goes your trans. I know a few people that did the trans flushes, and all was ok. I also know quite a few other people that did a flush and then followed by a rebuild.

I have in the past drained and filled my auto cars every 15k - 20k miles. I have not had any trans failures to date. I do have a feeling that this car will be the exception no matter how hard I try to maintain the oil, but still, I am going to give it a try. I just did drain by dropping the pan.

Plan to do one soon again. I think I will essentially be on 50% renewed fluid and a new filter.

The shops that want to take your money will recommend a flush, because chances are, since you are there doing it, your trans is on its way out.

A trusted mechanic that I use, has always told me to stay away from a flush as well. He said you do not want to take a chance of dislodging some crap, from some seal, gear, filter, anything and pushing it into the rest of the transmission. He also said that a complete fluid change might cause a change of state in the transmission. Which will shock all the seals, clutches, and other moving components.

Draining and filling the transmission lets you refresh the properties of the oil without completely shocking the system with 12L of fresh oil.

[Ghost-Flame]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

Let me say something......I think the majority of you are a little misinformed about transmission fluid changes. The ONLY proper way to change the fluid is to have it power flushed and filled by a shop/dealer with the equipment to do so. I'm all for DIY projects but this is one you should not do in your garage. It is impossible to remove all of the old fluid out of the torque converter even if you drain/refill several times over a short period.

That's fine for some changes. When I called my indi mechanic to get a price on the ATF power flush change he asked the mileage and when I told him it had 90+K miles he said he would not do a power flush. He would do the drain and refill 3 times. He said the power flush runs the risk of loosening crude that has built up over a long time and could clog up the works.

Sure you'll leave 10% in the trans over 3 drain and fills. Its a matter of opinion weather this is enough of a change to to be benificial. I say it is. Then change it every 50K to 60K miles, imo.