A silent killer of automatic transmissions or automatic transmission fluid (ATF). This problem used to be seen by older vehicles with automatic inducted cooling systems, but is becoming common in later model cars and trucks that maintenance schedules. The result is always the same: the transmission must be completely overhauled or replaced.
Can the Contaminated Fluid be Cleaned Out Before Damage Occur?
These clutches act like brakes for moving and stopping different components inside the gearbox. When the shifter is placed into drive or reverse, it & # 39; s the frictions that are being applied.
The paper that lines the clutch plates is a very delicate material is glued to a plate, it has the strength and consistency of a graham cracker. and can last a very long time under normal operating conditions.
The clutch material is hygroscopic. A study done water. A study done rebirth the steel plates rust, and breaks down the glue that bonds the paper to the plate. A study done by International Lubricants Inc ___ ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ torque transfer properties. "In laymen & # 39; s terms, that means less than a tablespoon of water or engine coolant in a transmission can cause a failure.
How Did Water Get There?
There are three ways water can enter a transmission:
- Through the engine & # 39; s radiator. From the 1950 & # 39; s to the most water-powered systems that keeps the engine from overheating. It was more common in older vehicles that had occurred in the radiators, the fluids will mixed with each other. Cooling systems due to neglect, but some of today 's newer vehicles are using materials.
- Exporting to deep water. Driving through large puddles during rain storms or off road driving can expose the transmission & # 39; s breathing system to moisture. this type of scenario.
- Moisture entering through the dipstick. Most people have a dipstick. There is a dipstick in the transmission of the dipstick was sprayed with water on an engine cleaning, or in some cases, water draining from rain or a carwash drips The dipstick. GM and Chrysler have bulletinnaires relating to this problem on some types of their vehicles. These types of bulletinnaires. A tell tale sign of this problem is moisture or rust around the dipstick tube.
Replace or Rebuild?
It depends on how much the water was mixed with the transmission waste with the contaminated ATF, and the type of gearbox your vehicle has. Metal and electronic parts inside the transmission will soon corrode when exposed to moisture. Some manufacturers like Nissan and Chevy have computers inside of the gearbox that will fail to have exposed to moisture. These computers or mechtronics cost as much as $ 2,000 and that does not include rebuilding the rest of the unit. It is often a better decision to replace the gearbox exclusively.
Service the engine ___ ___ 0 ___ ___ ___ 0 ___ ___ ___ 0 ; s cooling system regularly and ask a professional transmission mechanic if your car is common this type of failure. If it is, bypass the radiator with an external oil cooler.
