transmission pan removal

[Jeff]

When changing transmission fluid should I bother removing the transmission pan? After 113K kms (assuming the factory ATF is still in the transmission) will I find enough sludge in the pan to justify the removal?

While under the Surf today I noticed that the transmission pan will not be easily separated from the vehicle; evidently either a driveshaft or an exhaust piece needs to be removed. Or, if doable, the front stabilizer bar needs to be disconnected from the frame (at its left and right connection points) and lowered several inches so that the transmission pan, once emptied and loosened from the transmission, will slide out.

Assuming I remove the pan I will also clean or replace the transmission fluid filter. Does Toyota use a traditional (paper-type, etc.) gasket or should I add a tube of gasket compound to my shopping list?


Jeff
Okinawa, Japan

[laser_jock@work]

I'm also planning to do an ATF fluid change in the near future. I'm not 100% sure if removal of the pan is necessary. I've read somewhere on this forum the best way to ensure ALL the fluid gets replaced is to remove the ATF oil cooler pipes going into the bottom of the rad, run the engine and pump the old fluid out into one empty bucket while sucking up new fluid from another.

Never done this yet- so can anyone advise?

Nevillef

[Gamedawn]

Find a local auto transmission specialist and ask how much they charge for a service - you might be surprised. My local place did a flush, new fluid, clean filters and check operation for around £100 - money well spent for peace of mind.

[charlski]

roger, where is that i might check them out

kc

[Gamedawn]

roger, where is that i might check them out

kc

Oddly enuff they're called Automatic Transmissions Ltd and they're on Lodge Farm Ind Est in Northampton (behind Travis Perkins h.q.) Phone is 01604 587400

[The Mighty WAH]

Auto box oil change

I'm also planning to do an ATF fluid change in the near future. I'm not 100% sure if removal of the pan is necessary. I've read somewhere on this forum the best way to ensure ALL the fluid gets replaced is to remove the ATF oil cooler pipes going into the bottom of the rad, run the engine and pump the old fluid out into one empty bucket while sucking up new fluid from another.

Never done this yet- so can anyone advise?

Nevillef

Neville, read umpteen articles on this, both from this site and the Ausi one. Many indicated that the auto box pump will suck up the new oil out of a bucket, well mine didn't! I therefore adopted a slightly different approach by pumping out an amount, stopping, re-filling and pumping out again. I carried out three cycles of this before clean oil came out. I posted a simple procedure last year on this if you do a search.
Colin

[charlski]

roger

thanks for the details, with 120000 miles on the clock, i think it deserves it !!!

KC