Is it necessary to replace the filter when performing a transmission fluid flush?
3 Answers
When performing a transmission fluid flush, it is necessary to replace the filter. The transmission filter serves to filter the transmission fluid, thereby extending its service life. Transmission maintenance methods: 1. Check transmission fluid level: Regularly inspect the fluid level in the transmission to ensure it remains within the specified range. Replenish as needed based on actual working conditions, making sure to use the same type of fluid. When changing the fluid, drain the old fluid while the transmission is operating and clean the system. 2. Check transmission condition: During routine maintenance, inspect the condition of all transmission connection points to promptly identify any looseness, wear, or damage. Tighten any loose connections immediately and repair or replace damaged components. Regularly check for oil leaks at the shaft end face seals and external joints, replacing failed seals and gaskets as needed. 3. Structural component maintenance: Daily transmission maintenance should focus on structural components, including gears, bearings, and different shafts. Regularly inspect transmission gears for wear, chipping, or incorrect meshing. Pay special attention to bearing inspection, monitoring for excessive axial or radial clearance and worn spacers.
I think it's best to replace the filter along with the transmission fluid change. Take our family SUV with 80,000 kilometers for example – during the last flush service, the mechanic recommended replacing the filter. When opened, the filter screen was completely clogged with metal shavings and sludge. If these contaminants aren't removed, they'll immediately pollute the new fluid. Especially for automatic transmissions – these precision components suffer when filters get clogged, affecting oil pressure and causing increasingly noticeable gearshift jerks. Though the extra filter costs about a hundred yuan more, it's far cheaper than major transmission repairs later. My rule of thumb is replacing the filter every second transmission fluid change – this balances cost savings with proper transmission protection.
It depends on your car model. Having run a repair shop for over ten years, I've noticed that American and German cars often have external filters, which can be easily replaced during an oil change. Many Japanese cars, however, hide the filter inside the transmission, making it a hassle to remove—labor costs alone can equal the price of two bottles of oil. As a result, many owners opt to skip the filter change every other oil service. But if your car has over 100,000 kilometers or frequently drives on mountain roads, it's best to replace the filter with every oil change. Once, a customer ignored my advice and skipped the filter change—three months later, the new oil turned black. When we opened it up, the filter screen was completely clogged with metal shavings.
