Which materials are prone to damage after water enters the transmission?
2 Answers
After water enters the transmission, the following materials are prone to damage: 1. Automatic transmission fluid: Direct water ingress into the automatic transmission causes the fluid to deteriorate and oxidize, thereby reducing its friction coefficient. This results in insufficient friction between vehicle components, leading to symptoms such as jerking, impact, and slipping in the automatic transmission. 2. Automatic transmission clutch plates: Water entering the automatic transmission not only damages the transmission fluid but is also fatal to the clutch plates. Transmission repair experts warn that once the friction plates absorb water, they become irreparable and must be replaced.
When water enters the transmission, several materials inside are particularly prone to damage. With decades of experience in driving and repairing cars, I've commonly seen metal parts rusting—components like gears and bearings oxidize quickly upon contact with water, leading to severe wear over time. Rubber seals are also vulnerable; they tend to swell or crack when damp, causing oil leaks or further water ingress. Friction materials such as clutch plates are easily damaged because water mixing with oil reduces lubrication effectiveness, increasing friction heat. Electronic components, like the circuit boards in control modules, are at risk of short circuits and burnout when exposed to moisture. Overall, if water gets in, it's crucial to promptly take the vehicle to a shop for inspection and oil replacement. Otherwise, prolonged driving can result in complete transmission failure. Repairs are costly, so regular maintenance is key to prevention.
