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I have a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2.2 4-cyl, 4-speed automatic transmission. The transmission began to leak at around 100,000 miles. A "transmission specialist" opened it up, said it wasn't even worth resealing, and that I should just add fluid and drive it until it quit. I did and the leak got worse until one day around 130,000 miles when suddenly it finally wouldn't go uphill. I took it to another specialist, who replaced the pan gasket and it ran like new. I now have 172,000 miles with no further problems and no leaks.

The mechanic who replaced the gasket said that because there was metal in the bottom of the pan, he did not suggest changing the fluid or flushing the transmission. What's the reason behind this? It seems that it would be best to get the metal out of the system and that fresh fluid could only benefit in keeping everything optimally lubricated.

I'm not having any problems now, but if I were to change the fluid and seals, could I expect to get a longer life out of my transmission?

Thanks in advance for any advice!  

the second mechanic who replaced the gasket probably also replaced the filter..  and put fresh fluid in the transmission...


if you are near the second mechanic..   take it back and have another transmission service done..   where he will drop the pan.. remove and replace the transmission filter..  install a new gasket and refill the transmission with fresh fluid...

if you do transmission services.. every 30 to 50,000 miles.. you will get a much longer life from your transmission...

as for transmission flushing..   just doing transmission services at regular intervals will take care of it..

if the fluid was really burned...  a flush might not be a bad idea...  but probably just a service on yours till you need a replacement transmission..  



usually when the transmissions slip AND there is metal in the pan in more than trace amounts. .. the transmission is toasted...  which is why the transmission specialist did not think it was worth repairing the leak... drive it till it blows and then bring it in for a rebuild..

transmission filters need to be changed.. for the unit to live..   the pump has to pull fluid through the filter..  when the filter gets clogged. there will be less fluid for the transmission to use..  so it may not be able to operate with enough pressure to prevent slipping..


there are several transmission professionals that are forum members that will also add to this info i hope...  

If i am reading this right you are saying the 2nd mechanic who replaced the pan gasket put the old fluid back in. It seems that in the transmission industry there is this theory that adding new fluid to a transmission that is on its way out will surely finish it off. I think this is baloney. That idea got started as a tool for the shop managers to nudge the customer toward getting their trans fixed right away instead of driving it until it goes completely. "I'm sorry maam if i put new fluid in this trans the detergents in the new fluid will cause the damaged seals and clutches to fall apart completely and leave you stranded on the highway"

If your trans is running good change the filter and add fresh fluid to top it off. With your mileage i wouldn't put any more than that into it. If it has some small leaks just make sure you check it and top it off once in a while. If you let it get low to the point where you start slipping going around turns or uphill you will burn it up.  

My total charge from the 2nd mechanic was $100. He said he only changed the pan gasket and road tested it and it was running fine. He's on the other side of the state now, so I can't go back to him.

I can't help but think you're right about adding fresh fluid and changing the filter. In an engine, it's always recommended to change the oil and filter, no exceptions. Why would a transmission be any different? New fluid = improved viscosity = less friction = longer life for metal components. What else could I be missing? In terms of detergents in new fluid, I can't imagine manufacturers adding a substance that would deteriorate or destroy seals. And nobody ever says if it leaks that it shouldn't be topped off, so what's the difference?

I haven't had to add any fluid since the fix, and that was over 3 years and 30K miles ago.

Unless someone can give me a legitimate reason not to change the filter and add fresh fluid, that will be my plan, along with a new pan gasket as well. And I'll do it myself this time, thanks to a better understanding, as well as the tools, manuals, and forums to help get it done.

Thanks for the input.  

have you seen  the Fram filters ad from the late 70's  


You can Pay me now...  Or you can PAY ME LATER!!!!!


here.. somebody posted it..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq3wL8ZXjBU

i see to recall several variations on this...  

this is my opinion of changing the fluid on a high milage trans will shorten the life of your trans.
Tho old fluids would create a sludge that would coat everything in the trans and when you changed the fluid it would clean the sludge and it would colge the filter.
The new fluids don't create sludge like the old fluids so I think it is a false clame
in today's world.
Change the fluid and filter.

Bob