Transmission fluid change is easy
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
No disagreeing here donbrew. You and I are just sharing thoughts,ideas,opinions,beliefs,experiences, etc.etc.etc.
:dancingapp le:
Senior Member
Joined: 03-22-2010
Posts: 2,108
From: Russia Ekaterinburg
well written
I add a little bit ..
Pan bolts should be tightened not much (there's recommended torque which I do not know).
Bolts should be tightened "after one", start with the first, then a third, then the fifth, and so on. This is done so as not to skew the Pan, it is thin.
If you do not scare the translation work, here is the link http://www.bigmotors.by/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=279
I add a little bit ..
Pan bolts should be tightened not much (there's recommended torque which I do not know).
Bolts should be tightened "after one", start with the first, then a third, then the fifth, and so on. This is done so as not to skew the Pan, it is thin.
If you do not scare the translation work, here is the link http://www.bigmotors.by/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=279
Senior Member
Joined: 06-26-2006
Posts: 1,876
From: San Bernardino, California
One last thing, when you simply drain and replace the fluid, there is fluid left in the valve body, torque converter and internal lines. The only way to get all this fluid out is to flush it out with a fluid exchanger. It also draws contaminants out that simple draining and refilling won't. Haven't done the HHR but on the other vehicles I've used the exchanger on, I pump all of the old fluid out with the machine, remove the pan, change the filter and gasket (if necessary), put the pan back on and fill the trans with the machine. Not trying to argue here but if you just drain and refill, you're not really doing a "transmission fluid change"; at least, not a complete one.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-22-2010
Posts: 2,108
From: Russia Ekaterinburg
One last thing, when you simply drain and replace the fluid, there is fluid left in the valve body, torque converter and internal lines. The only way to get all this fluid out is to flush it out with a fluid exchanger. It also draws contaminants out that simple draining and refilling won't. Haven't done the HHR but on the other vehicles I've used the exchanger on, I pump all of the old fluid out with the machine, remove the pan, change the filter and gasket (if necessary), put the pan back on and fill the trans with the machine. Not trying to argue here but if you just drain and refill, you're not really doing a "transmission fluid change"; at least, not a complete one.
New Member
Joined: 09-16-2010
Posts: 26
From: Cumming,Ga
If I have my local mechanic do my tranny flush, will they most likely use a fluid exchanger? Is this something I need to inquire about when I speak to him about doing this job on my hhr? I would hate to think that they would just drain the old stuff and refill it and leave some of the old nasty stuff in there.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-26-2008
Posts: 1,488
From: Sequim Washington
Especially at 100,000 miles and how many retightens on that plug??
I will probably make my first change at 75,000 depending on how long I plan to keep the car.
SF
Senior Member
Joined: 10-21-2008
Posts: 1,831
From: hemet, calif.
When I had my mech. change the pan and gasket got home and it was leaking, so I bought another gasket and had him change and use the new gasket he charged me $70.00 to install the new gasket, no more leaks he stated I should go back to NAPA and claim warranty. never went back to him. I would never use the same old gasket just buy a new gasket.