blackbirdls1

iTrader: (5)

I had my A4 flushed out awhile back, maybe 40K Miles ago, after owning the car for a year or so. I plan on either doing this or having the pan dropped and replacing the filter, which would you advise? I'm not sure if the 2nd method was ever done to the car. Tranny shifts fine etc....

joecar

Always drop the pan and replace the filter.

trans_am7935

iTrader: (15)

This is the best advice you will get for any automatic transmission. NEVER get a tranny flushed, especially if it has high mileage. Reason for this is sometimes (sad to say) the gunk is holding parts/seals together. The best thing for an auto is to just change the fluid and filter. Also dropping the pan gives you a chance to diagnose any signs of excess wear.

blackbirdls1

iTrader: (5)

Alright thanks, is this relatively easy to do yourself? I've never done it before.

joecar

Basically:
- on your F-car unbolt shifter cable bracket and tie it out of the way;
- remove fluid (either drop pan and catch fluid, or suck it out from dipstick tube and then drop pan;
- remove filter and replace with new one (lube the filter neck so it goes in easier);
- remove/clean gasket remnant from pan rail on case (do not scratch/gouge);
- remove/clean gasket remnant from pan;
- clean pan, magnet, and bolts (brake cleaner);
- remember to place magnet in pan (inside marked area);
- install pan with new gasket (gasket has 4 bolt hole that are narrow, allows bolts to hold gasket in place on pan);
- tighten bolts such that gasket is not squeezing out (i.e. do not overtighten);
- add 4-5 quarts fluid via dipstick tube,
- start engine, move shifter thru gears, check fluid warm;
- check pan gasket for leaks.

blackbirdls1

iTrader: (5)

Doesn't sound too bad, what's best to use for scraping the gasket stuff off?

joecar

Plastic scraper.

blackbirdls1

iTrader: (5)

meant to ask also, filter/gasket combo, brand? I know autozone has that duralast stuff.

joecar

I use ATP.