Have you ever changed the transmission fluid in all the time you have had the car?How about the spark plugs? Have you changed the oil regularly?

sorry for the delayed response. I was out of town for awhile in a remote area where internet access was sparse.

I have never changed the transmission fluid in the car.

Two days ago, I was at the auto shop I always go to and they did a "30 point inspection". They said I have 50% left on the front and rear brakes. I had to replace the "serpentine belt" which had cracks. Also had the fuel filter replaced.

They recommended that I do a complete flush of the transmission and coolant with "chemicals". They also said that the rack and pinion was leaking (i knew it was) and that it would have to be replaced. Also the ends of the tie rods had a lot of wear. And wear related to the engine mounts were cause some vibration.

I told the shop that i could only afford a little bit at a time so sometime in March I am going to have a full flush of the transmission fluid with chemicals. I might also be able to afford the coolant flush. The rack and pinion will have to wait, so I have to add steering fluid periodically.

I'm wondering if there is anything other than the flush that I need to do in order to protect the transmission? Are there rubber seals or gaskets that need to be or should be replaced?

Thanks,

Jay Mack

Just have the fluid and filter changed don't have the transmission flushed.I don't believe in transmission flushes could make the transmission have problems it never had before.By moving debris inside the transmission.

ok, just wondering, if the transmission is never flushed, how can it get cleaned? Isn't there a danger of transmission failure due to fluid contamination or overheating from debris build up?

Just before my last response, the shop that I always go to wanted to do a transmission flush with "chemicals" (I think they use Wynn's), and also a coolant flush with "chemicals". They say the chemicals will dissolve the debris. I didn't have the money then but I could now. They wanted $200 for the flush with chemicals.

also when you say have the "fluid and filter changed" are you referring to the fluid and filter on the transmission? or the engine (oil)? Speaking of oil, I usually change the oil at about 4000 miles with Mobile full synthetic high mileage oil. Its more expensive but I feel its worth it.

I wouldn't worry about fluid debris think of this when the flush is done those fluid debris get pushed other places.Sometimes pressure solenoids then the solenoids stop working.Also sometimes those debris are keeping the transmission working properly push the debris out and could possibly cause problems you never had.Iam talking about just dropping the transmission pan changing the fluid and filter and cleaning the pan.