If it works, don't fix it...(Transmission question)

[veg_hed_300d]

I did a radiator change the other day on the 82 300SD and when I unhooked the transmission cooling lines on the bottom of the radiator the trans. fluid looked a little brown, but not burnt. I assumed that I should change the trans. fluid while I am working on the car. But a mechanic told me not to even mess with the trans. fluid or change the filter unless you notice a problem. I ran this by the guy at NAPA and he strongly agreed with this mindset. "Don't even mess with it if it's working." Just wanted to get a little feed back from the Benz experts on this one. Thanks.

[hey_allen]

Ack.. Replied, got 5x duplicated, then when I deleted a duplicate, they all vanished!

I try not to over maintain and cause more problems, but I also look at indicators of failure, not just hard broken items.

The brown fluid I would count as an indicator, as I would also count scorched smelling fluid, or murky/foamy white fluid.
I've also found that I notice improvement in shift behavior after a filter and fluid change, I suspect just due to having failed to notice the ever so slow degradation of the trans performance over time.

Best of luck with your toy!

[Narcoleptic]

I've heard that over and over. I've tried flushing two transmissions that had less than optimal fluid and have not had a problem. They shifted much better after the procedure. Granted, these were two cars that it didn't matter if they lasted or not.

[04 Diesel]

Change it!

[Diesel911]

Looks like the only place you should go for good advice is this forum.

[dawsonj3]

The "never change the tranny fluid" philosophy is not grounded in reality. Transmission fluid, like any other lubricant, becomes less effective over time as it slowly breaks down from exposure to heat. That is why MB recommended changing transmission fluid every 30K miles in the 123 and other chassis. MB recently adopted the never change it stance, resulting in more transmission failures in newer vehicles.

The big three traditionally have not recommended changing tranny fluid until the 100K mark, which is IMO why most of their transmissions fail before 120,000 miles.

Just change the fluid and filter every 30K miles, as recommended. Stay out of NAPA, etc. unless you are buying fluids or light bulbs.

[leathermang]

There are three questions that come to mind here..

1. Did these guys BUILD the vehicle you are driving?

2. Do these guys have multimillion Dollar R and D departments and a serious desire to have a reputation for QUALITY automobiles ?

3. Will these guys pay for any problems you have with your transmission when this causes it to grind to a halt ?

Change the fluid and filter according to the recommendations written by people who have been making automobiles for nearly 100 years...

[babymog]

Originally Posted by leathermang

Change the fluid and filter according to the recommendations written by people who have been making automobiles for nearly 100 years...

I believe that it is now 122years.

[lietuviai]

Wasn't there a guy lurking around who prophesized about not changing engine oil?

[compress ignite]

veg_hed_300d,

Do not forget the Torque Converter Drain plug.
(And draining the Torque Converter)

[compress ignite]

lietuviai,

Yeah,Where is that hose-head?
(On the side of some roadway with his right thumb elevated)
(Or he will be...That's a guaranteed event)

[lietuviai]

Originally Posted by compress ignite

lietuviai,

Yeah,Where is that hose-head?
#1 (On the side of some roadway with his right thumb elevated)
#2 (Or he will be...That's a guaranteed event)

Probably choice #1.
I didn't want to mention his name for fear of being banned.