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Gearbox flushing versus gearbox oil change
10/25/2024
"Lifetime filling" and "maintenance-free" are still terms used by many manufacturers these days. In theory, this may be possible, but the reality is quite different, because anyone who knows a little about transmission oils knows that even the best oil can no longer do its job with increasing age and lack of care.
A professional service is absolutely essential and not only ensures that the vehicle continues to run smoothly, but also that all important components are sufficiently lubricated and that optimum power transmission and cooling can take place. Any change in the ATF properties - e.g. due to ageing - not only has a direct effect on the function of the automatic transmission, but also on its service life.
When do you need a gearbox flush and when do you need an oil change?
The signs that the transmission oil should be changed are easy to recognize: There is sluggish starting or vibrations.
On the other hand, jerky and delayed gear shifts or very delayed gear changes indicate that simply changing the transmission oil is no longer sufficient and that a transmission flush is necessary.
Good to know: Transmission flushing should be carefully considered for automatic transmissions with particularly high mileages of over 150,000 km, as the mechanical stress on sensitive components can quickly cause damage and render the automatic transmission unusable. Individual consideration, including the methodology, is therefore essential in every case!
What to look out for when changing the oil?
If - as many manufacturers still recommend - you only check the fill level and leak tightness, there is a chance that an urgently needed oil change will be overlooked: With increasing age, not only does the viscosity of the oil decrease, but the additives added also become depleted.
This is particularly relevant for automatic transmissions with wet clutches, where the friction lining floats in the transmission oil, as different types of abrasion can accumulate in the oil. Although the hydraulic filter can absorb some of the abrasion and thus prevent deposits, sooner or later every filter medium becomes clogged and the components are impaired. This affects the tooth flanks and running surfaces of the gear wheels, among other things.
The MEYLE recommendation: To avoid gearbox damage, the gearbox oil should ideally be changed after 80,000 - 120,000* kilometers.
