if you never change the transmission oil, what in specific is likely what wears out, clutches, plates, ... ?

Answer 1

This is very dependant on your driving habits, ie speed, loads, etc. Dirty oil will typically make valves stick in the valve body, this will change how the car shifts which will increase wear and tear which will increase the contamination of the oil, etc.

Answer 2

In side ALL transmissions are pressure plates and gears that eventually wear out, in a way like brake pads. The manual tranny, the clutch wears out just like a brake pad too. The reason you change oil is because of the microscopic metal particles that are in the oil and you do not want metal rubbing against metal. Also I had one tranny with dirty oil. Anyway, bought the chevy 350 tranny for $50 from a junk yard and changed the oil and filter. About 6 months later it was slipping and changed again. The first time the oil was dirty. The second time is was dirty again. I guess the new oil kind of flushed the old stuff off. After that and 4 years later tranny ran great till I sold it. I only changed the tranny oil once after two years for regular maintenance. I got lucky though.

But if you really want to know and see the pics go here
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automatic-transmission.htm

Answer 3

A vague question deserves a vague answer! An automatic transmission? What year and in what make and model? Each make and model have specific parts that usually wear out 1st with poor maintenance. Some are thrust washers and bushings which starts the whole chain of failures, others its seals drying out or wearing prematurely with a subsequent pressure loss to vital components. While others the initial cause of failure can be attributed to poor design and solenoids sticking. The clutches and plates wearing out are usually contributed to a pressure loss or another failure. They are usually not the initial cause.

Answer 4

Well, in actuallity this can result in any combination of problems. The fluid not only acts as hydraulic fluid, but it is the source of lubrication for pretty much every moving part of your trans. In my experience, the most common part affected is the filter ( believe it or not, a clogged filter can bring your car to a stop)

Answer 5

Change the oil at the recommended intervals or your bank balance will show signs of wear.

Answer 6

in an auto tranny the plates of course. In a manual, who knows, some never change their manual oil.

Answer 7

the pump will most likely go first,depending on make,then the clutches,etc..