Manual vs. auto transmission fluid.?

Question

Ok you hear of the transmission fluid flush where they use the machine to "suck" all of the old tranny fluid out. does this only apply to auto transmissions? IS a "flush" needed with a manual transmission or do you just pull the drain plug, drain, and refill?

Answer 1

Read your manual first! Then drain and refill fill the required fluid.

Answer 2

The only reason Automatic transmissions flush the entire system is ti remove the oil from the torque converter. This oil does not drain when the transmission pan and filter is opened.
When you pull the plug on a standard transmission there are no pockets, or torque converter to flush. Let a hot standard transmission drain for an hour and replace with synthetic manual transmission fluid. It'll shift smoother and faster in cold weather. You'll be getting maximum synchronizer, shifting fork, bearing and gear protection.

Answer 3

Manual usually uses gear oil which is much much thicker than auto fluid hence one is oil the other is fluid. Manuals can't be "flushed" there is no fluid flow system it is simply slung around the gears and shafts by centrifical force of gears spinning.

Auto fluid flushing always ask if they replace filter with flush they should. If the shop doesn't go to a better shop that does. What the shop does when they flush is disconnect one of the transmission fluid lines to the cooler/radiator and connect a collector/refill machine that pumps fresh fluid in and collects the old fluid coming out, if you are at a good shop they will check the filter in the machine and keep running it until they are getting perfectly clean fluid back out this ensures that your transmission is really clean not just that it has new fluid in it. As the new fluid goes in it mixes with the old fluid so until the filter stays clean you haven't really replaced "all" the fluid. Even if the fluid looks new.

Answer 4

transmission flush is a fancy way of saying drain and fill. Basically they are charging you the same amount minus the trany filter that needs to be replaced every time you replace your fluid, so in a sense you would be paying double in the near future. The filter will need to be replaced or you will loose power due to the clogged filter and think your transmission is going but all you will need to do is replace the filter and pay for the fluid that will be drained and put back into your trany. As to manual transmission the fluid required is much different than that of automatic. Manual is much cheaper to replace because the filter that it has will last over the life of the vehicle as most also have magnetic plugs already to trap any debri or worn metal. The best way to go either way is drain and fill. The flush machine was an idea to do your rad fluid but other than for that purpose any other machine is useless, even the brake flush machine is idiotic, because they still have to bleed the brakes anyways.

Answer 5

Monkey said it basically to the point, but I'll toss in a tid bit or 2. Automatics make it easier for drivers to eat, drink, use cell phones and what not's over manual transmissions. You put it in gear and leave it there until you park it. In full size cars an automatic is the best choice, unless it's a hot rod born with a manual. I just could not picture a crown vicky with a 5 speeds, sorry. And getting a manual transmission in new car/truck would most likely be a special order. Manual transmissions get better fuel mileage period. They provide better throttle response and power out put to the wheels. This is because of gearing, not a fluid coupling. Being able to drive in traffic, is the driver and not the transmission. They weigh less as well. My little car gets around 38 mpg in town and can get over 45 mpg on the highway. This is fairly close to the owners manual claims. The automatic counter part, gets between 5-15 mpg lower respectively. Shifting gears to me gives me something to do, unless out on the highway. I feel soon there will be no manual shift daily drivers being sold as they are a dieing breed. Now about being able to drive a stick shift means you can drive almost anything. Yes there is clutch adjustment and you will be putting in a new clutch or 2, or more. Automatics? Well fluid and filter changes every 50k or so, at least. And yes you need to change to fluid in a manual from time to time. I prefer manual shift, less stuff to wear out or break. No governors, actuators, or electronics waiting to die. Also no old burnt fluid left in torque converter when fluid is changed.

Answer 6

seems like you have some good responses here. I did not read any thing about you refilling your manual trans after draining. Draining is out the bottom and filling is done thru a removabe plug on the side of the trans. Simply put in proper fluid in the side until it starts to come back out. That will give you the proper amount. See your manual for type and weight. It is a good idea to change this fluid. You should also check the level of fluid in your rear end unless you have a front wheel drive car, which does not apply.

Answer 7

With a Manual transmission you just drain and fill. No need to flush cause there is no cooler lines, converter, etc.

Automatic Transmissions is a good idea to flush so you get all the fluid out of the converter, lines, cooler, etc.

Answer 8

With manual transmissions you drain and refill the oil listed in your owner's manual. You can use synthetic oils to extend the life of your transmission. Manual transmissions are a lot easier to change the oil on than an automatic transmission, and there's no transmission filter to change or screen to clean.

Answer 9

A trans flush does not suck fluid out, it "pushes'' fluid out and draws in fresh fluid. I have never heard of flushing a manual trans. Get a magnetic drain plug.

Answer 10

A Flush is optimal.... but costs more.......... and they don;t really suck it all out.... it's a matter of draining and partial filling several times to rid most of the old fluid.