Tranny slipage - to change fuild or not? 128k

[hydroxy]

Ok, I know there are a billion tranny threads - I read them before I posted.

128k on ticker, tranny fluid fully-flushed every 30-35k miles... due for a change right now. Went to Aamco over the summer, they refused to change it because they said there is slippage on the downshift from 3rd to 2nd (I get 200-400 RPM+ blip on shifting). They refused to change it saying that it would only hurt it, but charged a $50 'external diagnostic fee'. #)($*#$.

Anyways - I know people have said that if there is slippage, you shouldn't change it to keep in the grittier/older fluid already in there to provide grip for the parts that are worn. I've changed it regularly though, so I'm unsure if I should change or not.

Fluid is darkish red, no burn smell or any marks on dipstick. Never towed anything. I did have a bit of a leadfoot at the period 100k-110k miles.

Let me know your opinions.

 

[Billy177]

since you have regularly flushed i would flush it but it sounds as if either way it doesent have much life left in it

 

[duff]

you could try replacing the three Servos and possibly adjust the bands. This is an in truck repair and about $20 worth of parts. I have a slight overspeed between 2nd and 3rd. I'm going to try that.

 

[hydroxy]

Let me know how it works out for you... I'd definetly try it if it produced even moderate results.

 

[duff]

Finished having the servos replaced. I ordered the parts from Macko but had my local mechanic install them - OD/Intermediate/reseal on Low-Rev.

With a flush, which I requested not to be done, labor was $390. They had some trouble getting the CAT down. I'm sure the fluid was original - 92 98K. It was preaty dirty. Just hope the new fluid doesn't kill it. My machanic said not changing it because it was too old was a condition for the real old trannys. I hope so.

Anyway this X doesn't get a lot of use - 4k a year tops. I ordered an extra filter so I figure I'll drop the pan next spring and fall to replace it. That way any grung will be trapped in the new filters.

My original concern was an overspeed between 2nd and 3rd when I was slowly creepig along or going down hill. During a normal acceleration it didn't happen. I was doing this work for preventive measures after reading Opra's post saying this is what cuases the tranny to go down hill.

It seems that the new servos have fixed that for the most part. I still feel it happening once in a while, but only with a very slight overspeed. I feel I got at least a 90% improvement on that. Possibly I have a lower than normal pressure issue also.

 

[Glacier991]

On the pressure issue Duff, you might trying dropping the valve body and putting in the Sonnax upgrade kit for the Pressure regulator. I wrote that up in the A4LD Rebuild Diary. It added O-rings... may improve your control pressures. Cost was about $30 and it's easily DIY. (I'd also recommend you get new valve body gaskets, maybe the overthick ones... another $7 or so. Also not a bad time to add the Sonnax manual valve mod for another $20 while you are there, and also clean the 3/4 shift solenoid!! (free).