Contents of my Auto Trans filter

Discussion in 'Technical' started by scleburne, Dec 3, 2012.

  1. scleburne

    scleburne New Member

    So my transmission began to slip the other day.. I pulled the pan and filter tonight as per http://pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.216. This is what I found displayed in the bottom of a 4 L icecream container after washing the filter out with turps.

    [​IMG]

    The guide says:

    Clean up the strainer, washing out iron filings with mineral turpentine. Dry thoroughly.

    Prepare for the good or bad news:

    A few particles: no need to dip into the piggy bank. Lots of brown chunks: clutch plate disintegration. Overhaul. Lots of steel filings: Clutch plate, brake band, bearing disintegration. Overhaul. Lots of aluminium filings: bushings & cast parts disintegration. Overhaul.
    "

    I don't think what I have matches either "Brown chunks", "Steel filings" or "aluminium filings". Brown chunks would be closest I guess.

    I guess this is more than a "few particles" though. There are a couple of parts that look like they are from a broken ring. The biggest example of this is in the top left of the image is approximately 20 x 7 x 1.5 mm. There are some small iron filings but the large parts are non-ferous (magnet won't pick them up). The large parts can be snapped in my fingers.
    Most of the black is non-ferous small particles. Likely also from the broken up piece.

    What do you guys think?
    I figure I am in for more pain at the very least..
    Anyone with a decent second hand auto box around Canberra?
     
  2. warren300

    warren300 SLICKTOP TT

    Unfortunately your transmission needs a rebuild. Those pieces are clutch material that should be bonded to the friction plates not in the pan.
     
  3. scleburne

    scleburne New Member

    Oh goody... Not an unexpected response though.
     
  4. mmarschall

    mmarschall 3.5 zeds in sheds

    Many AT fails are caused by the factory cooler core failing and breaking up, bits of metal go back into the tranny and destroy it...
    Make sure to either replace your cooler or be 200% sure it is in near new condition before you run the replacement AT.

    Expect to spend around $500 for a known good AT. +installation and fluids.
    Alternative is rebuild, may be worth it if you can afford it and will keep the car for a very very long time in the future.

    NA and TT ones are different also. I have some up north if you cant find anything locally. :)

    whatever you do, make sure your cooler is good.
    I ALWAYS install a replacement separate cooler when i get a zed.
    $50 including pipes brand new and saves replacing the AT!
     
  5. scleburne

    scleburne New Member

    I certainly will have a look at the intercooler. I am pretty sure it has an aftermarket one fitted. I will take it off and give it a shake and inspection ;) Maybe I will just replace it.

    I don't actually intend on keeping the car for too long... tempting to just sell it however it has been great otherwise and I have just spent a lot on good tyres and getting it engineered and registered so I think I will start looking for a second hand transmission.
    Perhaps a manual would be cheaper? (Perhaps less likely to get a dud second hand one at least?).

    Thanks for letting me know.
     
  6. mmarschall

    mmarschall 3.5 zeds in sheds

    Im referring to the transmission fluid cooler, not the intercooler :)

    A MT conversion is only really worth it if you want to have a manual. $800+ for a complete MT kit is sort of the starting point there, usually dont come up much cheaper with all the little bits included. its a fair bit of work, so again worth it if you plan to keep the car long term.

    Dont buy an unknown condition AT... make sure its from what was running/working car, has good fluid etc before buying. Accident cars or newer model halfcuts are often good sources. If a car was standing around in the garden for 5+years its probably not so good.
    On that note i do have some for sale here up north.
     
  7. scleburne

    scleburne New Member

    Oh LMAO. Yeah brain fart. :rolleyes: I never meant the intercooler. Thanks.
     

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