Complete Guide: Transmission Gaskets and Filters

Automatic Transmission Gaskets:

There are two types of gaskets namely, hard and soft, depending on the application. Gaskets are used to seal two parts together and provide a passage for fluid flow through the transmission. If the surfaces to be sealed are smooth, hard gaskets are used and are usually made of paper. Mostly these gaskets are used to seal the valve body and oil pump against the transmission case. Usually, the hard gaskets are used to direct the flow of fluid or seal off some passage between the separator plate and valve body. For sealing surfaces that are irregular or in places where the surface may distort when the component is tightened, soft gaskets are used. The most common place for its usage is the oil pan gasket that seals it to the transmission case. Usually, the oil pan gaskets are made of rubber and cork. Although, some late model transmissions use RTV sealants to seal the oil pan.

Automatic Transmission Filters:

The transmission system makes use of many fluids for proper operation of its hydraulics, to lubricate the machinery, and keeps the transmission cool. If the transmission fluid is dirty, it may cause the transmission parts to wear off and get damaged. The transmission filter is used to keep these foreign particles from entering the transmission system and protect it from damages. Usually, the transmission filter is housed inside the oil pan, in the transmission, at the front of the vehicle.

Following are the materials used to make various gaskets and filters:

Materials of Automatic Transmission Gaskets:

1. Pure Cork & Cork/Rubber Gaskets (with Rubber Coating) - In the automatic transmission gaskets, pure cork is the rarest type of material found. You are likely to find cork or rubber-based gaskets that replaced pure cork a long time back. These gaskets are useful with transmissions that have flat surfaces, raised surfaces, or recessed ribs between pan holes.

2. Nitrile Rubber Gaskets - Nitrile rubber gaskets are the most common types of gaskets used to cover and seal different types of pans and surfaces and manage flat surfaces, raised surfaces, or recessed ribs between pan holes. The nitrile rubber gadgets are used because of their high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, compression strength, and resistance to abrasion, water, heat, and permeability.

3. Neoprene Rubber Gaskets - Another commonly used gasket are neoprene gaskets, used for ribbed pans and flat surfaces. Neoprene has the properties of non-permeability and non-compressibility. Thus, no liquid or gas can pass through the sealed gasket. It can withstand a maximum temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit to a minimum temperature of -40 degrees Fahrenheit and the maximum pressure of 250 PSI.

4. Formed Rubber Gaskets - Formed rubber or moulded rubber is used to deal with lipped pans, especially for makes like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes transmissions. This gasket fits over the pan’s edge before the pan gets bolted on the transmission and then the sealing is done to secure the gasket in position.

5. Plastic Rubber with Metal Torque (Reusable Gasket) or Silicon Rubber Adhesive Sealant - It is a special purpose sealant used on specific flat surfaces only. It is so strong that a very small amount is enough to seal the pan and the transmission together. Reusable gaskets have metal cylinders located at every bolt to limit the chance of over-tightening or over-torque. 

Materials of Automatic Transmission Filter:

1.  Felt - Transmission filters made of felt screens are very common these days. It is usually made of polyester material and is mostly considered a depth filter. It is called so because it traps the contaminants between various layers rather than just one surface. This enables even finer dirt particles to also get separated from the fluid.

2.  Wire Mesh - Wire mesh filters are typically found in many Asian manufacturers' makes and models. This kind of filter reduces the fluid flow while filtering and since the wire openings are bigger than the felt screen, only larger particles get separated.

3.  Paper - Some vehicles have paper-based filters made out of Dacron fabric or cellulose. These filters are more effective because of their filtration abilities and separate the finest pollutants. But the downside is that they can clog easily and reduce the fluid flow.

Have a look at the working of car automatic transmission filters:

Automatic Transmission Filters:

The transmission system plays one of the most important roles in enabling the car to run. The transmission system works by transferring the power from the engine to the car wheels, enabling them to run. The transmission filter is present above the transmission pan and catches excess fluid, below the pickup tube connecting to the oil pump, regulating the fluid pressure in the transmission. Thus, the transmission filter is used to trap the contaminants from the transmission fluid before sending it to the transmission for functioning.

Symptoms of Bad Automatic Transmission Filter:

If the transmission filter is not attached properly, the transmission system may not work. The transmission filter malfunction can occur due to the wrong installation of the device and improper maintenance. A faulty filter can lead to contaminated oil or fluid entering the transmission system, causing erratic responses and drivability issues.

1. Noise - Transmission noises are never a good sign for the vehicle. This can be due to insufficient lubrication of components or due to contaminated oil wearing off a particular component in the transmission system making noise during accelerations or gear shifts. The noise can also be due to a bad transmission filter among many other causes.

2. Leakage - The filter is usually inside the transmission housing and the leaking of transmission oil mostly means that the filter is wrongly installed.

3. Difficulty Shifting Gears - The transmission should be able to easily shift between gears during acceleration or deceleration without any jerks. However, if the transmission is facing problems in shifting, suspect a lubrication problem that can be due to a bad filter.

4. Burning Smell - A clogged filter can reduce the flow of transmission fluid, causing increased heat and the transmission fuel burning in the transmission system. This can cause smoke and can even smell the burning oil from under the hood.

   
   

Do you enjoy repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort and car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment would upgrade your speed and make your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filters.

Automatic Transmission Filter:

• Ratchet

• Socket Set

• Drain pan

• Scrapper

• Weather-strip cement

• Grease 

Automatic Transmission Gasket:

• Jack Stands

• Flathead Screwdriver

• Transmission fluid Drain Pan Wrench

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. Some people trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filters brands to help you out in choosing your favorite one in case you don’t have any. So what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filters. 

• ATP Professional Autoparts Automatic Transmission Gaskets & Filters

• Fel-Pro Autoparts Automatic Transmission Gaskets & Filters

• Fram Autoparts Automatic Transmission Gaskets & Filters

• Auto Extra Autoparts Automatic Transmission Gaskets & Filters

• Beck/Arnley Autoparts Automatic Transmission Gaskets & Filters

  
  

Do you want to know what are the related parts of the Car Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filters? Say no more! We are here to help you out. Have a look at Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filters related parts below:-

• Automatic Transmission Pan Gasket

• Front Pump to Case Gasket

• Valve Body Cover Gasket

• Case Side Cover Gasket

• Automatic Transmission Gasket

Failure in the Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filters comes in a lot of forms. But take note that it is not an inexpensive repair. Sometimes in the end you might find out that there is a need for complete Automatic Transmission Gaskets and Filter replacement. There is no fast and hard number as to how much an Automatic Transmission Gasket and Filter replacement would cost as it depends upon a lot of factors like the brand, make, model as well as the mechanic who is going to repair/replace it. It can cost close to $250 and $340 to have your transmission channel changed out. Labour should cost somewhere in the range of $100 and $125, while parts go from $150-$215. With this administration, you will have another transmission dish gasket just like another channel. You will likewise, obviously have a new liquid introduced. The normal expense for this administration is about $140, yet costs can go from as low as $80 to $200. This value incorporates parts and labor.

Following are the steps to correctly replace faulty gaskets and transmission filters:

Replacement of Automatic Transmission Filter:

Step 1

Using a drain pan, remove all the transmission fluid by opening the bolts of the transmission pan.

Step 2

Using a scraper, pry off the old gasket from the pan. Always replace the gasket along with the new transmission filter.

Step 3

Drain the transmission pan properly and remove the metallic debris using the magnet present at its bottom. After cleaning the pan, attach the new gasket and seal it properly.

Step 4

Unbolt the transmission pan and remove the clogged filter by unscrewing its bolts.

Step 5

Let the transmission fluid completely drain out and then only attach the clean filter by screwing the bolts to their respective location.

Step 6

After replacing the filter, bolt back the transmission pan with a new gasket.

Step 7

After replacing the components, refill the transmission fluid and check the vehicle for operations and leaks.

Replacement of Automatic Transmission Gasket:

With time the transmission gasket can break or crack, causing transmission fluid to leak. Thus, it is always advisable to take professional help if the fix is a major one and requires guidance.

Step 1

Make sure that the engine and the transmission are cool to avoid any burns.

Step 2

Raise the vehicle using a jack and jack supports.

Step 3

Locate the transmission pan from under the car and place a drain pan below it.

Step 4

Using a wrench, loosen the bolts to the transmission pan and drain the transmission fluid into the drain pan.

Step 5

After draining the fluid, remove the bolts holding the pan and separate it from the transmission.

Step 6

Clean the pan completely and let it dry. Then, lay a new gasket on the lip of the transmission pan.

Step 7

After that, reattach the pan to the transmission by tightening the bolts. Don’t use over-torque to screw the bolts as it can damage the gasket, causing leaks.

Step 8

Refill the transmission fluid and start the engine to bring it to normal temperature. Shift the transmission through gear several times.

Step 9

Turn off the engine and check the transmission fluid with a dipstick. The fluid should be between full and add more marks on the dipstick.