Service Schedule for Transmission Filter

SydneyRoverP6B

Well-Known Member
Staff member
My Rover's transmission was rebuilt between June 23 and July 1, 2009, and since that time to date it has covered just on 164,000 miles (264,000 km). It was originally a BW35, but was rebuilt as an M51 specification. Typing quietly so that it does not hear ;) it has performed brilliantly and has worked perfectly the whole time.

I change the fluid typically every 9 to 12 months by draining the pan, usually dropping 2.8 litres. The fluid is always cherry red being void of any noticeable clutch material. In that time, the distance travelled is usually 20 to 30 thousand miles, the overwhelming majority of which is rural running. I also run an inline filter between the transmission and the oil cooler, a dedicated 30 row fin and plate design. The inbuilt unit within the radiator (and spare) are redundant, being either removed or the spigots sealed.

I have never dropped the pan and consequently the inbuilt filter has never been cleaned or replaced in that time. My question is, would it be advisable to do this? As no debris is evident either in the drained fluid or trapped within the inline filter, would that suggest that the inbuilt filter is also clean, or are they mutually exclusive?

Thank you, and special thanks to Harvey for your guidance in advance :)

Ron.
 
I'd say that if there isn't any debris coming out when the fluid is drained, then the filter will be clear. When the filters get blocked they start to whine as the fluid is forced through, so as you don't mention any noise, I'd be happy to leave the filter as it is. Especially since you have a filter in the cooler line as well.
 
Many thanks Harvey! Your answer is very reassuring, so I will leave well alone. As you correctly surmised, there is no whine, so on we go. :)

Ron.
 
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