Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: chrisr on 04 January 2012, 14:41:43

Title: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: chrisr on 04 January 2012, 14:41:43
My 2002 2.2 auto has done 61,000 miles, the gearbox works fine, I do less than 4,000 miles a year at the moment. Is there any point in changing the transmission fluid, is it quite a simple thing to do at home (access, draining/filling etc) Or should I just leave well alone?
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Andy B on 04 January 2012, 14:46:05
There's never any harm in an ATF change, but I'd wait till the weather got much warmer & dryer.  ;) ;) ;) Either replace the filter in the large sump or at least clean it with petrol.
It can be a messy job, as GM decided that as they considered the gerbox to be sealed for life, there's no point in fitting a dip stick so just fitted a fill/level plug on the side. There's a how to do in the maintenance section if you want to look & then decide.  :y

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90664.0
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: albitz on 04 January 2012, 15:16:21
My opinion only - 61,000 miles,only do 4000 per year,car is running fine. I wouldnt bother for another 3 or 4 years.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: feeutfo on 04 January 2012, 23:36:42
I'd wait until the summer or warmer weather of keeping the car. Oof recommend service every 60k. Theory is very simple, problem is the mess, which is a mare, even on a ramp.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: geoffr70 on 05 January 2012, 08:51:55
If you're careful it's quite easy to not make any mess at all.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Cliffo B on 05 January 2012, 10:48:45
I use a Pela 6000 oil extractor which can extract 4ltrs ATF @ a time from the large autobox sump
Then a B&Q Garden spray with (spray nipple removed) to pressure feed in the replacement oil
No mess at all and takes about 45mins when done in conjunction with engine oil change (do this by traditional method)
I've also recently extracted 1ltr diff fluid (total capacity) and replaced it with a full synthetic diff oil
I now consider a good oil extractor used with care to be a vital piece of kit
It allows me to renew transmission fluid easily every season
This I've picked up from other forum members over the past yr or so and is much appreciated by myself
It allows me to renew transmission fluid every season and hopefully compensate for extra load & wear 
Especially as Miggy's burdened with humping an 18ft caravan up hill & down dale
And I hope to keep her running silent & smooth for a long time yet :y

 
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: philsteward on 05 January 2012, 13:13:12
I used an inferior version of the oil extractor from machinemart for less than £10, removed the majority of oil, which meant I could remove the sumps and not spill any.  I would recommend removing the sumps at least on the first time as I found a bit of sludge and things in the bottom, also to change/clean the filter.

I would highly recommend the B&Q garden sprayer, AMAZINGLY easy to refill without a drop spilt!
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: chrisr on 05 January 2012, 14:06:45
Thanks for the advice, think I'll leave it till I've nothing better to do (it'll be a while then!)
Are there any symptoms that tell you it needs doing?
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Cliffo B on 05 January 2012, 18:31:53
Agreed I did indeed firstly remove both autobox sumps to  change the fluid and replace the filter :y 


 

Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Entwood on 05 January 2012, 23:12:22
Is this the thing you purchased ??

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/131/pela-6000-oil-extractor-vacuum-pump/?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=Froogle&utm_content=NV-176634&utm_campaign=Froogle

at £34 it seems to be a decent buy !!
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: feeutfo on 06 January 2012, 09:06:03
Thanks for the advice, think I'll leave it till I've nothing better to do (it'll be a while then!)
Are there any symptoms that tell you it needs doing?
Thumping when engaging gears is a common one.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Andy B on 06 January 2012, 21:08:57
Is this the thing you purchased ??

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/131/pela-6000-oil-extractor-vacuum-pump/?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=Froogle&utm_content=NV-176634&utm_campaign=Froogle

at £34 it seems to be a decent buy !!

This is what you need to do an engine oil change on a Smart. They did the same as GM on their gearbox & didn't provide a dip-stick!  ???
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: jonny2112 on 07 January 2012, 07:57:34
With these options it seems like it may be an easier diy job than first thought  ???
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Jukeboxnut on 07 January 2012, 19:56:27
I agree with Cliffo B and have used the excellent Pela 6000 oil extractor for both the gearbox and differential.  Regular oil changes are essential for long and reliable ownership.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: Cliffo B on 07 January 2012, 23:35:38
Just seen your post Entwood
Thats the one
And thats a good price :y
Got mine from Machine Mart
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: adey2 on 08 January 2012, 00:59:05
can anyone tell me if this is the gasket for a facelift 3.0 gearbox, from what ive read it should be the ar35    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280802799612?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: amba on 08 January 2012, 09:03:49
Part # is for the auto 5 speed which is the rare box,bit would imagine the old pan shape is the same.

Don,t forget you will also require the smaller front oil pan gasket and ideally the filter catridge.My advise would be buy the complete kit from Jpat as per maintenance guide then you are sure all is well and you will have all the bits needed...and don,t forget  to factor in around 8 ltrs of ATF for the refill.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: feeutfo on 08 January 2012, 09:15:58
Ring jpat. Link in for sale section iirc.
Title: Re: Opinions please, transmission fluid change?
Post by: feeutfo on 08 January 2012, 09:17:32
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=46268.0