The Importance
of Transmission Oil Changes |
Richard Oliver |
Transmission
Oils
Transmission oils work under
different conditions to engine oils. They generally operate at much lower
temperatures but at far higher pressures.
When two gear teeth are meshing
they are trying to squeeze the oil out from between them so the oil must
be very resistant to this shearing action.
The majority of transmission
failures that we see in our workshop are due in some way to a breakdown of
the oil. This can be anything from water in the oil to infrequent changing
of the oil (though in some instances failure is due to the incorrect lubricant
being used).
Whatever the cause, the result
is usually very expensive. The cost of an oil change is relatively minor
when compared with the cost of a transmission rebuild.
Most manufacturers recommend
transmission oil changes at 40,000km intervals. The oil should be changed
at more frequent periods if the vehicle is being used in severe conditions
or there is any chance that water may have entered the transmission. |