transmission-flush

Our resident auto service expert John Paul, the Car Physician, answers a question this week well-nigh flushing the transmission on a Subaru Forester.

Q: My 2004 Subaru Forester now has 95,000 miles on it and it is due for a manual flush (previously done at approx. 30,000 & 65,000 miles). There seems to exist differing views equally to whether or not the filter should be changed. My old records have faded then I tin can't tell if the filter was inverse on either of the prior tranny flushes. My quick modify oil facility says don't change the filter because it can simply crusade problems when the new filter is installed and they tin can suck near all of the old fluid out. My mechanic says the filter should be changed to ensure a complete removal of quondam fluid. What is your opinion?

A: The recommend procedure is to bleed the fluid using the drain plug in the transmission oil pan and replace the external "spin-on" filter. Although flushing the transmission fluid is a mutual procedure these days, draining the fluid and replacing the filter is the factory recommendation. As a side note Subaru doesn't have a specific recommendation to replace the manual fluid. The factory recommendation is to check and evaluate the manual fluid every 30,000 miles. When it comes to flushing fluids, my recommendation is to follow the vehicle owner's manual.

John Paul is public affairs managing director for AAA Southern New England and a columnist for Boston.com. A certified mechanic, Paul tests dozens of new cars each year and also hosts a radio show on AM 950 and 550.

Paradigm SOURCE: Union Lube Shop