transmission Flush: Can I save money?

[Jesda]

I read previous posts on how to do a DIY pan drop, filter change, and flush without using a pump, but the flow and complete change of fluid from an actual pump gives me more piece of mind.

Last time I did a flush was December 2003 at 181,500.Its now February 05 at 196,000.Should I wait another 10k to do another flush or have it done now before summer?

In December 2003 I had it done at a place called Rudivani Precision Motorworks. I paid $117 for labor + $104 extra for Mobil 1 ATF, for a total of $225.Firestone offers a flush using Kendall ATF for $80. The dealer offers a BG flush using (I assume) a Nissan ATF for about $130. Are either of these two options viable for the Q?

I also read somewhere that transmission flushing eliminates the need to change the screen/filter, because the pump action cleans most of it out. Is this true?

Thanks!

[pretzelboy]

Where do they hook up the machine on transmission....the thought of someone not paying attention and stripping something makes me nervous.

[911/Q45]

At $225 per, you could pay for a fresh transmission pretty quick doing it every 15K. If your Mobil 1 is still pretty in pink, wait a while. I believe changing the filter is more important than a machine flush, IMHO.

[DAEDALUS]

Better read more of Q45tech's posts Jesda. The flush machine (BG anyway) does not have its own pump. The car's transmission does all the work of moving fluids. As far as not needing to replace the screen, I have never heard that. There's only one way to complete the circuit, and that involves going through the screen. The fluid does not (can't) move in reverse.I assume the machine hooks into the lines at the heat exchanger.

[DougQ45]

Having watched several flushes firsthand, the machine does hook up to the lines feeding/exiting the heat exchanger.

[Q45tech]

And the incoming pressure/volume of ATF pushes the rubber bladder diaphram to push out the exact amount as comes into system.......~~4 quarts per minute at warm idle in park.........simple and self regulating. to a point. You must watch for a pressure drop to shut the system off ----open bypass valve.

[elwesso]

Jesda you can always do the "home flush"... Drop pan, replace filter, and then run for 2.0 mins at idle.....

Probably accomplished the same amount as the machine flush, espcially since yours is nicely maintained and should have little or no varnish.....