How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $59.49 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $212.49 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

information

  • Before changing the transmission fluid, it is better to take a small drive so that the fluid becomes warm.
  • Park the car on a flat surface and apply the parking brake. Better to put logs or wooden blocks behind the rear wheels.
  • Lift the front of the vehicle up with floor jack and rest the vehicle on jack stands to ensure the safety.
  • Take a large drain pan and put it under the transmission oil pan. Break loose the bolts holding the transmission pan cover to the transmission pan. Make sure you don’t take the bolts away completely. You may need to pry the gasket and pan as they both stuck to each other tightly.
  • Observe the drained fluid with a thumb and finger. If you feel any metal particles in the fluid, you need to repair the transmission. If the fluid is free from any contaminants, simply add new fluid.
  • Take the old gasket away from the transmission pan and transmission. Clean or wash the transmission pan properly if required.
  • Take a gasket sealer and a new gasket and coat the new gasket and the transmission pan edges with the sealer. Place the gasket between the transmission and transmission pan edges and apply a little pressure so that gasket takes its place properly.
  • Secure the pan with transmission with bolts. Torque the bolts.
  • Take the jack stands away and lower the floor jack.
  • Prop up the engine hood and search for the transmission fluid dipstick.
  • Pull up the dipstick and put the funnel in the dipstick tube so that you can add new automatic transmission fluid into the transmission pan. Make sure that the new fluid is the recommended type for your vehicle.
  • Insert the dipstick and pull it back to check the fluid level. Add more fluid if required.
  • Close the hood and take a small drive. Check the transmission and transmission pan for any signs of leakage.
Posted in Automatic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Automatic Transmission Filter
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $91.32 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $250.05 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and Prop up the engine hood.
  • Search for the transmission fluid level dipstick.
  • While examining the fluid level, make certain that the engine is on.
  • Put a drain pan under the transmission oil pan. Arrange larger drain pan as it has to collect the oil from all sides of the transmission pan.
  • Loosen the bolts holding the transmission cover. Don’t take the bolts off completely. You need to loosen about half of the bolts. You may need to pry the pan cover and gasket, if both are tightly packed.
  • Once the fluid is drained out, inspect it for any signs of metal particles. Use your thumb and forefinger to observe the fluid. You need to repair the transmission, if metal particles are spotted.
  • If the fluid is clear, simply replace the old fluid with new fluid.
  • Make sure that no contaminants are present in the transmission pan such as gasket pieces etc.
  • Next you need to replace the transmission filter. Take the old filter out by removing the screws.
  • Take a new transmission filter and position it in place of old filter. Secure it with screws.
  • Clean the transmission pan properly and apply a coat of sealer onto it. Take a new gasket and put it between the transmission cover and transmission pan. Push the pan and the cover against each other. Secure the cover and pan with mounting screws.
  • Take a funnel and put it into the dipstick tube. Add recommended automatic transmission fluid to the transmission pan.
  • Turn the engine on and check the fluid level again. Add more fluid if required.
Posted in Automatic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Level . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $118.58 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop up the hood and search for the automatic transmission fluid tank.
  • On the transmission fluid tank locate the dipstick. If there is no dipstick, you can check the fluid level with the help of plug.
  • Locate the plug at the underneath of the transmission oil pan. The pan is full, if the oil goes out of the plug.
  • To obtain the accurate fluid level, switch on the engine and check the fluid level.
  • Remove the dipstick and put the oil funnel into it to add fluid to the oil pan.
  • Make sure the fluid is recommended type for your vehicle.
  • After filing the oil pan, put the dipstick and check the fluid level. Add more fluid if required.
Posted in Automatic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace Transmission Cooler Lines

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace Transmission Cooler Lines . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Drain Pan
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Mirror
  • Transmission Oil Line
  • Brake Cleaner

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $54.59 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $167.19 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and set the parking brake.
  • Lift the front of the vehicle up with floor jack.
  • As a precautionary measure, rest the vehicle on the jack stands.
  • Search for the transmission cooler hard lines that are connected to the radiator and examine them for any signs of leakage.
  • Put the drain pan under transmission and detach the transmission cooler lines from the radiator.
  • Next, detach the transmission cooler lines from the transmission and let the fluid drain out in the drain pan.
  • Disconnect the old transmission cooler lines.
  • Take the new transmission cooler lines and connect them to radiator first. Then connect the lines to the transmission.
  • Take the recommended transmission fluid and add the fluid in the transmission up to the indicated level.
  • Switch the engine on and leave it idle for some time. Switch off the engine.
  • Examine the fluid level with the help of dipstick. Add more fluid if required.
  • Take a small drive and observe the lines that there are no leaks.
Posted in Automatic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Transmission Mount

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Transmission Mount . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floor Jack
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Jack Stand Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $118.58 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and apply parking brake.
  • Using floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle. Chock the rear wheels.
  • Nothing is more important than your safety. Use jack stands to rest the vehicle on them so that your vehicle is properly secured on the stands.
  • Search for transmission in the engine compartment. Observe it closely for any signs of damage.
  • You need a wood block and a floor jack to prop the transmission. You must not lift the transmission.
  • Take off the nuts holding the cross member to the transmission mount.
  • Take the cross member away by unfastening the bolts retaining the cross member to the frame.
  • After removing the cross member, take the transmission mount off the vehicle.
  • Take a new transmission mount and position it in its place in the vehicle.
  • Reattach the cross member to the new transmission mount and frame.
  • Shift the vehicle down and test drive it.
  • Make sure that the new transmission mount doesn’t make any excessive noises and vibrations.
Posted in Automatic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace Shock Absorbers

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace Shock Absorbers . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floor Jack
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Jack Stand Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Shock Absorber and Strut
  • Assembly

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $56.58 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $158.20 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Park the vehicle on a level surface. Apply parking brake.
  • Lift the front of the vehicle with floor jack. Chock the rear wheels.
  • Take jack stands and rest the vehicle on them. This will ensure your safety during the repair work.
  • Prop up the axle or control arm on a floor jack.
  • Next, unfasten the lower retaining bolt and any rubber cushions and cushion holders.
  • Now move on to the upper retaining bolts, cushions and holders.
  • Take the shock absorber away.
  • Take a new shock absorber and fix it by reversing the process.
  • Torque the upper and lower retaining bolts properly. Consult manufacturer’s manual.
  • Repeat the same process on the other side.
  • Once the replacement is done, take a test drive of vehicle and make certain that the new shock absorbers are properly installed.
Posted in Suspension | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace Leaf Springs

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace Leaf Springs . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floor Jack
  • Pliers
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Jack Stand
  • Pry Bar
  • Axle U Bolt
  • Leaf Spring Bushing
  • Leaf Spring

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $186.98 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $323.41 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Park the on a flat surface and apply parking brake.
  • Raise the rear of the vehicle with floor jack. Chock the front wheels.
  • Secure the vehicle on jack stands to ensure your safety.
  • Take a floor jack and prop the axle assembly up with it near to the spring.
  • Loosen the lower bolt from the shock absorber.
  • To ease the tension on the spring, lower the floor jack to bring the axle down.
  • Unfasten the U-bolts and take the spring holding bracket.
  • In some cases, you may need to disconnect the parking brake cable, so make sure that front wheels are chocked properly.
  • Watchfully turn down the rear axle as you have to make sure that the axle doesn’t hang with any hoses or cables. It may damage the hoses or cables.
  • Break loose the rear shackle bolts. Prop the leaf spring up on a jack stand so that it may not hang down. Unfasten the front and rear eye bolts of the leaf spring.
  • Take the leaf spring out.
  • Take a new spring and position it so that its front bushing mounts in the front mounting bracket. Secure it with front eye bolt and nut. The head of the bolt must be directed towards the centre of the vehicle.
  • Similarly, fix the rear bushing of the new spring into the rear shackle. Secure it with rear eye bolt and nut.
  • Adjust the axle so that you can position the leaf spring center bolt into the hole on the axle pad.
  • Reinstall the U-bolts and spring brackets. At this stage, you can reattach the parking cable (if needed).
  • Reconnect the lower shock frame to the axle bracket.
  • Repeat the same process on the other side on the rear side.
  • Remove the jack stands and floor jack. Test drive the vehicle to make certain that the leaf spring is operating properly.
Posted in Suspension | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace Coil Springs

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace Coil Springs . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floor Jack
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Coil Spring Compressor
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Jack Stand Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Coil Spring Insulator
  • Coil Springs

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $150.28 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $438.20 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Secure the car on a flat surface with parking brake on.
  • Lift up the front of the vehicle with floor jack. Before lifting the front of the vehicle, it is better to chock the rear wheels.
  • Secure the vehicle on jack stands as a safety precaution.
  • Take the front wheels away by removing the lug nuts.
  • Prop the lower control arm up on the floor jack.
  • Detach the sway bar end connection from the lower control arm.
  • Take the front shock absorber away.
  • Using the coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring so that you can remove the lower ball joint from the lower control arm easily. Remove the floor jack and take the coil spring out.
  • Detach the coil spring compressor from the old coil spring.
  • Take a new coil spring and attach the coil spring compressor tool to the new coil spring.
  • Mount the spring insulator, if required.
  • Put the coil spring into the spring seats.
  • Lift the lower control arm up. Reconnect the lower ball joint and disconnect the coil spring compressor tool.
  • Reconnect the shock absorber and also the sway bar end connection.
  • Repeat the same process on the other side of the vehicle.
  • Lower the vehicle and have a test drive to ensure that everything is working fine.
Posted in Suspension | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Wheel Hub Assembly

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Wheel Hub Assembly . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Standard Hammer
  • Standard Wrench Set
  • 1/2 in. Drive Torque Wrench
  • Wheel Hub

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $199.95 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $428.45 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Make sure that the car is parked on a flat surface and parking brake is on.
  • Lift the front of the vehicle up with a floor jack.
  • To ensure safety, secure the vehicle over jack stands. Also, place logs behind the rear wheels.
  • Spin the tire and observe any odd sounds from the bearing. Hold the tire firmly at 12 and 6 o’clock positions and shake the tire hard. If there is a play, then you have to replace wheel bearings.
  • Detach the wheel and the entire tire assembly from the hub.
  • Now you have to take the brake caliper, mounting bracket and brake disc out of the hub.
  • Also take the axle hub nut off and try to reach on the back of the hub assembly.
  • Take the hub assembly away from the steering knuckle by unfastening the bolts.
  • Take a new hub assembly and fix it in the steering knuckle.
  • Reattach the axle hub nut along with other removed components such as brake disc, mounting bracket and brake caliper. You are required to torque the axle hub nut and caliper bolts.
  • Put the wheel and tire assembly back on the hub. Torque the log nuts.
  • Remove the vehicle from jack stands and floor jack and have a small test drive to ensure the repair work is successfully done.
Posted in Suspension | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace a Wheel Bearing

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Wheel Bearing . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floor Jack
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Bearing Race Driver
  • Channellock Pliers
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Jack Stand Set

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $181.82 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

  • Park the car on a flat surface and set it on parking brake.
  • Raise the vehicle with a jack. You need not to hire or buy it separately, because every vehicle comes with its own floor jack.
  • Take jack stands and secure the vehicle on them to ensure your safety during the repair work. Don’t just rely on jack as the vehicle may fall over you while you are working underneath it.
  • Take the wheels off from the vehicle by unfastening the lug nuts holding them in place on the rims.
  • Once the wheel is removed, search for brake caliper.
  • Loosen the bolts or pins holding the brake caliper with the help of suitable socket or a ratchet.
  • Next you have to take the wheel hub dust cap away with channel lock pliers. You can use screwdriver as well.
  • Take the cotter pin, nuts and washer out with the help of needle nose pliers or channel lock pliers.
  • Take the outer wheel bearing off.
  • Thread back the hub onto the spindle in order to remove the inner bearing. Grab and draw away the hub/rotor. In case there is a hat style rotor along with firm hub bearings, depress them to detach the bearing from the hub.
  • Take a hammer and tap the inner and out races to take them out.
  • Take a cloth and clean the rotor hub properly to make them free from dirt, dust or grease patches. Examine the hub for any signs of damage.
  • Take new inner and outer races and strike them with hammer to fix them in their place.
  • Apply the recommended type of grease on the new inner and outer wheel bearings. This grease can remain active in high temperatures and pressures.
  • Apply the same grease to the inner side of the hub.
  • Fix the inner wheel bearing in the hub and secure it with a seal. You have to use seal installer tool to apply seal to the inner wheel bearing.
  • Apply a thin coat of grease on the spindle before positioning the bearing hub assembly on the spindle.
  • Now, fix the outer wheel bearing along with washer. Fasten the wheeling bearing hub nut also and apply the cotter pin on it.
  • Next you have to put the wheel bearing dust cap back.
  • Clean the hub/rotor with brake cleaner. Make sure no grease or dust left behind.
  • Glide the brake caliper onto the brake rotor and make sure it sits proper on brake cover.
  • Secure the brake caliper over the brake rotor with bolts with appropriate socket wrench or ratchet.
  • Install the rim and tire back over the hub. Follow manufacturer’s specifications to torque the lug nuts.
  • Turn the wheel with hand and observe the sound of the new bearings.
  • Take a small drive to ensure that the new bearings and brake is properly operating.
Posted in Suspension | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment