transmission fluid

I have a 1989 560SEL and want to change the transmission fluid and filter in the transmission. What type of oil should I use? Are there any surprises that I should be weary of? Will this job get out all the fluid or do I need to do more? Should I bring it into an MB independent shop to do this job or can I tackle it? I like being a shade tree mechanic, but will this job a little more than I can chew off?

Bill G.

Reply to
Bill G.
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Dexron III or above. Mobil-1 synthetic is compatible. Don't use ATF+4 which is very different. The job is not difficult but it is messy (just think laying on your back under the car and the fluid is dripping everywhere once the pan is removed).

  1. jack up the car and place stand underneath. A drive up ramp makes this task much easier. Remember to block the wheels
  2. Drain the fluid from the plug (using 5mm hex key)
  3. Turn the torque converter in the direction of engine rotation until the drain plug is seen in the opening at bottom of housing. A long and big screw driver may help. Or turning the crankshaft (if you have the right size socket). Make sure the engine is never turned backward.
  4. Drain from the torque converter. A hex key socket with short extension is better than a simple key here.
  5. Remove 4 or 6 bolts (13mm) to drop the pan. Try leave one bolt at corner and slowly remove it so the remaining fluid in pan can be drained.
  6. Remove 2 (or 3) phillips screws from filter
  7. Installation is reverse. Tighten the bolts to spec. The gasket is soft rubber and will allow you keep turning the bolt without too much more torque
  8. Put in 3-4 qts of ATF first. A funnel will help. Run the engine and shift through all gears while applying brake firmly. Stay in each gear position for a few seconds.
  9. Then add another 3-4 qts. Make sure don't overfill. Slightly under fill is better than overfill.

Total cost is about $45 (gasket, filter, 7 qts Dexron III) and 2 hours

You can skip torque converter if it is difficult to turn engine, but remember that half of the fluid is in it. If you choose to wipe off the ATF to avoid dripping, make sure the wipe is lint-free. Any dirt in valve body will make it malfunction.

Good luck

Bill G. wrote:

Reply to
Wan-ning Tan

Another way to do this job is to just drain the fluid and refill it... then drive around for a while... like 30 miles... then repeat two more time....

The last time you do the full fluid and filter. This way, you don't have to drain the torque converter. Takes a bit more time but this is what I did.

Reply to
Tiger

Tiger--

Is this still OK to do if you are switching over to synthetic TF?

Reply to
randallbrink

I done it with Pennzoil Multi Vehicle ATF... which is half synthetic. I don't think you need to go full synthetic, but it doesn't hurt to do so.

You will not be able to get all ATF out by draining... there will always be some existing fluid inside the tranny.

Reply to
Tiger

The link below is a great tutorial on how to change the transmission filter, and do a complete flush on the transmission.

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Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
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Comparative Motor Oil Testing
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AMSOIL Warranty
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Become an AMSOIL Dealer
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Reply to
Steve

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