DIY Transmission Fluid Drain Questions

[hooked]

I just watched a video on how to change the transmission fluid on the CX-5 and, wow, that’s complicated. The guy took the bottom of the pan off so that he could drain all of the old fluid. If he didn’t do that, only half the fluid would drain out. He then scraped off the old RTV from the two sides using alcohol and a plastic scraper so as not to damage the metal.

Do you think the guys at the mechanics are that careful if you pay for the service? They probably just take a grinder to the metal surfaces. Is taking off the pan necessary?

 

[AL Cx5]

If you request a trans and FILTER change, then the pan comes off.

When I change trans fluid they get a new filter. A new filter is equally as important as the fluid to be sure it doesn't prevent fluid circulation...

Doing a trans fluid and filter looks about the same as other transmissions. They only extra work is getting the belly pan off and remove the air intake filter. On some of the older trans, we adjusted the bands on every trans/filter change.

It is a bit strange in this day and time the pan doesn't have a reusable gasket. I guess this is because Mazda says the fluid/filter lasts a life time!!!

 

[hooked]

If you request a trans and FILTER change, then the pan comes off.

When I change trans fluid they get a new filter. A new filter is equally as important as the fluid to be sure it doesn't prevent fluid circulation...

Doing a trans fluid and filter looks about the same as other transmissions. They only extra work is getting the belly pan off and remove the air intake filter. On some of the older trans, we adjusted the bands on every trans/filter change.

It is a bit strange in this day and time the pan doesn't have a reusable gasket. I guess this is because Mazda says the fluid/filter lasts a life time!!!

Thanks for the insight. Here’s the video that I watched. He seems to know what he’s doing and he is changing the filter.

 

[AL Cx5]

Thanks for the insight. Here’s the video that I watched. He seems to know that he’s doing and he is changing the filter.

I like this how to video. He was very careful through out. Man that fluid was dirty and/or burnt...

Allow an hour or so to get the RTV off the flanges...ugh

I will remove the air filter box to make it easier to get to the dip stick and fill the trans. Also avoid spilling ATF and clean up.

If you have a Torque Pro app or DD, we can read the trans temp without using an external thermometer. I'll use Torque Pro when I check the trans temp/level...

 

[hooked]

In the video above the person doing the ATF flush and filter takes care not to scratch or gouge the metal surfaces that might lead to leaks. In this video, the mechanic uses a metal scraper and a wire brush to remove the RTV. Lol.

 

[AL Cx5]

In the video above the person doing the ATF flush and filter takes care not to scratch or gouge the metal surfaces that might lead to leaks. In this video, the mechanic uses a metal scraper and a wire brush to remove the RTV. Lol.

That is the way I clean off RTV. He removed the air filter assembly too. After doing it a few times, it's a snap.

I haven't seen a cork gasket. Neoprene gasket should work.

 

[N7turbo]

Why not use a tough task degreaser? That has saved me a lot of effort removing silicone when replacing toilets, so why not a transmission pan?

 

[Conrad 16.5]

If you request a trans and FILTER change, then the pan should come off.

When I change trans fluid they get a new filter. A new filter is equally as important as the fluid to be sure it doesn't prevent fluid circulation...

Doing a trans fluid and filter looks about the same as other transmissions. They only extra work is getting the belly pan off and remove the air intake filter. On some of the older trans, we adjusted the bands on every trans/filter change.

It is a bit strange in this day and time the pan doesn't have a reusable gasket. I guess this is because Mazda says the fluid/filter lasts a life time!!!

FIFY (fixed it for you)

 

[Conrad 16.5]

Why not use a tough task degreaser? That has saved me a lot of effort removing silicone when replacing toilets, so why not a transmission pan?

While I can't say for certain, because I never tried it, but I'm fairly sure that no degreaser is going to remove RTV. Elbow grease will but no degreaser will do this job. RTV is formulated to be resistant to this.

 

[RedBaron]

Why not use a tough task degreaser?

Can you suggest a particular type/brand or better, a link? I need to take (regular) silicone off something, and I was unaware of anything that would remove it.

 

[AL Cx5]

While I can't say for certain, because I never tried it, but I'm fairly sure that no degreaser is going to remove RTV. Elbow grease will but no degreaser will do this job. RTV is formulated to be resistant to this.

Acetone and denatured alcohol will soften silicone. I remove silicone last week on another project, weee.

X2 elbow grease is the only way I've got it off...

 

[Conrad 16.5]

Acetone and denatured alcohol will soften silicone. I remove silicone last week on another project, weee.

X2 elbow grease is the only way I've got it off...

Yes, but we're talking about RTV, another animal entirely.

 

[sm1ke]

Can you suggest a particular type/brand or better, a link? I need to take (regular) silicone off something, and I was unaware of anything that would remove it.

For regular silicone, I've used a product called EZ Strip Spray Foam and Silicone Caulk Remover from Home Depot. It uses D-LIMONENE to loosen silicone caulk and make it easier to remove. Paired with a scraping tool, it worked great when I recaulked one of my showers last year.

For transmission pan gaskets, it's probably best to use plastic scraper blades to remove the RTV. I'm not sure if there are any adhesive removers worth using for pan gaskets specifically.

 

[Shortafoot]

I have been trying to find a rubber auto transmission gasket for the 2018+ 2.5 Skyactiv and haven't been able to find one yet. The one in the kits that claim to fit 2013 until 20?? do not because the bolt circle was changed when they added cylinder deactivation apparently.

 

[AL Cx5]

Yes, but we're talking about RTV, another animal entirely.

AI contradicts the above:

Question: Is RTV silicone based?

Yes, RTV is a silicone-based compound. RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanizing. It's a type of silicone rubber that cures at room temperature, rather than requiring heat.

 

[N7turbo]

Can you suggest a particular type/brand or better, a link? I need to take (regular) silicone off something, and I was unaware of anything that would remove it.

I use Super Clean. A gallon is only $11 at Walmart.

I keep several spray bottles with dilutions of full strength, 3:1, and 8:1 water to product.

8:1 for most general use around the house like an all-purpose cleaner.

3:1 for most dirty jobs like removing silicone caulk, and automotive use.

Full strength to remove oil from concrete or to clean the grill or oven, or where surfaces won't be damaged by the sodium hydroxide.

And yes to the plastic scraper as well.

I have not used this on a gasket but, I was just imagining in cases where it's really hard to scrape all the bits off, I don't see why it wouldn't help soften it if applied with a cloth. Of course don't spray it up into the pan.

 

[AL Cx5]

I use Super Clean. A gallon is only $11 at Walmart.

I keep several spray bottles with dilutions of full strength, 3:1, and 8:1 water to product.

8:1 for most general use around the house like an all-purpose cleaner.

3:1 for most dirty jobs like removing silicone caulk, and automotive use.

Full strength to remove oil from concrete or to clean the grill or oven, or where surfaces won't be damaged by the sodium hydroxide.

And yes to the plastic scraper as well.

I have not used this on a gasket but, I was just imagining in cases where it's really hard to scrape all the bits off, I don't see why it wouldn't help soften it if applied with a cloth. Of course don't spray it up into the pan.

I use Super Clean on auto parts and such. Purple Power on concrete. PP will discolor aluminum and palstics but does a great job on the shope floor.

I haven't tried it on silicone. I have a spot to try it in the A.M.