2011 SS automatic - drop the pan or just drain? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

W.E.G. · 02-13-2018, 11:34 AM

Dealership says there is no point in dropping the pan, and replacing the "filter" because the filter is just a mesh strainer. No consumable filter element present.

I know kits are available that include the gasket and the "filter." Very inexpensive.

But really, is there any point in dropping the pan to replace the "filter" if the filter is only a screen? If its only a screen, its not like the screen is catching any fine-particulate matter. Without a true filter element, the only way you get rid of fine particulate matter in a transmission is through regular replacement of the fluid.

Yes?

We don't (at least not many of us) drop the oil pan for the sake of replacing the oil pickup screen.

Interested in perspectives of folks who may be better informed than (or in agreement with) the service writer at the dealership.

https://www.gmpartscenter.net/oem-pa...aGV2cm9sZXQ%3D

shibbs · 02-13-2018, 12:12 PM

There's really no harm in replacing it, but the way I look at it... If your plates are wearing enough to clog that much filter media, your trans is on the way out, and a filter isn't going to fix it.

Mr_Draco · 02-13-2018, 02:24 PM

The automatic is a sealed system. The only way to completely drain and replace the trans fluid is to drop the pan. Since the filter comes with the pan gasket, might as well use it.

hammdo · 02-13-2018, 02:56 PM

Drop the pan, put in the bigger filter. May be a good time for the Jannette dip stick:

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=380751

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480585

-Don

W.E.G. · 02-13-2018, 03:38 PM

Regarding the dip stick addition, is there any fluid-level related reason that would dictate installation of a dipstick as part of a transmission fluid change?

02-13-2018, 11:34 AM	#1
W.E.G. breaker of things Drives: 2011 SS and 1988 Sport Coupe Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Virginia Posts: 110	2011 SS automatic - drop the pan or just drain? Dealership says there is no point in dropping the pan, and replacing the "filter" because the filter is just a mesh strainer. No consumable filter element present. I know kits are available that include the gasket and the "filter." Very inexpensive. But really, is there any point in dropping the pan to replace the "filter" if the filter is only a screen? If its only a screen, its not like the screen is catching any fine-particulate matter. Without a true filter element, the only way you get rid of fine particulate matter in a transmission is through regular replacement of the fluid. Yes? We don't (at least not many of us) drop the oil pan for the sake of replacing the oil pickup screen. Interested in perspectives of folks who may be better informed than (or in agreement with) the service writer at the dealership. https://www.gmpartscenter.net/oem-pa...aGV2cm9sZXQ%3D Attached Images

02-13-2018, 02:56 PM	#4
hammdo 'It's an experiment' Drives: [COTW 2/09/15] '11 GPI LSA SC Z/LE Join Date: May 2014 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 8,694 View My Garage	Drop the pan, put in the bigger filter. May be a good time for the Jannette dip stick: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=380751 http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480585 -Don __________________ 747 RWHP 794 RWTQ "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races." - Enzo Ferrari See My Build: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385577

02-13-2018, 02:24 PM	#3
Mr_Draco Drives: 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 7,182	The automatic is a sealed system. The only way to completely drain and replace the trans fluid is to drop the pan. Since the filter comes with the pan gasket, might as well use it.

02-13-2018, 03:38 PM	#5
W.E.G. breaker of things Drives: 2011 SS and 1988 Sport Coupe Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Virginia Posts: 110	Regarding the dip stick addition, is there any fluid-level related reason that would dictate installation of a dipstick as part of a transmission fluid change?