Automatic Transmissions

Disclaimer: Direct from ipd’s Tech Tip archive!  This tech tip contains information from previous publications.  Products mentioned may not be available or the information may not be accurate due to changes in supply, manufacturing, or part number association.  Please contact ipd Customer Support if you have further questions.

We've got several products to help maintain the operation of your automatic transmission. The first is a tool that allows you to flush the automatic transmis-sion fluid nearly 100% on a 1 rear wheel drive Volvos. You may not know it, but if you drain the transmission fluid by removing the drain plug in the transmission pan, you are only draining about half of the capacity. 3-4 quarts of the old fluid remains in the torque converter and as soon as you start the car, your fresh fluid is instantly contaminated. Some models require that you remove the transmis-sion oil pan to change the fluid, as they have no drain plug, this is a real pain as the dipstick tube connection can break in the process. This tool eliminates the need to remove the pan for draining.

We have recently heard of customers being charged $150 to $200 for a power flush. You can now achieve similar results with our simple transmission hose kit (shown at right). The tool is simply a 6' length of petroleum safe hose with the proper fittings to connect to the upper transmission line at the radiator trans cooler port. With the included instructions you can safely flush and replace the transmission fluid in about 15 minutes. Performing this service at 30-50,000 mile intervals can effectively double the life of the transmission. Throw in one of our in line Magnefine filters and your transmission may last as long as the rest of your Volvo!

The second product addresses a common problem of automatic transmission tail shaft bushing wear in 1976 and newer rear wheel drive Volvos. The aluminum tail shaft housing is protected from wear by a bronze sleeve bushing pressed into the end of the housing where the tail shaft exits the transmission. As the bushing wears, the output seal will begin leaking. Often the seal is replaced only to begin leaking again soon as the shaft play quickly chews up the seal. Another more serious problem occurs if the bushing is not replaced. If allowed to wear enough, you will hear a loud clunk when the load changes in the drive train. The most common complaint is a loud clunk when the car is put into drive. We now have a tail shaft bushing kit that includes the tail shaft bushing and seal.