Transmission fluid filter O-ring

[Bigceeloc]

I've got a question about that little O-ring that basically makes it possible for the transmission filter to hang from the tranny. How do you get it out? I had to pry the filter out and lo and behold, the o-ring stayed in there. So I simply took off the o-ring that was on the new filter and stuck it up in there. I'll go back in there if I have to, but seriously, how do you get it out and do I need to?

[doobiess]

lol i had the same prob on my 94 3100 auto.. i tied and said screw this.. and just left it and replaced the old filter... from what i hear it stays there... but i dont think its too big of a deal

[1fatcat]

To get it out, you need to go in there with a small prying tool and grab the flat metal ridge that sits flush with the tranny case. This is not something you will want to do if you are impacient and resort to using eccessive force with dangerous tools when things don't go the way you want them to.

The bore that the new seal gets pressed into CAN NOT be damaged or you will creat a leak on the suction side of the tranny pump system allowing air to enter the pump...not good.

It is best to just leave the old seal in place and never change it. That seal does not wear out because it is not sealing against a moving part. The only way that seal will become damaged is if the damage is inflicted by a person trying to remove it or if the tranny is overheated to failure temperatures. The seal would then turn hard from the overheating and would be replaced along with many other parts when the tranny is overhauled because the car won't shift right or won't move.

But for just maintanance reasons (fluid/filter change) your better off to leave the old seal in. Before you put the new filter in, you should stick your finger into the seal and feel for any cuts, scratches or damage on the sealing surface. If you do feel any damage then you will want to replace it. But 99% of the time the seal will not show any signs of damage.

You did the right thing by leaving it in assuming you didn't try getting it out and damaged it in the proccess.

Edit: Also, before installing the new filter, apply a light coating of tranny fluid to the filter neck so it slides into the old seal easier and decreases the chance of damaging the seal durring the filter install.

[Pontaic194]

exactly

[Bigceeloc]

Ooo very informative! I did stick my finger up in there just to see if I could pull it out. Thanks for that though, now I feel better about having it in there. Good stuff!