Another Transmission Fluid Thread
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Slightly off topic, but do you have any rust issues? Also, do you use the OEM mud flaps to reduce gravel/sand pelting the lower door rocker panels?
Silicon (sand) is the major wear indicator in engine fluids (from dust in the air). The more silica, the more wear you will experience. Aluminum and iron are from transmission component wear (gears, etc.). I'm not sure, but I'd harbor a guess that Toyota is using an aluminum planetary gear in the transmission? Usually only the heavy-duty trannies like in the Landcruiser/LX470 get the steel planetary gears; even the GX/4Runner went to aluminum gears back in 2003.
Silicon (sand) is the major wear indicator in engine fluids (from dust in the air). The more silica, the more wear you will experience. Aluminum and iron are from transmission component wear (gears, etc.). I'm not sure, but I'd harbor a guess that Toyota is using an aluminum planetary gear in the transmission? Usually only the heavy-duty trannies like in the Landcruiser/LX470 get the steel planetary gears; even the GX/4Runner went to aluminum gears back in 2003.
No rust problems whatsoever. I don't have any mud flaps on the car. My rocker panels look fine.
Here's a link to Blackstone that talks about what some of the elements are in your typical tranny fluid and how they get there.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/trans...n-elements.php
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The tranny shifts slightly smoother when driving, but I didn't have an issue to begin with. I also noticed that it shifts a bit quicker when shifting between park to reverse, reverse to drive, drive to reverse, park to drive.
#18
Andrew
#20
#22
Moderator
I think the delay is built in to avoid any of the typical 'clunk" between gear changes that drivers may feel in other types of cars.
This works well down here in Texas - we take it sloooww paadna - particularly in my town where the speed limit is 30mph everywhere.
The LS must have been designed in southern Japan : )
This works well down here in Texas - we take it sloooww paadna - particularly in my town where the speed limit is 30mph everywhere.
The LS must have been designed in southern Japan : )
#24
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I'm expecting the lab test results today. Haven't heard from them yet though. They typically process the sample and generate the report the same day they receive it. They received it yesterday before noon. They're supposed to email it to me.
Jim
Jim
#25
100,000 tranny changes, 7500 mile and up oil changes it will be good to see how the fluids hold up to these higher levels of use.
I had a client who is a GM mechanic come to my office and we started talking car talk. He mentioned on the GM 3.5 and 3.9's how they went to 5000 mile oil changes and now they are doing warrantee engine work at 30-40 k due to timing chain failures. He just mentioned the newer ranges for changes and how automakers start to keep up with the Jones and agreed with most of us an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
I had a client who is a GM mechanic come to my office and we started talking car talk. He mentioned on the GM 3.5 and 3.9's how they went to 5000 mile oil changes and now they are doing warrantee engine work at 30-40 k due to timing chain failures. He just mentioned the newer ranges for changes and how automakers start to keep up with the Jones and agreed with most of us an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
#26
^^^
I don't know if it's releated, but GM has had a lot of stretched timing chain issues with the 3.6L DOHC V6. The problem is present in both the RWD Cadillacs and FWD crossovers with the engine.
I don't know if it's releated, but GM has had a lot of stretched timing chain issues with the 3.6L DOHC V6. The problem is present in both the RWD Cadillacs and FWD crossovers with the engine.
#27
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I just received the lab test via email... I have to download a free .pdf editor and strip out my personal info before I can upload it... There's one additional test coming next week called a TAN. I'm guessing for tranny fluid, they do a TAN instead of a TBN...
Here's a link that explains TAN & TBN... http://www.oil-analysis.org/tan_tbn_test.html
Here's a link that explains TAN & TBN... http://www.oil-analysis.org/tan_tbn_test.html
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Attached is the Blackstone Transmission Fluid Analysis Report for my 2005 Lexus LS430 with 100,944 miles on the WS oil. Be sure to read the comments section. The TAN report will come on Monday and I'll upload that as well.
Jim
Jim
#29
Thank you so much for the Analysis Report.
This assures me that the Factory knows what they are talking about.
On another note i hope that everyone keeps in mind that just because you have dirty or old fluid it doesnt mean your transmission is in bad condition
or
just because the transmission has some new fluid it doesnt mean that the transmission is in perfect condition.
Looking forward to the TAN Report on Monday .
Last edited by elite7; 10-01-10 at 08:24 PM.
#30
The contaminants look pretty good, especially at 100K. Both viscosity values are slightly below the target range. Does anyone know what value(s) indicate whether the trans fluid is "spent"?