I have driven about 15000 miles since I had the ATF changed about 2 years ago. If the fluid is nice and pink, do I need to change it this spring, like the Allison manual suggests (every 2 years)?

Happy New Year Richard:
I think the real question is how many total miles the trans has on it and the type of oil used. If it standard Dextron(sp) 3, I would change it. Oil is a lot cheaper than an overhaul. If you changed it to Allison recommended synthetic and have changed it two or three times since the change, then NO, no need. Synthetic is very expensive!

In my case, the trans fluid and filter was never changed until I got the coach ~75K miles, I changed over to synthetic (two subsequent changes with filters to get rid of all the old stuff) and now have just turned 165K miles (90K miles in 5 years). I have seen some signs that there is wear in the trans but so far it is OK

MD3000 series trans really likes synthetic and Allison states that since they switched over to synthetic recommended oil, their warranty claims have dropped by 70% or more.

How hot does the trans fluid get, and how often?

Somewhere I heard, "Oil's cheaper than metal!" Oh yeah, I said it

One of the advantages of synthetics is it makes many users more aware the need to change lubricants now and then.

BTW, when's the last time you changed your diffy lube? Lubed the suspension and drive train? Changed the power steering fluid?

Should I have the brake fluid changed too?

quote:

Originally posted by Richard_Muise:
Should I have the brake fluid changed too?

Not familiar with your chassis, but, if you have hydraulic brakes, when was it done last?

Flatlanders should change fluid every other year and downhillers once a year, or after you have smoked the brakes. some of that will depend on whether you drive in rain or live near the ocean, etc. fluid can be tested for moisture content with a variety of devices, including paper strips.

There are a lot of good posts here on fluids. There is a difference.

quote:

I have driven about 15000 miles since I had the ATF changed about 2 years ago. If the fluid is nice and pink, do I need to change it this spring, like the Allison manual suggests (every 2 years)?

The only thing ATF color reveals is: Its color. The exception is if it's very dark red or brown, that's a sign ove its having been overheated.

quote:

The only thing ATF color reveals is: Its color. The exception is if it's very dark red or brown, that's a sign ove its having been overheated.


Rusty

What about smell? ATF can smell burnt, I use this test more than color.

I'm taking the Euro in next week for a transmission service. I found a local place that specializes in trannys and has no trouble with RV's, so I'm having them go over whatever they think needs doing. Is there a chance that this could eliminate the "chatter" I feel when accelerating hard at 25 to 35 mph? I always thought it was a regular thing, but some of these posts about trannys got me wondering.

If the ATF smells "burnt", it's likely time to cozy up to your friendly local tranny shop.

Danny, an ATF change could solve the chatter, which could arise from a variety of causes. I'd have the tech drive the coach to see just what you're describing.

A symptom similar to chatter is caused by bad universals, so check those also.

quote:

Originally posted by Danny Z:
the "chatter" I feel when accelerating hard at 25 to 35 mph?

Try going through that speed range in different gears manually. It the chatter is still there, it could be universals, as Rusty mentioned.

TransMedic has helped me in a lot of trans issues. Sadly, not all. I usually put it in a coupla hundred miles before a fluid change, even if there are no problems.

Hopefully it won't get to the point...but when I thought I had problems with my tranny...I found out it had an Amoco rebuilt turbo 400 from a 1968 Chevelle. It didn't cost that much extra so I had the shop upgrade it to a 475 Turbo by installing a straight cut gear cluster and a couple of other items (I can't remember but I'm sure it's in one of the posts...)