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Topic: Transmission Fluid Change (Read 567 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission Fluid Change

In preparation for changing the transmission fluid, I read several posts and searches and found these videos helpful .
 
Allison Transmission Service.  I have not done the service yet, but this video certainly makes it look easy.  Things always seem easier to me if I can see the process first.  Also shows you how to check your fluid level from the shift panel and determine if you have the small or large sump.

This video is a high level overview of how the transmission works.  A little over an hour long, but I found it informative. 
Allison Transmission Inner Workings .  Not sure if it applies to our transmission but some models have prognostics (starting at 15 minutes)  that show oil life based on usage and filter life based pressure differential.  A short blip on how the oil level is measured is at 14 minutes. 
 
I play most youtubes at 1.5 or 1.75 times playback speed to get through it a little faster....because some folks take way too long to make their point.
40ft 1997 U320
 

Re: Transmission Fluid and FIlter Change

Reply #1 –
Changed the transmission fluid and filters.

Parts used for transmission fluid service:
1 each Genuine Allison filter kit which is for the HD 4060R transmission with a 4" sump  (part 29558329) and includes two filters, gaskets, o-rings and an o-ring for the drain plug:  $75.90 plus tax from Rush Truck Center
7 gallons Mobile Delvac 1 fully synthetic which is Allison approved TES 295/TES 468:  33.99 gallon plus tax at Summit Racing (a little cheaper if you purchase the 4 pack.  Instruction sheet included with the filter kit indicates it takes 39 quarts, but the Foretravel manual says approx. 7 gallons which is pretty close to what I drained out.
 
For those that have not done this before, it is not difficult.  This video in my post below was a great guide which let me know what to expect.  Block the coach up for safety unless you are one of the fortunate few that have a pit....and if you have pit, you probably have lots of experience.  Instead of letting the filter housing and filter drop out like he did in the video, I left two bolts partially engaged and eased it on to them to drain, then removed the last two bolts.
 
I did not have a 7 plus gallon container that would fit under the transmission, so I used a cheap dish pan and did it in three "batches" reinstalling the plug between batches and pouring the fluid into the 2.5 gallon oil containers I saved from the engine oil change.  I love Brett's suggestion of using a container lined with a trash bag for easy clean up, but did not have an appropriate sized container this time.
 
For those inexperienced like me, you can check the transmission fluid level by simultaneously pushing the arrow up and arrow down buttons on the selector pad with engine running, in neutral and when oil temp is over 104F IIRC.

When I get a chance, I will post the instructions that come with the filter kit as it includes torque values, but it calls for 38-45 lb ft or 51-61 Nm for the filter cover bolts and 18-24 lb ft or 25-32 Nm for the drain plug.

There is a note in the instructions that says "Do not drain the transmission fluid if ONLY the filters are being replaced."  It does not suggest a filter only change interval vs a fluid and filter change, but good to know the filters can be changed without draining all of the fluid.
 
On to the next project!
40ft 1997 U320