Is Automatic Transmission Stuffed?

**Ausfree** · 21st January 2010, 08:41 AM

My 2001 Freelander V6 with the five speed Jatco transmission is at the mechanics after the transmission cooler cracked and mixed the auto fluid with the coolant. The mechanic seems to be of the opinion that once coolant gets into the auto box it wrecks the seals and it is only a matter of time before the box will need a rebuild. The vehicle was not driven far after a problem was noticed and by the time I got it to the mechanic I noticed it was slipping. Can anybody give me an opinion?

**101RRS** · 21st January 2010, 09:25 AM

What your mechanic said may be true - but then it may not. So if the gearbox is still in the car leave it and see what happens - all you loose is a bit of inconvenience if it does fail - pay for a rebuild now that maybe is not needed and you loose big dollars.

If the box is out of the car I would be looking at getting the seals done now.

Just my opinion.

Garry

**Ausfree** · 21st January 2010, 09:53 AM

Thanks for that Garry, much appreciated, the vehicle has been off the road for two weeks and the mechanic tells me the thermostat is stuffed, needs a new one, I am getting quite frustrated, thinking of unloading the vehicle. Any idea what a transmission rebuild costs?

Oh, the transmission is not out of the vehicle but all the manifold has been pulled off to get to the thermostat!!

**BigJon** · 21st January 2010, 11:16 AM

It is a few years since I priced a Jatco 5 speed auto for a Freelander, but my memory is that it was painfully expensive (genuine LR rebuilt trans). Scouse should be able to tell you how much these days.

**Scouse** · 21st January 2010, 11:36 AM

I don't even want to know

.

I remember when the V6 auto first came out that a new engine & gearbox cost more than the whole car (and a few were done).

Your best bet would be to contact A&B Transmissions in Melbourne. They rebuild them for LR.

Home

**Ausfree** · 21st January 2010, 01:26 PM

Much appreciated Scouse I will EMail them for an idea

**Chops** · 21st January 2010, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by garrycol

What your mechanic said may be true - but then it may not. So if the gearbox is still in the car leave it and see what happens - all you loose is a bit of inconvenience if it does fail - pay for a rebuild now that maybe is not needed and you loose big dollars.

If the box is out of the car I would be looking at getting the seals done now.

Just my opinion.

Garry

X 2,,
Just my opinion also, but with the warranty work I've done on BTR trans's, both 4 & 6 speeds, I've not seen any real problem with seals and coolant,, however, this would depend on condition of trans at the time of failure. If it was in "good nick" when it happened, I would think it should be ok, if not,,, ahhh, maybe not. It may take a couple of flushes to clean it out properly, but as said, it's cheaper to do that than pull it out and rebuild it on the off chance it may have stuffed something. Leaving it for some time to find out will give you some time to gather funds etc so your ready for it later "if" it does flag it.
Hope it helps,, but remember, it's only my opinion, your descision.

Cheers

**Blknight.aus** · 21st January 2010, 05:59 PM

it doesnt so much stuff the seal of the box but it does contaminate the lockup clutch of the torque converter, this then progressively fails and takes out the box by means of burning the oil when it slips and putting crap into the box and cooler.

it will take a minimum of 3 flushes to get all the coolant gone this can be made easier by blending about 30% by volume of metho into the first flush.

**Ausfree** · 21st January 2010, 06:15 PM

Thanks Chops and Blknight for your advice, as funds are limited I have been seriously worried, I will have a talk to the mechanic tomorrow, your advice is very much appreciated. Cheers

**Blknight.aus** · 21st January 2010, 06:30 PM

if you get on top of it in a hurry and get the contaminated oil out quick smart you might get another year or 2 out of the box...

I suggest that you replace the TC and skip the flushing. you should also spring for new pump seals as part of replacing the TC.

as a bonus if you replace the TC you eliminate the need for bulk flushing as you are removing the only part of the auto that cant be drained and cleaned.

depending on how pedantic your mechanic is in his choice of oils, how much oil the auto in the freelander holds and how much you can get a TC to suit for you may come out in front in terms of parts and consumables to replace the TC then refill the auto.

of course the labour charge will blow that out but consider that the peace of mind factor..

as an additional bonus when you buy the TC if you buy from some places that specialise in TC's you may well be able to have the TC customised to suit your driving technique and get a heavy duty lockup fitted.

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