A transmission filter helps remove debris or sludge particles that may build up in the transmission fluid as the fluid breaks down over time. You should replace the filter every time you change the fluid on your Chevrolet pickup, unless you can have the transmission professionally flushed. If you are able to have the transmission flushed, consider replacing the filter every other flush in order to keep your Chevrolet running in top shape.
Place the drain pan underneath the transmission pan.
Loosen the bolts in the transmission pan far enough to allow the fluid to slowly pour out and into the drain pan. Loosen them progressively further to get as much fluid out as possible, lowering one end down further than the other as you go, which will force the fluid out of the transmission pan and into the drain pan. Once you have allowed most of the fluid to pour into the drain pan, remove the bolts completely and stick them in the magnet dish so you can find them easily when reinstalling the pan.
Clean the pan thoroughly with the brake clean and rags, making sure to remove any leftover gasket material from the pan. Use the razor blade scraper to remove any leftover gasket material that doesn’t come off easily. There is a particle magnet in the pan that may look like a fuzzy steel doughnut; the “fuzz” is comprised of tiny metal shavings that occur as normal wear and tear inside your transmission. Remove this magnet and clean it thoroughly with rags and brake clean before putting it back in the pan. Clean the underside of the transmission where the pan mates to it with the rags and scraper.
Pull the old filter down and out of the mounting hole, by grabbing it at the end where it mounts and twisting from side to side while pulling downward. Be careful, as the filter is still full of fluid.
Insert the new filter by pushing it firmly into place. Make sure it is fully seated before continuing.
Spray the transmission pan’s edges with a very light coat of spray adhesive, then place the transmission pan gasket on it, making sure to properly align all the bolt holes.
Place the transmission pan back against the bottom of the transmission and thread in all the bolts by hand, making sure not to cross thread any of them. Once they are all in, tighten them down fully with the socket set, moving in a crossing pattern as you go from bolt to bolt (i.e., tighten the upper left bolt, then the lower right, then the upper right and lower left, and so on, until the pan is fully sealed).
Put the fluid funnel into the transmission dipstick and fill the transmission with the recommend amount and type of transmission fluid. Consult your trucks owner’s manual for specific fluid information.
