C5 fluid changing?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: inwood li new york
C5 fluid changing?
Hi just wondering if our corvettes require any special way if changing out the fluids on them, especially the rear end and transmission or if a regular transmission spot would be safe to have it done at? My cars 17 years old now and I bought it 2 years ago. I have about 48000 miles on it and not sure what was changed before I've had it. Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Hi just wondering if our corvettes require any special way if changing out the fluids on them, especially the rear end and transmission or if a regular transmission spot would be safe to have it done at? My cars 17 years old now and I bought it 2 years ago. I have about 48000 miles on it and not sure what was changed before I've had it. Thanks in advance.
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One of the first things I did when I bought my car was to change all the fluids so I had a solid starting point on maintenance items. I had mine done (except for the oil which I did myself) at the dealership as I have a good relationship with them and they do a good job, plus the cost was very reasonable. I would for sure swap out the coolant and oil and would probably go ahead and just change all the fluids.
I’m going to move this into the C5 Tech area where other members will share their thoughts too.
I’m going to move this into the C5 Tech area where other members will share their thoughts too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
After fluids, you need to talk/think about the rubber as in hoses, tires and belts. They also need to be checked and changed. Many times tires look good/okay but are not. The same goes for belts and hoses.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: inwood li new york
So you haven't changed the oil in 2 years? I change my oil every year or whenever the oil life monitor gets to 50% which it never does because I don't drive it much...You are safe with the other 2 you mentioned but I would change them now also... If it were mine, I would change all of the fluids and start off fresh. It never hurts to do that and it is not that expensive to do. Then you can keep records and change fluids at the recommended intervals. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: inwood li new york
So you haven't changed the oil in 2 years? I change my oil every year or whenever the oil life monitor gets to 50% which it never does because I don't drive it much...You are safe with the other 2 you mentioned but I would change them now also... If it were mine, I would change all of the fluids and start off fresh. It never hurts to do that and it is not that expensive to do. Then you can keep records and change fluids at the recommended intervals. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: inwood li new york
I have also installed new tires, replaced the sway bar links, and changed the drive belts on the car. Im just wondering if a local transmission shop would be ok to change the tranny and differential fluid.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
"Hi just wondering if our corvettes require any special way if changing out the fluids on them"
To me that meant ALL fluids, not just the 2 above...
anyway $900 is for labor at $160/hr. at a dealership....why not do the other labor yourself since you already know how to change 2 things...its not brain surgery and you can save $700 ?...just sayin...
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
...and if the harmonic balancer has never been changed it also needs to be changed because it goes bad with age not mileage...usually 7-10 years....
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 497
From: Fords, NJ
You COULD change the trans fluid and filter yourself but ......the refill procedure of the trans is a little involved. It MUST be done on jack stands or a lift and once the trans is filled you have to start the car, let it reach operating temp and then with the engine running, fill until it spills out of the fluid fill hole.
Here is the COMPLETE procedure, compliments of Patches:
Here is the COMPLETE procedure, compliments of Patches:
Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement
Removal Procedure
Caution
When the transmission is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the check/fill plug, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.
Attachment 48178634
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
3. Clean any dirt from around the transmission check/fill plug.
4. Remove the transmission fluid check/fill plug and allow the fluid to drain.
Attachment 48178635
5. Support the transmission oil pan.
6. Remove the transmission oil pan bolts.
7. Loosely reinstall the fluid check/fill plug.
8. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet or pry gently in order to loosen the pan.
9. Remove the transmission oil pan.
10. Drain the remaining fluid from the oil pan.
Attachment 48178636
Important
Note the position of the filter before removal to aid in installation.
11. Grasp firmly while pulling down with a twisting motion in order to remove the filter.
Attachment 48178637
12. Remove the filter seal. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump, if necessary, carefully use plyers or another suitable tool to remove the seal.
13. Discard the seal.
14. Inspect the transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure .
15. Inspect the transmission fluid filter. Pry the metal crimping away from the top of the filter and pull apart. The filter may contain evidence for root cause diagnosis:
o Clutch material
o Bronze slivers indicating bushing wear
o Steel particles
Important
Remove ALL traces of old gasket material from the transmission case and the oil pan gasket surfaces.
16. Clean the oil pan gasket mating surfaces, on both the transmission case and the transmission oil pan, with solvent and air dry.
Installation Procedure
Tools Required
J 36850 Transmission Assembling Lubricant (Transjel™)
Attachment 48178638
1. Coat the new filter seal with a small amount of J 36850 or equivalent.
2. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Gently tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket.
Attachment 48178636
3. Install the new oil filter into position as noted during removal.
Attachment 48178640
4. Inspect the oil pan bolts and washers to determine if the conical washers are reversed.
o Reuse the oil pan bolts and washers if the conical washers are NOT reversed (1).
o Replace the oil pan bolts and washers if the conical washers are reversed (2).
Attachment 48178635
5. Install the new oil pan gasket to the oil pan sealing surface.
6. Position the oil pan to the transmission case and support the oil pan.
7. Install the oil pan bolts. Tighten the transmission oil pan bolts alternately and evenly to 11 N·m (97 lb in).
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Attachment 48178634
8. Remove the transmission fluid check/fill plug.
9. Fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III automatic transmission fluid through the check/fill plug hole until fluid begins to pour out, then install the check/fill plug hand-tight.
10. Complete filling the transmission with fluid to the proper level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check/Fill .
11. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check/Fill
Inspection Procedure
Attachment 48178634
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Start and run the engine at idle.
3. Apply the brakes.
4. Shift the transmission into each gear for at least 2 seconds per gear.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and continue to idle the engine for 3 minutes to stabilize the transmission fluid level.
6. After allowing the fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running at idle), check the transmission fluid temperature on the driver information center. Specification
Transmission fluid level temperature: 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F)
7. If the fluid temperature is above specification, turn off the engine and allow the transmission to cool, then repeat the procedure to this point before proceeding.
8. With the engine still running at idle, loosen the check/fill plug on the LH side of the transmission oil pan.
9. Inspect the fluid level:
o Any excess fluid will drain when the check/fill plug is loosened.
o If no fluid drains, remove the check/fill plug and fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III transmission fluid until the fluid begins to overflow.
10. Install the check/fill plug. Tighten the fill plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
11. Shift the transmission into PARK.
12. Release the brakes.
13. Turn off the engine.
14. Lower the vehicle.
Removal Procedure
Caution
When the transmission is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the check/fill plug, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.
Attachment 48178634
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
3. Clean any dirt from around the transmission check/fill plug.
4. Remove the transmission fluid check/fill plug and allow the fluid to drain.
Attachment 48178635
5. Support the transmission oil pan.
6. Remove the transmission oil pan bolts.
7. Loosely reinstall the fluid check/fill plug.
8. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet or pry gently in order to loosen the pan.
9. Remove the transmission oil pan.
10. Drain the remaining fluid from the oil pan.
Attachment 48178636
Important
Note the position of the filter before removal to aid in installation.
11. Grasp firmly while pulling down with a twisting motion in order to remove the filter.
Attachment 48178637
12. Remove the filter seal. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump, if necessary, carefully use plyers or another suitable tool to remove the seal.
13. Discard the seal.
14. Inspect the transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure .
15. Inspect the transmission fluid filter. Pry the metal crimping away from the top of the filter and pull apart. The filter may contain evidence for root cause diagnosis:
o Clutch material
o Bronze slivers indicating bushing wear
o Steel particles
Important
Remove ALL traces of old gasket material from the transmission case and the oil pan gasket surfaces.
16. Clean the oil pan gasket mating surfaces, on both the transmission case and the transmission oil pan, with solvent and air dry.
Installation Procedure
Tools Required
J 36850 Transmission Assembling Lubricant (Transjel™)
Attachment 48178638
1. Coat the new filter seal with a small amount of J 36850 or equivalent.
2. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Gently tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket.
Attachment 48178636
3. Install the new oil filter into position as noted during removal.
Attachment 48178640
4. Inspect the oil pan bolts and washers to determine if the conical washers are reversed.
o Reuse the oil pan bolts and washers if the conical washers are NOT reversed (1).
o Replace the oil pan bolts and washers if the conical washers are reversed (2).
Attachment 48178635
5. Install the new oil pan gasket to the oil pan sealing surface.
6. Position the oil pan to the transmission case and support the oil pan.
7. Install the oil pan bolts. Tighten the transmission oil pan bolts alternately and evenly to 11 N·m (97 lb in).
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Attachment 48178634
8. Remove the transmission fluid check/fill plug.
9. Fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III automatic transmission fluid through the check/fill plug hole until fluid begins to pour out, then install the check/fill plug hand-tight.
10. Complete filling the transmission with fluid to the proper level. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check/Fill .
11. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check/Fill
Inspection Procedure
Attachment 48178634
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Start and run the engine at idle.
3. Apply the brakes.
4. Shift the transmission into each gear for at least 2 seconds per gear.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and continue to idle the engine for 3 minutes to stabilize the transmission fluid level.
6. After allowing the fluid level stabilization time and while still in NEUTRAL (engine still running at idle), check the transmission fluid temperature on the driver information center. Specification
Transmission fluid level temperature: 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F)
7. If the fluid temperature is above specification, turn off the engine and allow the transmission to cool, then repeat the procedure to this point before proceeding.
8. With the engine still running at idle, loosen the check/fill plug on the LH side of the transmission oil pan.
9. Inspect the fluid level:
o Any excess fluid will drain when the check/fill plug is loosened.
o If no fluid drains, remove the check/fill plug and fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III transmission fluid until the fluid begins to overflow.
10. Install the check/fill plug. Tighten the fill plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
11. Shift the transmission into PARK.
12. Release the brakes.
13. Turn off the engine.
14. Lower the vehicle.