Knowledge is POWER
Every owner’s manual contains a wealth of information to assist in maintaining your vehicle in ‘tip top’ condition and peak performance. In reality though, sifting through all the technical jargon becomes a mammoth and tiresome task!
So what exactly will ensure the lifespan of your Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission?
The answer is simple! Always ensure that your Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission is serviced at the recommended intervals of 60 000KM.
When a transmission service is undertaken by a reputable Mercedes-Benz gearbox repair centre the focus will not only be on replacing the basic parts. The expert technicians will undertake a cross check assessment that starts with the transmission sump. This process is essential to avoid costly Mercedes-Benz transmission repairs.
EXPLORING THE INS AND OUTS OF A TRANSMISSION SUMP SERVICE
Lubrication plays a major role in your Mercedes-Benz transmission system and is responsible for lubricating mechanical parts, maintaining fluid pressure, heat dissipation, preventing oxidation amongst many other functions.
Upon removal of the transmission sump, the transmission fluid is closely inspected for water, fine metal shavings or sludge build up.
Any type of contamination found in the transmission fluid, invariably indicates that there are other faulty components that need to be assessed to avoid complete transmission failure.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these components.
TRANSMISSION COOLER/RADIATOR
In layman’s terms the function of the transmission cooler is to cool the transmission and prevent heat-related failures. Over a period of time the transmission cooler can corrode causing the coolant within the transmission cooler to contaminate the transmission fluid.
For this very reason it is of utmost importance that the sump be inspected closely. Transmission fluid which has been contaminated with coolant can no longer lubricate the internal mechanical components efficiently, causing irreparable damage to clutch plates, seals, O rings and solenoids. Coolant contamination is often associated with fine metal shavings found in the sump. Metal shavings are a clear sign of internal wear that is beyond what would be considered normal.
The other key component that will be affected by contamination is the torque converter, lock up clutch. At this point the only remedy is to get in touch with a Mercedes-Benz transmission specialist who can provide you with a fully reconditioned Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission.
Apart from a transmission sump service, there is really no way to tell that the transmission cooler is faulty, hence the importance of servicing your transmission at the required intervals cannot be over emphasized.
TRANSMISSION FILTERS
Transmission filters can become clogged from dust, fine metal shavings and sludge build up caused by wear and tear of the internal mechanical components. Clogged filters can lead to poor shifts, gear slippage or even complete transmission failure.
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS
Incorrect transmission fluid levels account for the majority of Mercedes-Benz transmission problems. When transmission fluid levels dip, it can actually result in irreversible damage at worst, or a need for Mercedes-Benz transmission repairs at best. Most modern Mercedes-Benz transmissions do not have a dipstick making it tricky to check the transmission fluid levels. Transmission fluid leaks should always be assessed. New transmission fluid should always be used when your vehicle is in for a transmission sump service.
SUMP GASKETS AND ELECTRONIC PLUGS
Sump gaskets and in some vehicles, electronic plugs are used to seal the transmission sump to avoid transmission fluid leaks.
Last but not least, your Mercedes-Benz expert should do a final diagnostic test utilising the correct diagnostic equipment and undertake a road test to perform transmission adaptations.
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU LOVE IT
One off the best pieces of advice you can get for extending and preserving the lifespan of any component in a car, is to use it with care.
The way you drive will have a direct impact on how regularly, if at all, you need a Mercedes-Benz transmission repair.
To help you drive in a way that is conducive with keeping components going for longer, here are a few simple tips:
- Don’t drive erratically or aggressively.
- Don’t shift between gears (park, drive, or reverse) while moving. Wait for a complete stop.
CONTACT ENDURO GEARBOX REPAIR CENTRE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
If you would like assistance with professional Mercedes-Benz transmission repairs, be sure to get in get in touch with a skilled technician from ENDURO GEARBOX CENTRE or browse our website to find out more about our services and for additional information view our FACEBOOK page.
