How can transmission fluid additives fix a transmission? It comes down to three things.
First, it’s friction. The planetary gear sets in an automatic transmission use clutches and bands that are covered with friction materials similar to a brake pad. These clutches control the engagement of the sun gear, ring gear in the planetary gear set to change the transmission’s output ratios. Because these clutches and bands are submerged in the transmission fluid, the interaction of the friction surfaces is influenced by the fluid. As transmission fluid degrades, it can change the coefficient of friction. If there’s not enough friction, the transmission can slip. Too much friction can cause harsh shifts. Excessive slipping or harsh shifting can damage the planetary gear set and friction materials.
Second, oxidation. If you remove the pan on some transmissions, you may notice dark deposits on the internal surfaces of the valve body, case and pan. This patina is oxidized transmission fluid. Oxidation occurs when transmission fluid is exposed to oxygen and heat. The process is similar to sludge formation inside an engine. This coating can eventually gum up the internal surfaces inside the hydraulic circuits. As oxidized fluid accumulates on the surfaces, it can cause check valves and electronic solenoids to malfunction. Oxidation can also affect the pliability of the gaskets and seals. Many technicians think this only causes external leaks, but internal leaks can also occur. Gaskets and seals that separate the hydraulic circuits may lose their sealing ability, which can cause shift performance problems such as a delayed shift, hanging gear, or slipping between shifts.
Third is lubricity. Lubricity is the ability of a lubricant to reduce friction and wear between two surfaces moving against each other, especially when they’re under load or under very close contact. Inside a transmission, this includes bearings in an automatic transmission and the pulleys and chains or belts inside a CVT. This even affects synchronizer rings in a manual transmission.
For more, including how Bar’s Leaks Trans Fix can help with these problems, watch the video above.
This video is sponsored by Bar’s Leaks.
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