Metal Shavings in Transmission Fluid | Actual Problems & Solution

Transmission fluid metal shavings are a common problem you often find in your vehicle. When you find this problem, you should take immediate action. Transmission fluid metal shavings damage your vehicle’s internal components, damage the power system, and increase fuel consumption.

Moreover, it increases the noise and dirty environment. Undoubtedly, Metal shavings in transmission fluid create several problems in your vehicles. So, you have to take immediate action to solve the problem as soon as possible.

Pictures of Metal Shavings in Transmission

Metal Shavings in Transmission Fluid

When your transmission fluid comes with metal shaving, you may discover on your fluid metal particles. You should pay extra attention to the transmission fluid because it is connected to the vehicle engine and helps the engine produce high performance.

It is much more expensive to fix. When you are irregular in caring for the transmission fluid, you may need to spend a lot of money to fix the problem.

Sometimes metal shavings are normal, and you should not worry about it. The metal shavings in the transmission oil sometimes don’t create any problems and easily adjust.

What Does Metal Shavings in Transmission Fluid Mean?

Metal shavings in transmission fluid failed the transmission, and it is hard enough to fix. It is crucial because of harmony with the vehicle engine; when your vehicle’s transmission fluid comes with metal shavings, your engine loses power.

Moreover, metal shavings on your vehicle’s transmission create some other problems. Most importantly, you need to spend a lot much money when you want to fix the issue.

Furthermore, check the transmission fluid regularly, and if you find a problem, you should fix the problem as soon as possible. Many automobile repair shops help you to fix the problem.

What Causes Metal Shavings in Transmission Fluid?

The metal shavings in transmission fluid come out because of not replacing your transmission fluid regularly. This can build up metal particles in your vehicle transmission fluid. When you don’t maintain preventive care of your vehicle engine regularly, your vehicle faces metal shavings problems.

On the other hand, the metal shavings come on the transmission fluid because of the wrong grade. You should check the manual for recommended Viscosity grades & API. You may need to flush the transmission oil pan to prevent the metal shavings from your vehicle transmission oil if your vehicle is aged.

How can you prevent metal shavings in transmission fluid?

You should replace your fluid every 3 months or after running 6000 miles.

You need to focus on the transmission system to prevent metal shaving from your transmission fluid. It allows you to run the vehicle and get a better performance smoothly.

metal in transmission fluid

Pictures of Metal Shavings in Transmission

Pictures of metal shaving in the transmission are truly alarming. It is a big problem for a vehicle, and you should not avoid it as a vehicle owner.

When your vehicle is affected by pictures of metal shavings in the transmission, the gears will begin to grind at the same time. Moreover, they send fragments to each other. This problem is hard enough to fix and also costs a lot.

Undoubtedly, it is essential for you to take immediate action to solve the problem. This problem can be solved by taking a picture and sending the technician or a mechanic.

The mechanic finds out the problem and provides you with one of the best solutions to fix the problem. Or, you can hire them to solve this problem.

How Much Metal Is Too Much in Transmission Fluid?

Now, the question is, how much metal shavings are safe for your vehicle? Less than 2% of metal shavings are safe for vehicle transmission. The metal shavings in transmission fluid are measured by chromatography.

When metal shaving comes up to 5% in your vehicle transmission, it occurs a clogged filter problem. The clogged filter problem directly damaged the engine of your vehicle.

Transmission fluid is designed to move or run the vehicle smoothly and also properly run the gear. But, when the metal shavings come in transmission fluid, it instantly becomes clogged, which damages the vehicle engine. Note removing clogs is harder and more expensive.

What Do Gold Colored Flakes in The Transmission Fluid Indicate?

It is a little bit tricky enough to explain the golden color in transmission fluid without knowing the model of the transmission. In general, gold flakes in transmission fluid probably indicate thrust, bushing, and washer.

Thrust is far better for reducing the flakes created between wheels and transmission. On the other hand, a bushed is applied for load transmission.

When the thrust, bushing, and washer wear down, the gold-colored flakes come out in your vehicle transmission fluid.

Black Flakes in Transmission Fluid

Black flakes in transmission fluid are not a bad indicator. When you see the black flakes, you don’t need to change the fluid recently.

The black flakes automatically disperse when you are going to change the fluid. You should change the transmission fluid every 3 months or after running the vehicle 6000 miles.

FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)

Q: How much metal is too much in transmission fluid?

Answer: Above 5% metal is too much in transmission fluid. Less than 2% metal is ideal for the transmission fluid. When your vehicle’s transmission fluid comes above 5%, the gear and engine cause several problems.

Q: What happens if there are metal shavings in your transmission?

Answer: When your vehicle transmission fluid comes with metal shavings, it directly affects the engine. Moreover, the metal shavings also created problems like gear, noises, and so on. Fixing some metal shaving problems is hard enough and requires a lot of money.

Q: What would dark particles found in the automatic transmission indicate?

Answer: The black particles or dust clutch indicate friction wear. It is quite normal to see this shaving on the transmission. But, you should replace the transmission fluid as soon as possible to run the vehicle smoother.

Wrapping Up!

When your vehicle comes with up to 5% metal shavings in transmission fluid, your vehicle must have risk. Gear, engine, and some other problems are created when metal shaving comes out. Undoubtedly, metal shavings are harmful to your vehicle. But you don’t need to worry if the metal shavings come below 2%. It would be better for you to change the transmission fluid after 6 months or 6000 miles.

Read Also: What’s The Reason For Glitter In Oil After Rebuild?

Rio

Rio is a car & motorcycle mechanic who is working with different kinds of problems relating to oil and grease. He is also a passionate technical writer.

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