All it takes to rupture a transmission pan is to hit something on the road. The item can bounce up under the vehicle and put a hole through the metal on the pan when it strikes it. This can become a serious problem quickly – especially if you keep on driving after the transmission fluid leaks out. The fluid lubricates the parts inside the transmission, and when it drains out, the heat from the friction buildup will cause the parts inside to overheat. Overheated parts wear down quickly and break. You don't have to be a mechanic to be able to change the pan. If you puncture a hole in your pan, you need to replace it right away. The process for changing a pan is very similar among most vehicles, but here is how you can change the transmission pan on a Silverado Suburban Sierra SUV.
You Will Need:
- New Transmission Pan
- 13mm Socket
- 15mm Socket
- Socket Extension w/swivel
- Ratchet
- Rubber Mallet
- Jack
- Jack Stands
- Catch Basin
Jack Up the Silverado
The transmission pan is located near the front of the vehicle. Jack up the front of the Silverado and set it on jack stands so you have enough room to work. Make sure you put something behind the rear tires so the Silverado doesn't roll backwards while you are under it.
Remove Both Exhaust Pipes
You need to remove the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold to make room to take off the transmission pan. There are three 15mm nuts at the end of both exhaust pipes. Remove the nuts with a socket and socket extension and lower the exhaust pipes. You'll have to use the socket extension with a swivel to reach the back bolts on both pipes.
Drain the Transmission Pan
Hopefully, you didn't lose all of your transmission fluid and there is still some left in the pan. You'll need to drain out what's left to avoid making a huge mess. The drain plug has a 15mm nut on it. Set the catch basin under the drain plug and remove the nut. Allow the fluid to run out into the catch basin and then replace the drain plug.
Remove the Transmission Pan
Remove all the 13mm bolts around the perimeter of the transmission pan. Tap the pan with a rubber mallet to break the seal around the perimeter of the pan and pull it down.
Install New Pan
Place a new gasket on the new pan and lift it up into the place of the old pan and bolt it on. Bolt the exhaust pipes back onto the manifold. The transmission takes 5 quarts of transmission fluid. Check your owner's manual for the type of fluid you should use for your vehicle. Make sure you fill up the transmission before you start the vehicle to avoid damaging the internal parts in the transmission.
For more information, see companies like Shift Rite Transmission & Auto.
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