Thread: Metal In Filter during pan drop

Hi I was wondering if it is normal? I was doing a pan drop changing fluid and filter in my 04 comp g with 180000,I noticed it still had the OE filter in it the fluid was kinda dark but not burnt smelling. I noticed the magnet had a quite a bit of metal on it so I decided to cut open the filter to get a better look at what was in it. I found metal in the filter it kinda looked to be small needle bearings and med size shavings. I was worried at first but I researched this issue they say when you buy a new car and change the fluid/fiter for the first time there will be a lot of metal from break in new parts wearing with each other. Have you guys ever hear of this or is it just jibber jabber,LOL. The transmission shifts great don't slip or make any noise, Tap Shift works great I was just concerned about all that metal. I did take a pic on my phone ill post it soon.

I would wait for other to comment since I'm not overly knowledgeable but with 180k and potentially original filter and maybe even fluid I wouldn't be surprised to see some metal shavings. I think in general what you'll hear from others is:

- Dark fluid is not the end of the world especially if it isn't smelling burnt
- Given your mileage and potential lack of maintenance do not FLUSH the system. Drop the pan, change the filter and only replace the fluid that drains out with the pan drop.
-Some will likely recommend a couple additional options (shift kit and lucas oil additive) but I would say since it's shifting fine, why mess with it?

As I said before, I can't tell you much about the metal shavings. I know when I had my 08 fluid and filter changed for the 2nd time at about 90k the shop said there was plenty of clutch material and some copper (or brass) shavings which scared me a bit. Still rolling like a champion at 100k.

See what the other goons on here say. Good luck!

Some metal is normal especially if it was in fact factory fill.Not sure what you mean about small roller bearings post a pic.As long as there wasn't a bunch of clutch material in the bottom you should be good.I hope you upgraded fluid while you where at it.

I didn't really upgrade just put dex 3 walmart brand I didn't really think it would make a diff. I think ill change it again in a couple k miles. What kinda fluid and filter would you suggest?? I like WIX they seem to be made very well. I use ac delco oil filter normally.

I agree heck I have been using it for years on in haven't had any problem ok ill wait before I change again.

The WM super tech fluids are good products. I would of moved up to Dex VI myself but DexIII is fine most people don't think about changing it until there are known issues.Wix is the best as far as I am concerned in filter quality but any USA made trans filter is ok.The Ac delco oil filters for the 3800 are not that great its just a cheap micro guard but if your changing it at 3000-5000 miles it wont matter.

I cant get the pics to upload for some reason. But I yeah I baby my car most of the time no burn outs any thing like that I get in the throttle now and then but pretty much just cruise it I know it is there when I need it lol. I wish I could get those pics to post so you guys could see what was in it, its not a horrible amount but it is deff more than I am used to seeing in the filters.

I wouldnt worry about it at all .The last two that i did on vehicles with unknown service was a waste of time but i would rather be safe than sorry.

Hey Thanks Hope it works.

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It still feels great shifting and don't make any noise do you really think it is short timer? It was the first change also. I am going to buy a external cooler for it I hear it makes them live longer.. It runs around 175 to 190 I haven't been over that yet..

do you think I could go through it put in all new parts or just buy a good used or new one,I cant get over the thought of rebuilding it would be better what do you think?

I can make it happen as long as it is cheaper and makes more sense than to buy a new one. I can do all the work myself if I have a book on it. I would buy a used one like you if I could come across low mil. and new parts like that. How much is the rebuild kit and gaskets alone without paying someone for labor. Is it pretty expensive just for all the new parts if I do the work?