'88 Corolla.Transmission Clunk.

[cpqaim]

Greetings,
I recently aquired a '88 Corolla Deluxe (138,000 miles) for 700$. Quite a bargan if you ask me.
The trouble with this car is that the owner (2nd owner) didn't keep any matinence records.

I'm thinking about changing both the motor and transmission oil. Would anything go wrong mixing whatever is in the transmission right now? While the oil is clean, it has the same color as the motor oil (brownish and not a hint of red). Would a drain and refill of new Dexron-III help?

Secondly, the car gives a noticible clunk up front when the gear lever is moved anywhere between Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive. Would changing the fluid help?

[REN69]

Chances are they've never done a fluid change, give it a try and see what happens.

[cpqaim]

Originally Posted by REN69

Chances are they've never done a fluid change, give it a try and see what happens.

Would you so happen to know if this model contains a transmission filter? I did a seach on partsamerica.com and couldn't find one for it.
Also, must I replace the gasket? Kragen only sells filter kits that are 20$+

[larrymoencurly]

Originally Posted by cpqaim

Would you so happen to know if this model contains a transmission filter? I did a seach on partsamerica.com and couldn't find one for it.
Also, must I replace the gasket? Kragen only sells filter kits that are 20$+

In the Japanese vehicles I've seen (not many), the transmission filter is just a fine metal screen that can be cleaned and reused if it's not torn. But there's a square ring cork-rubber gasket around the neck of the outlet that may have to be replaced.

I don't know how much it helps to remove and clean the pan instead of just open up the drain plug, but I recently found a fine layer of grey powder all over the bottom of the pan, and each of the magnets had 1/8" of metal filings fuzz. This was with a transmission that had been drained and refilled about every 15,000 miles.

AutoZone may be the cheapest for filter kits. They charged me $14 when most places wanted $10 more. But I'm surprised Kragen didn't offer the gasket alone because here the larger Kragen/Checker stores stock Fel-Pro brand, and a year ago I bought one for a Nissan transmission. Another possible source is a transmission supply house, but many won't sell to retail customers.

[cpqaim]

Too bad the only auto parts store within a 10 mile radius around here is Kragens. One of the reasons why they don't run decent ad specials for this area anymore.

[Doctor J]

Loud clunk when placing car in gear usually indicates worn motor mounts/inboard cv joints.

[cpqaim]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

Loud clunk when placing car in gear usually indicates worn motor mounts/inboard cv joints.

The clunk is intermittent though. Only when the car is hot.

[toyomoho]

The transmission oil most likely needs changing anyway. Mixing whatever old fluid is left after draining with the new fluid is OK. If you want to go the extra step, drop the pan and replace the filter. This will also allow you to see what kind of “stuff” has accumulated in the pan.

Is your idle speed OK? How does it shift on the road? Could be the transmission clutches. I would not rule out a motor mount or axle problem. For longer transmission life, be sure the car is completely stopped, before you shift from a forward gear to R or R to a forward gear.

[cpqaim]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

The transmission oil most likely needs changing anyway. Mixing whatever old fluid is left after draining with the new fluid is OK. If you want to go the extra step, drop the pan and replace the filter. This will also allow you to see what kind of “stuff” has accumulated in the pan.

Is your idle speed OK? How does it shift on the road? Could be the transmission clutches. I would not rule out a motor mount or axle problem. For longer transmission life, be sure the car is completely stopped, before you shift from a forward gear to R or R to a forward gear.

Not sure about my idle speed, the car doesn't have a tach.
Shifts on the road are smooth as heck since its only a 3 speed. Most of the time it starts from stops at 2nd gear.