When flushing auto transmission fluid, the pan must be dropped. Is it an absolute must to change the pan gasket, or can I get away with not changing it? I plan on not keeping this transmission for more than 30k KM.

 

Check it to make sure there's no cracks or tears on it. I don't see why you couldn't, if you don't plan on keeping the tranny. However if it leaks, it can get messy.

Here's a thought, if you don't plan on keeping the tranny, just flush it without dropping the pan. Use the drain plug! The only reason why you wanna drop your pan is to clean the inners and to get to the screen.

 

Well I need to drop the pan regardless, because I am removing my maxtuning VB and reinstalling an OEM VB, otherwise I wouldn't have even touched the fluid.

I am going to just grab the gasket and not run the risk of it leaking.

 

Save yourself the mess and heartache, just replace the gasket! I will set you back just a few bucks.

 

My local stealership wants $17.80 CDN for the gasket, and $9.00 for the drain bolt. Blood sucking crooks I tell you...

 

Crooks is correct!!! That's actually not that bad of a price for the gasket, $h-- I paid over 20 bucks for mine, that was the last item I'm getting from my local dealer. I'm gonna be getting my parts from daveb from now on. I think he's got 14 or there abouts for a gasket. But 9 bucks for a bolt, yikes, I think they run around 5 bucks. I wonder if autozone or advance auto carries them.

 

that's the price to pay... to do the ob right

 

dont pay 9 bucks for a bolt, just go buy a replacement at the local hardware store for 25 cents

 

$10.99 at Autozone if you have RE4F04A transmission.
p/n TOS18708

 

Yeah but I have no clue what thread pattern the stock bolt is to compare to the hardware store. I got ripped off already.

 

Bolts have different strength, temperature tolerance, and torque ratings if you want to get nit-picky. It's probably a good idea to get the reccomended bolts. There are a few guys here that work the service departments at their nissan dealer. See if you can find one maybe he'll help out with a little employee-discounted parts.