today I changed transmission fluied on my 2001 maxima but when tried to change the filter came across a nut that is holding the filter and couldn't remove it the whole thin kept turning and when read the instructions that came with the filter it said have to take off the whole thing apart to take it off because the nut and screw holds the upper and lower body together (i think) we loosen the nut somehow didnt remove it after saw it the note so just just tighten the nut back and didnt change the filter.

my question is is loosening that nut do damage to the tranny i drove about 5miles and so far nothing, and is it necessary to change the filter i just cleaned the whole thing and put a new packing, and if something bad is going to happen to the transmission when should i expect it
thanks
D

 

yes, if you want to replace the strainer, you have to remove that nut on the top side of the valve body or it will just spin like what happened to you. no, loosening it like you did won't hurt anything, just make sure to re-tighten it. no, it's not necessary to change the filter... it's just a strainer, just make sure there's no debris inside it.

 

thanks i was kinda scared about loosening that nut. so to replace the filter i have to take the whole thing apart? is there any guide i can find on how to do it?
thanks
d

 

you should be fine...

i changed the vb filter on my 4th gen @120k when i put in the upgraded VB. However the stock one looked just fine. looking back on it i wouldn't have changed it or spent the $15 bucks on the filter kit...

i wouldn't worry.