So, my Max has 185k, tranny is fine other than typical hard shift to 2nd, but it has a decent leak which I suspect is from a bad tranny pan gasket. Looks like a pretty simple job, but I'm concerned about what will essentially be a flush on such a high mileage tranny. I prefer to leave well enough alone, but this leak will not abide. So, so I use some stop-leak additive, or drop the pan and replace the gasket (probably with RTV)?

 

Replace the gasket and reuse the old fluid if you want to.

There is a drain plug in the pan to make that easier at least.

I believe the pan comes with a gasket from the factory, but I RTV should work if you get the right stuff.

 

Get this Felpro AT pan gasket for only $3 + S/H from rockauto.com. No RTV sealant is required. Along with that gasket you'll need several quarts of dextron 3 ATF, a drain plug washer, and thread sealant for the 21 bolts. The 21 pan bolts only need 7-9 lbs of torque.

This thread will give you guidance

http://forums.maxima.org/fluids-lubr...eck-level.html

 

Chuckling to myself, high mileage at 185K. I just did a 4x drain and fill on my '97 SE with 340K this weekend. You will be fine follow the advise above. For my time and money it's worth buying new pan bolts from a dealer they come with thread locker already on them. And remember the trans is aluminum, don't go crazy torquing the new pan bolts on or you will be in for more fun.

 

You're not doing a flush. You're just changing your fluid which should be done every 30K miles.

Drain the fluid. Pull the pan. Inspect and clean the screen. Replace the gasket. Replace the fluid with new.

You'll be just fine and will have done some routine maintenance too.

 

185K is only high if your shopping for a 2013. Try 298K. Just dump, seal, and replace with Maxlife ATF (100%syn).

 

Thanks everybody. I guess high mileage is relative.