I just got done changing mine. I'm now wondering how screwed up my trans is. As I was draining the fluid from the oil drain pan into a jug for recycling, (I was doing this in the sun), I notice what looks like gold dust in the fluid. I'm sure these are tiny bits of the synchros that have been chewed up. My 03 has 78k miles and I'm pretty sure this is the first Trans Fluid change. Has anyone else noticed their fluid having lots of flakes in it? My trans shifts ok, I just wanted to know if this was a sign of whats to come.

Thanks

 

I am assuming you are a manual trans?

That doesn't sound normal. I would do another drain in 500-1k miles and see what comes out. I don't have alot of experience with manual trans cars, but that doesn't sound right.

 

I changed mine at 11,500mi (manual trans) and it seemed pretty clean still.. if the shavings werent too excessive I wouldnt worry. The differential is the one that seems to turn dark brown twice as fast

 

My dealer told me the manual trans doesn't need to be changed unless it looks bad. Otherwise it should last the life of the tranny, unlike autos.... sound real?

 

^ yeah, my mechanic told the same thing to me.