External Trans Filter Bolt Seized-Up

[Walter Werbeck]

Hello Fellow Dieseliers',

Just had Ford dealer do a tranny flush, and they couldn't break loose the external filter housing bolt. The tech infofmed me that there was a 50/50 chance that it would break if forced. My truck has 53k on odometer, and that filter has not been changed yet. Is there a sure way to break the bolt free without colateral damage? Any help would be appreciated.

[jwplunkett]

The following procedure worked for me years ago
-Apply & then maintain steady pressure with a proper sized wrench
-Spray down the bolt & surrounding area with a Good quality Rust loosen product
-Leave overnight
-Then next morning determine if the bolt broke loose
-If NOT repeat above procedure
Hope this helps

John from Colfax NC

[jwplunkett]

If above procedure fails after two or three attempts

Then you could try Heating the bolt & while still hot attempt to remove

MAJOR CAUTION needs to be taken if last resort to Heat bolt

As you can appreciate the Fluid can ignite

[Ljutic SS]

You have to use a air impact wrench to break it loose. Trying to slowly break it loose with ratchet and socket sometimes results in broken lines on the housing. They (filters) should be changed at most, every 30,000 miles along with the fluid.

[69cj]

Originally Posted by Ljutic SS

You have to use a air impact wrench to break it loose. Trying to slowly break it loose with ratchet and socket sometimes results in broken lines on the housing. They (filters) should be changed at most, every 30,000 miles along with the fluid.

If you've ever looked at one @15,000 you would do it every other oil change. JMHO.

[Ljutic SS]

I do look at them because I change all truck filters myself 90% of the time. In fact the last time I changed the trans filter it had 17,000 miles on it, only because I drained the fluid to put a new TFT sensor in. It didn't look that bad.

[69cj]

Maybe I'm just anal when it comes to maint? They do look dark to me at 10 to 15,000 and I figure that filter is cheap ins.

[bobsherrie]

I just changed the filter and oil at 17000 miles as all my truck does is tow our 5'er and boat. Oil looked and smelled okay and the filter had some crud in it but not much. There is not a 'bolt' on my filter. The bowl has a nut formed into the bottom so spraying with a rust spray won't help. An impact gun worked great though, turned down a bit and I didn't have to hold the trigger open.

[69cj]

Originally Posted by bobsherrie

I just changed the filter and oil at 17000 miles as all my truck does is tow our 5'er and boat. Oil looked and smelled okay and the filter had some crud in it but not much. There is not a 'bolt' on my filter. The bowl has a nut formed into the bottom so spraying with a rust spray won't help. An impact gun worked great though, turned down a bit and I didn't have to hold the trigger open.

Mine is the same as yours but I have always been able to remove with a socket and ratchet. The O ring does the sealing so you only need to bottom the threads out for it to seal. I also coat the O ring with motor oil or vaseline.

[Walter Werbeck]

Originally Posted by Walter Werbeck

Hello Fellow Dieseliers',

Just had Ford dealer do a tranny flush, and they couldn't break loose the external filter housing bolt. The tech infofmed me that there was a 50/50 chance that it would break if forced. My truck has 53k on odometer, and that filter has not been changed yet. Is there a sure way to break the bolt free without colateral damage? Any help would be appreciated.

Seasons Greetigs Fellow Dieseliers',

I have some update information on the siezed external transmission filter bowl situation. A friend told me I should try to break it free when it is very cold, as when cold, the internal metal parts are contracted and more likely to break free without breaking anything. Is my friend correct? Also, I have found a local filter and lubricant supplier that carreis correct Ford replacement filters for way less than dealership prices. Example: Dealership wants $45.00 for filter FT145, supplier wants $21.00.
I'm going to attempt this service myself (dealer wants $90.00), so any help would be appreciated.

[Tennesseepowerstroke]

The formed bolt on mine broke when using an air impact wrench at 30,000 miles. I believe a replacement housing was around $45.

[turbodieselny]

i have 76,000 and am not changing it till over a 100,000 .this is tranny fluid filter here not engine oil filter why get on your back if you dont have to ,my tranny fluid is as new/red as the first time i looked at it there is a ford recomendation matenence chart that tells you what mileage n when you should change it give or take some depending on how hard you use your vehicle

[teamroper60]

Originally Posted by turbodieselny

there is a ford recomendation matenence chart that tells you what mileage n when you should change it give or take some depending on how hard you use your vehicle

Yep.. That mileage is 30K.

[69cj]

Originally Posted by turbodieselny

i have 76,000 and am not changing it till over a 100,000 .this is tranny fluid filter here not engine oil filter why get on your back if you dont have to ,my tranny fluid is as new/red as the first time i looked at it there is a ford recomendation matenence chart that tells you what mileage n when you should change it give or take some depending on how hard you use your vehicle

The color is a good indicator that it is not burned but does nothing to tell you the status of the additives and conditioners that go into the fluid during manf.