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Technical
Service Bulletin 97-7
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Automatic Transmission Filter O-Rings and Lip Seals
Many
transmission filters require a seal at the point where they assemble into
the transmission. Most of these seals are called "Lip Seals"
although some filters may use an O-ring.
Before
filter installation, it is important to make sure that there is no O-ring
or Lip Seal in the case or pump bore left over from the old filter.
O-rings are usually black or orange in color and placed on the filter tube as far as it will go, prior to filter installation. Put transmission fluid or lube on the O-ring and assemble the filter tube into the case or pump bore with an upward twisting motion until completely seated.
There
are two distinct types of lip seals and the way in which these are used
is entirely different. Installing the lip seal using the wrong procedure
can actually cause complete transmission failure in a short time, so it
is very important to understand the difference between the two and the
proper installation procedure for each.
The first type of seal is a round, ribbed band, generally orange in color (but can be black) which is pressed onto the filter outlet tube as far as it will go. There are stops or flanges on the filter tube where these lip seals are meant to rest. This type lip seal usually comes assembled to the filter and is always pressed onto the filter tube before the filter is assembled into the transmission.
The other type of lip seal, largely used on GM transmissions, is never assembled to the filter tube. It must always be press fit into the transmission first and then the filter inserted into the already installed lip seal. This type of lip seal is shaped somewhat like a hat as it really does have a lip or flange on one end. Insert this type lip seal into the transmission assembly lube. It is an extremely tight fit. Make sure the seal is square to the hole and tap it in carefully. The seal must be fully seated in the hole right up to the lip. Then, using more transmission lube, assemble the filter into the seal with an upward, twisting motion. Failure to follow this procedure can damage the rubber end of the seal. Immediate transmission failure will occur if a piece of this rubber seal can get to the pump.
Always
refer to the manufacturer's installation instruction sheet when included
with the filter for complete installation instructions.
The
Filter Manufacturers Council urges everyone to dispose of all used filters
properly.
For additional information, contact:
Filter Manufacturers
Council
P.O. Box 13966
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3966
Phone: 919/406-8817 Fax: 919/406-1306
www.filtercouncil.org
Administered by Motor & Equipment
Manufacturers Association
Created June 1997
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