1995 GMC Suburban Transmission Filter Change

My Suburban developed a leak at the pan gasket so I decided to change the filter since it was over due.

I began by lifting the truck. The beast barely fits in my shop and the lift groans to pick it up.

There is no drain plug in my pan so I prepared with lots of newspaper on the floor and multiple catch pans. I began loosening the bolts trying to make one corner hang lower than the rest. However the gasket stuck enough to make removal of the pan full of fluid a big mess.

The filter is not bolted in on this transmission it is just held in place by the seal. I pulled the old filter out and noticed the seal stayed in the transmission. I tried to pull it on by hand but had no success. I tried various tools and only succeeded in damaging the seal making it absolutely necessary to change it.

Eventually I came up with the idea to use a pilot bearing puller. I borrowed one from the local parts store. I had to make a shim for one leg of the puller to level it out, but after that the seal came out easily.

The new filter and seal easily pressed in by hand. I flattened the gasket and laid it out on the pan. I used four of the mounting bolts in the corners to hold the gasket in place while I lifted the pan up. I then installed and tightened all the bolts.

Next, I filled the transmission with fluid. After driving a short distance, I had to top it up again.