1999 Mercury Sable Debris in the transmission pan

SEANEJENKINS

MEMBER
1999 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
94,000 MILES

I just bought this car from a dealer so its history is pretty much unknown although the carfax is clean. I took it to have the oil and coolant changed and then to the transmission shop to have the fluid and filter changed. I didn't expect any trouble there since the transmission seemed to be working fine. They phoned me to advise that they found debris in the pan and suggested that the transmission be rebuilt. My question is: Does debris in the pan always indicate the need for rebuilding, or can it possibly be just normal wear and accumulation if the transmission pan was not previously removed?

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Normal wear doesnt include debris in the pan. A small amount of metal flakes is possible, there is usually a magnet built into the pan to catch these so they dont keep circulating. Ask if the debris is clutch material, or something else.

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 AT 9:49 AM

SEANEJENKINS

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3 POSTS

The shop manager kept the pieces on a shop rag so I could see them. About 4 small pieces, at the most an 1/8 of an inch long with the diameter smaller than that. He said they were metallic pieces.

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 AT 11:25 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

What are your symtoms?

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 AT 10:57 PM

SEANEJENKINS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

There are none. It appears to be working fine. I think that's the primary reason why I'm questioning the need for the rebuild. On the other hand, I don't want my son to breakdown in the middle of no-where if he decides to take the vehicle on a long trip.

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Sunday, October 4th, 2009 AT 10:03 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

I would flush it and drive it, sometimes high mileage cars can exhibit problems after a fluid change, I would drive it and see if it feels OK. Tranny rebuilds are 2500. To 3500 depending on who does it.