Transmission Fluid Syringe. Purpose and Peculiarities. How to Choose a Transmission Fluid Syringe.

If a car driver decides to change the fluid inside the transmission or engine, then he needs a convenient and high-quality unit for extraction of old fluid, its transfer, and most importantly for pumping in the new transmission fluid inside the gearbox (or other car component). Thus, fluid syringes (also known as oil suction guns) became quite popular among car repair specialists and drivers.

Typical fluid syringe

Although in manual and automatic transmissions it is necessary to change the transmission fluid less frequently than in the engine, this procedure still must be performed regularly (every 60 thousand kilometers in manual transmissions/30-40 thousand kilometers in automatic transmissions) and some special tools will come in handy.

Check out possible solutions for oil transmission

Fluid syringes (suction guns) for manual and automatic transmissions: purpose and main peculiarities

As a rule, the transmission fluid change (especially partial change) is not a complex operation, and in most cases this procedure can be performed by car owners. For this purpose, transmission experts recommend drivers to buy a fluid syringe. The transmission fluid syringe allows you to promptly and efficiently pump in the transmission fluid in the gearbox. Usually, the fluid syringe kit also includes adapters and hoses which simplify the process of the fluid change and facilitate access to the filling openings.

That’s how the transmission fluid is pumped into the gearbox

So, when you are looking for a fluid syringe, it is necessary to take into consideration that there is a wide range of such syringes on the market: there are special-purpose professional devices for filling technical fluids and their analogs. Special fluid syringes can be quite high-priced, but they are notable for high-quality in contrast to cheap and not very reliable analogs.

Fluid syringes are frequently used for changing oil in the transmission or engine. As a part of this procedure, you need a tool that allows you to pump out old oil with maximum convenience and to fill in fresh fluid in the gearbox. Suction guns help you to lubricate all transmission components which require regular maintenance.

The oil suction gun helps you to avoid oil leaks when draining and filling the gearbox. Thanks to the oil gun, you don’t have to worry that the fluid will get on car components located close to the transmission. In practice, it is much easier and more convenient to use the oil suction gun, than to use materials on hand (canister, hose, filling funnel).

Usage of transmission fluid syringe (suction gun)

We see that the fluid syringe facilitates the process of the fluid draining and subsequent refilling of the serviced unit. Numerous car systems and parts are often located in hard-to-reach places, thus when changing different types of lubricants it is quite helpful to use a reliable fluid syringe. This tool will help you to fill in different types of oil carefully and without spillovers. Fluid syringes are especially useful when it comes to the transmission fluid change, but also can be used for lubrication of threads.

Check out videos on how fluid syringes used in practice

The general principle of the fluid syringe operation is based on a simple design which involves a piston (plunger) mechanism (similar to medical plastic syringes).

Fluid syringes allow you to perform the following operations:

• Extraction of oil from the canister;
• Lubrication of car parts;
• Oil pumping inside the gearbox, axle, engine, hydraulics, etс ;
• Pressure build-up inside car components.

How to choose a proper fluid syringe (suction gun)

Fluid syringes are designed and produced by numerous companies. Syringes can differ by design, production material, and intended purpose. As a rule, these tools are divided according to size and method of fluid extruding.

The list of the most common fluid syringe types includes the following:

• Plunger syringe is used for pumping lubricants with different density and viscosity level. This mechanical syringe has a suction element and a piston;
• Electric syringe is powered by the battery and allows you to pump different types of fluid under high pressure;
• Screw syringe is used for lubrication of parts, small connections, threaded connections, etc.;
• Pneumatic syringe is equipped with a special automatic actuator. In this tool the process of fluid pressing out is actuated by pressing a special button.

Pneumatic oil syringe

It is worth noting that the plunger (mechanical) syringe is the easiest-to-use and the most affordable solution. You just need to pull the handle to accumulate required amount of fluid, and then push the handle to lubricate the required car component. It is very important to take into account the intended use of the syringe. In fact, certain syringes used for working with fluids of different viscosity level (oil, lubricant grease, etc.) It turns out that a particular type of syringe will be suitable for changing transmission or engine fluids, while more thick lubricants will require another type of syringe.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the level of air-tightness provided by the chosen syringe as well as its total volume. It is optimal to choose medium-priced solutions provided by well-known manufacturers which have good reputation (such as Licota, Pressol, Ravenol, Groz).

Fluid syringe provided by Ravenol

If you don’t know which option will be most suitable for you, then it is better to consult professionals who know for sure what type of fluid syringe will be the most appropriate in the specific situation. Specialists suggest that plastic syringes are not good enough for the long-term usage. Such solutions have a low level of air-tightness and cannot build up the required level of pressure. Moreover, plastic syringes have a short period of service life (they rapidly wear and crack). Some specialists recommend buying aluminum syringes. Before you buy the transmission fluid syringe, it is required to check the product for leaks (defects are possible), assess the operation quality of the syringe plunger, inspect the state of included accessories for integrity and lack of defects.

If the syringe plunger doesn’t move smoothly, then it’s better to find another option. To check the syringe for air-tightness, collect some water with the syringe. On the one hand, water will not affect the operation quality of the syringe, and on the other hand, low water viscosity will help you to get the clear understanding of the syringe integrity.

What type of oil is better to use?

When it comes to the oil choice, it is necessary to consider the following:

• If you have a new and expensive car it is better to use high-quality synthetic oils. But if you have an old car with a high mileage (but it still operates), you can save some money and use semi-synthetic lubricants.
• Then, it is necessary to consider the level of fluid viscosity. For example, if you live in the region with very cold winters, it is better to use lubricants with a lower level of viscosity, because thicker fluids are not appropriate at low temperatures. Thus in such cases, do not try to save on lubricants, and buy high-quality synthetic oils.
• Quite importantly, it will be useful to read the manual for your car. In this document you can find the information about recommended transmission oils for your car. It is vital to remember that some car models are extremely sensitive to the used transmission fluid, because for optimal operation of these cars you have to use the fluid with a certain set of additives. Thus, if you have inappropriate types of fluid, it can lead to serious problems and costly repair.
• Most often, the volume of the transmission fluid required for smooth engagement of gears approximately equals 3 liters. This quantity of fluid ensures proper operation and increases durability of the transmission.

We can say that fluid syringes are very useful tools for maintenance of all car components which require regular lubrication (transmission, engine, hydraulics, brake etc.) Fluid syringes are used not only by transmission repair specialists, but also by car owners who prefer to service their cars independently.

Note: If you perform the transmission fluid change operation by yourself make sure that you have you have screw wrenches of a certain size to unscrew and tighten the drain and filler holes. For this purpose, check out the car manual to find what tools you need to perform this operation. Also, it is necessary to make sure that there are no leakages after you close the drain and filler holes. If you detect some leaks check out rubber seals, and replace them if needed.

Take a look at a homemade transmission fluid pump

Finally, it should be emphasized that there is a wide range of fluid syringes which are used for different purposes. It is recommended to give preference to well-known and reputable producers of fluid syringes. Only if you take into account all main factors, you can buy a high-quality product which will help you to do the job right.