[drdiesel1]

How many qts does it take? Did u drain both under tranny bolts?

3 qts. It has two drain bolts on the bottom of the trans case.

 

[stanathomesell15]

Hi all, I just entered the 73k mile mark and can’t stop thinking about the transmission fluid. As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as “lifetime” fluid and was wondering if anyone has changed their transmission fluid? Thank you in advance. Oh and btw, current gas prices in CA are $4 a gallon, super happy with the bolt.

Hi all, I just entered the 73k mile mark and can’t stop thinking about the transmission fluid. As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as “lifetime” fluid and was wondering if anyone has changed their transmission fluid? Thank you in advance. Oh and btw, current gas prices in CA are $4 a gallon, super happy with the bolt.

 

[Mangled Jargon]

Reminds me of the very first time I changed my engine oil. I drained it first, before I realized that I didn't have the right tool to remove the oil filter...

No, I didn't put the dirty oil back in. But it was a really long bike ride to the auto parts store...🤣

Yeah, I did that ... once.

 

[stanathomesell15]

I am at 39k with my 2021 Premier. Aggresive driving has wiped out everything from the gearbox to the hubs. I hear ball bearings in the hubs and axles are whipping the steering wheel back and forth. I have received all the parts except for the gearbox to axle seals. Many parts are on backorder, especially the axles. (I wonder why). So I had to find dealers around the country that had parts in stock, and get the best internet price. Axles are about $200 each, Hubs are about $100 each (all OEM). About $750 with tax and shipping. I also want to change the fluid but instead of just a drain and fill, I'm going to drop the pan and replace the huge LG-made filter. Pan gasket #25196399 ($39.93) and Filter # 25198615 ($123.71). Retail is much higher and that's why when you add fluid, a dealer could charge $300 or more. Any one of you could do a simple drain and fill with Weber Auto's video. I will tear open the filter and report what I find. Since a new tranny is $6000 and the recommended interval for replacement (drive unit) is 90k, I want to try to beat the odds through maintenance. I change my Prius V ATF at 50k intervals and it has no filter. I use the best Group 4/5 I can find. It's REDLINE D6 at $80 a gallon. You can feel the difference because the OEM Prius ATF is not synthetic. Not even Group 3. But REDLINE does not make a replacement fluid for the Bolt. It's a special Dexron fluid. It is available in OEM or aftermarket. I would say that it's easy to learn to change the Bolt fluid and no fluid is going to 100k without getting tired. Just from heat cycles and pressure. Keep in mind the Bolt motor torque is 200 lbs and then the gears up that in a 7.4 ratio. It's not spiting out Plaid torque but if you compare the Bolt axles with a Prius axle, they are totally different. The Prius has so little torque off the line that it's axles are made from sheet metal. The Bolt axles look they are off a Peterbilt. Later.

 

[stanathomesell15]

I am somewhat interested in the topic and want to ask the contributors some questions for consistency.


If I pick some of the mileage figures given for transmission fluid change in a 'lubed-for-life' system, say 60,000 miles, there seems to be the belief that after so many cycles or time there will be a degradation of the fluid that can be mitigated by changing it.


So, at 60,000 miles and at 815 revolutions to the mile for the stock tires, the output gear of the transmission has rotated 48.9 million revolutions.

• Why are there no comments or desires to change the wheel bearing hubs? After all, these also have seen 48.9 million revolutions, plus radial impact loads from potholes and curbs. These are also lubed for life. Why not change these?
• On the other side of the output shaft, the motor turns 7.05 times as much on sealed bearings not in an oil bath. That's 344.7 million revolutions. Why aren't members of the forum replacing the motor bearings to achieve a long service life?

Some other questions for consistency

• The Bolt EV is designed for efficiency. High-efficiency EV transmissions use in-line helical gears to achieve 95-98% transmission efficiencies. This means special metal treatments and polished, matching gear surfaces. It also means reducing the number of pairs of gears. Why would you expect to see metal shavings in the fluid? Why compare these transmissions to motorcycle transmissions?
• The Bolt EV uses a continuous circulating transmission fluid pump driving the fluid through a non-serviceable filter (Weber Auto). Wouldn't the filter permanently trap any debris? What do you expect to see?

A question for implementation.

• The Bolt EV transmission specifies Dexron HP as the transmission fluid. Dexron HP contains oxygen and water scavengers. It is filled under clean, controlled conditions. After a short period in a sealed case, the fluid is essentially working in a hermetically sealed, dry nitrogen atmosphere. Can you complete a driveway drain and fill, with the associated fill protocol, without contamination?

 

[stanathomesell15]

The large LG brand filter is replaceable. It is part # 25198615 and internet Chevy dealers charge about $125 for it. The pan gasket must be replaced, part # 25196399 and cost is about $40.00. You should change your fluid with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP every 30k and the filter as well at 60k. The fluid is not lifetime, and gets dirty even with a filter which takes out metal particles. Pressure and heat cycles are hard on the fluid. So is the Bolt's 266 ft lb of motor torque. GM also sells the Dexron HP but at a higher price (part # 19355656) but my dealer acts like it doesn't exist. 6 quarts of the Mobil is $54 on Amazon. The fluyid also cools and lubricates the motor. It is cheap insurance on a $6000 motor unit. Watch the Weber Auto channel on YT for details. They take apart the whole motor unit. Learn how to do this yourself. It is not brain surgery.

 

[NortonCommando]

.

I am at 39k with my 2021 Premier. Aggresive driving has wiped out everything from the gearbox to the hubs....
I will tear open the filter and report what I find.
Since a new tranny is $6000 and the recommended interval for replacement (drive unit) is 90k, I want to try to beat the odds through maintenance.....

Are you sure you're talking about the Bolt Drive Unit?

"Aggressive driving" ??? Really? I flog mine all the time and the components you are listing are fine on my Bolt at 116k miles. What makes you think all those parts are bad on yours?

That '90k replace the Drive Unit' was a Typo. They meant the 'fluid'. Nobody is tossing the drive unit at 90k miles. Relax.
There are many Bolts in the 200 - 300k miles and I wonder if any of those have fresh ATF in them....

The large LG brand filter is replaceable. It is part # 25198615 and internet Chevy dealers charge about $125 for it.
The pan gasket must be replaced, part # 25196399 and cost is about $40.00.
You should change your fluid with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP every 30k and the filter as well at 60k.

You forgot to say: IMHO.

The Pan you are talking about is just the bottom of a coolant passage area. Later Bolts had that pan deleted and there is no coolant going to the drive unit.

I started a big thread on Priuschat about changing the transaxle lube: ATF fluid changes ARE Required.
I'm familiar with the subject. It has many oil analysis reports, there are no "Opinions" required.

You should do an analysis on your used fluid when you get to that point.
I have the test bottle ready to test the crud I drain from the two drain ports on the Bolt Drive Unit. It has one level and one fill port also. No 'Pan' is involved.
I'm not doing anything with a filter that may be deep in the unit. I added magnetic drain plugs to my first Prius. I may look into that for the Bolt.
I'll post the results on this forum,,, when I get my azz in gear. I'm a little late.
And yes, I have a gallon of Redline D6 waiting for that day! M1 LV ATF HP is similar.

 

[NortonCommando]

I am at 39k with my 2021 Premier. Aggresive driving has wiped out everything from the gearbox to the hubs. I hear ball bearings in the hubs and axles are whipping the steering wheel back and forth.....

I just don't get this post.... You know you have a power train warranty...

So what if you enjoy pressing the Go Pedal all the way?
That's not going to harm anything.

At most you are wearing your tires quickly!!
And there's nothing wrong with that! Enjoy!
Can you tell us about how many set of tires your 'Aggresive' [sic] driving has gone through?

 

[tibi500]

Because of my location (EU) the only good source who ships to me is rockauto.com .
In their online store they suggest DEXRON ULV as a replacement for the discontinued Dexron HP as transmission fluid.
is that correct?

 

[NortonCommando]

Because of my location (EU) the only good source who ships to me is rockauto.com .
In their online store they suggest DEXRON ULV as a replacement for the discontinued Dexron HP as transmission fluid.
is that correct?

I would think any quality Synthetic Low Viscosity ATF would do the job just fine, IMO. Is it "Ultra Low Visc.." in the ULV?
I have a gallon jug of Redline D6 waiting for me to do the deed.... I'm sure Mobil 1 has a similar LV ATF.

 

[NortonCommando]

Just saw this post! I'd like a crack at answering a few of your questions.

...
1.a. ... Why are there no comments or desires to change the wheel bearing hubs? .
1.b. ... Why aren't members of the forum replacing the motor bearings to achieve a long service life?
2. .. Why would you expect to see metal shavings in the fluid?
.. Wouldn't the filter permanently trap any debris? What do you expect to see?
3 .. Dexron HP contains oxygen and water scavengers. It is filled under clean, controlled conditions. After a short period in a sealed case, the fluid is essentially working in a hermetically sealed, dry nitrogen atmosphere. Can you complete a driveway drain and fill, with the associated fill protocol, without contamination?

1.a. ...Because the wheel hub bearings are a permanently sealed bearing assemblies. They work until they start to make noise, then they may continue to work for ~20k more miles.
You change them 'On condition' not at scheduled intervals.
1.b. ... because they live in an 'oil bath' with filtered lube flowing freely.

2. .. Are you saying simple gear boxes with bearings don't show wear? "What do I expect to see?" Only a proper Oil Analysis can answer this.
I have the kit ready to send off a sample when I change my ATF. I'll post the report here. I also have a jug of Redline D6, all ready for me to act....

3. .. Interesting about the 'oxygen and water scavengers". Thanks for that info about modern ATF!
So, if I 'cleanly' add my new fluid after draining the old fluid and don't get any of "The mud and the blood and the beer" in the Drive Unit, and I do it during a low humidity day, after a while it will be in a 'dry nitrogen' environment inside the box?

I'm sure the factory doesn't purge the ambient air out of the unit with nitrogen before sealing it.
I'm not sure it's 'hermetically' sealed. Gear boxes typically have a pressure release valve 'thingers' near the top. You don't want to pressurize or have a partial vacuum in the box.
Which means in theory the box 'breathes' with Baro and heat changes. It will breathe in humid air sometimes.

 

[Lika]

Hi all, I just entered the 73k mile mark and can’t stop thinking about the transmission fluid. As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as “lifetime” fluid and was wondering if anyone has changed their transmission fluid? Thank you in advance. Oh and btw, current gas prices in CA are $4 a gallon, super happy with the bolt.

I have a BoltLT from 2019, and I’ve been thinking about replacing the transmission when I reach 55,000 miles. However, I’m not able to afford it right now. But guess what? I just paid today to replace the transmission fluid! I didn’t want to just dump the old fluid, so I decided to go ahead and get the service done.



The fluid cost $34, and the labor and disposal added another $300. That’s a total of $334! But I think it’s worth it. I feel so much more comfortable and smooth driving now. Plus, I think extending the life of all the different components will save me money in the long run and prevent future breakdowns.



I’m not sure if the term “lifetime fluids” is meant to replace the components themselves. I’ve been replacing fluids for my brakes, cooling system, transmission, and other parts based on recommendations from GM and my own personal experience with other vehicles.



I’m planning to keep my Bolt for the rest of my life, and I don’t want to have to pay for another car anytime soon. So, I’m going to make sure to keep up with the fluid changes and other maintenance to keep my Bolt running smoothly for years to come.

Hi all, I just entered the 73k mile mark and can’t stop thinking about the transmission fluid. As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as “lifetime” fluid and was wondering if anyone has changed their transmission fluid? Thank you in advance. Oh and btw, current gas prices in CA are $4 a gallon, super happy with the bolt.

I have a BoltLT from 2019, and I’ve been thinking about replacing the transmission when I reach 55,000 miles. However, I’m not able to afford it right now. But guess what? I just paid today to replace the transmission fluid! I didn’t want to just dump the old fluid, so I decided to go ahead and get the service done.



The fluid cost $34, and the labor and disposal added another $300. That’s a total of $334! But I think it’s worth it. I feel so much more comfortable and smooth driving now. Plus, I think extending the life of all the different components will save me money in the long run and prevent future breakdowns.



I’m not sure if the term “lifetime fluids” is meant to replace the components themselves. I’ve been replacing fluids for my brakes, cooling system, transmission, and other parts based on recommendations from GM and my own personal experience with other vehicles.



I’m planning to keep my Bolt for the rest of my life, and I don’t want to have to pay for another car anytime soon. So, I’m going to make sure to keep up with the fluid changes and other maintenance to keep my Bolt running smoothly for years to come.

 

[NortonCommando]

....I have a BoltLT from 2019, and I’ve been thinking about replacing the transmission when I reach 55,000 miles. However, I’m not able to afford it right now. But guess what? I just paid today to replace the transmission fluid! I didn’t want to just dump the old fluid, so I decided to go ahead and get the service done.

The fluid cost $34, and the labor and disposal added another $300. That’s a total of $334! But I think it’s worth it. I feel so much more comfortable and smooth driving now. Plus, I think extending the life of all the different components will save me money in the long run and prevent future breakdowns.

"Replacing the Drive Unit"? For no reason at 55k miles??? That was obviously a typo in the OM.
Most Auto Parts stores have to take back your waste fluids and they get recycled properly. Thanks for not 'just dumping the old fluid'. That's some hillbilly talk right there then.
Your Drive Unit thanks you for the fresh clean fluids! I doubt you're feeling anything other than placebo. If it was 'dragging' on the old fluid that would be al lot of heat and power usage....
I'm going to DIY my fluid change. And I'll send a sample of the old fluid out for an analysis. I'm a geek and it only costs <$20. I'll post when I get the results.

 

[MichBolt]

...I'm going to DIY my fluid change. And I'll send a sample of the old fluid out for an analysis. I'm a geek and it only costs <$20. I'll post when I get the results.

Test results have already been posted:

https://www.chevybolt.org/posts/809733/

 

[NortonCommando]

Test results have already been posted:

https://www.chevybolt.org/posts/809733/

True. But low on data. Like at what miles? What lab? What fluid was used to replace the original?
I'll post my complete report,,,, any day now.... currently, late at 128k miles.

 

[MichBolt]

True. But low on data. Like at what miles? What lab? What fluid was used to replace the original?
I'll post my complete report,,,, any day now.... currently, late at 128k miles.

Over 150,000 miles
Mobil1 Dexron HP

 

[Lika]

"Replacing the Drive Unit"? For no reason at 55k miles??? That was obviously a typo in the OM.
Most Auto Parts stores have to take back your waste fluids and they get recycled properly. Thanks for not 'just dumping the old fluid'. That's some hillbilly talk right there then.
Your Drive Unit thanks you for the fresh clean fluids! I doubt you're feeling anything other than placebo. If it was 'dragging' on the old fluid that would be al lot of heat and power usage....
I'm going to DIY my fluid change. And I'll send a sample of the old fluid out for an analysis. I'm a geek and it only costs <$20. I'll post when I get the results.

Yes, I wrote I want replace the transmission fluid!! At 55K, but no $. So I replaced now at 66.5K. And I’m not sure if the dealer take the waste. Because for some reason they have the fluid but no the local parts stores. Went I take the car to the local trust shop they tell me that fluid isn’t in inventory, but if I get the right fluid they make the job. And the job was really we’ll executed. Now… how my post changed?? I need check! And yes I paid instead of doing by myself because I want be sure of the right disposal. I live in apartment complex and some of my neighbors only drop all on the trash containers

 

[Lika]

Yes, I wrote I want replace the transmission fluid!! At 55K, but no $. So I replaced now at 66.5K. And I’m not sure if the dealer take the waste. Because for some reason they have the fluid but no the local parts stores. Went I take the car to the local trust shop they tell me that fluid isn’t in inventory, but if I get the right fluid they make the job. And the job was really we’ll executed. Now… how my post changed?? I need check! And yes I paid instead of doing by myself because I want be sure of the right disposal. I live in apartment complex and some of my neighbors only drop all on the trash containers View attachment 73139

I really don’t think in making analysis of the old fluid. I like to know how went yours!! I appreciate if you let us know

 

[NortonCommando]

...And I’m not sure if the dealer take the waste. .... And the job was really we’ll executed. ..
I live in apartment complex and some of my neighbors only drop all on the trash containers

I'm sure your dealer doesn't dump it out back by the fence line. This is America. They have a waste oil tank that gets properly recycled.
Shame on your neighbors. Most auto parts stores and big box with a service shop, has a place to bring back waste oil to be recycled, for free.

 

[Lika]

I really don’t think in making analysis of the old fluid. I like to know how went yours!! I appreciate if you let us know

I'm sure your dealer doesn't dump it out back by the fence line. This is America. They have a waste oil tank that gets properly recycled.
Shame on your neighbors. Most auto parts stores and big box with a service shop, has a place to bring back waste oil to be recycled, for free.

im sure they don’t, but I don’t trust in the work. They rushed so hard to the mechanics or they don’t care??? But I talking about walk to the dealer whit the old fluid!! I don’t think they take it.
Yes I reported to the administration and talked with my neighbors to.
I only can Control my actions.