Extended Life for Transmission Components Through Limited Air Breathing

Eight Ford C6 transmissions were operated in a San Francisco cab fleet for up to 89,000 miles (143,000 km) with zero, or minimal fluid make-up and with the transmissions effectively sealed to prevent air breathing. The after-test condition of the fluid and of the synthetic rubber seals differs sufficiently from all similar test experienced, with the single exception of the data presented in the TABS valve paper (1), that it warrants discussion in detail as presented in this paper.