1994 2wd RL4R01A transmission filter - Infamous Nissan

813d21 · 10-06-2021, 11:02 AM

Hey everyone I've got a 1994 2wd pickup with the rl4r01a transmission. Its got a slow engagement into drive only when cold. Reputable trans shop said its prob time catching up with the seals inside causing hardening. He recommended just dropping the pan and changing the fluid but not a full flush. He also mentioned that some of these transmissions have filter bolts which screw into a retainer on the topside of the valve body and when removed cannot be reinstalled. The picture online of the filter only shows 4 bolts and ive never heard anything like this. Can anyone chime in concerning changing the filter on one of these transmissions?

YEPEE · 10-06-2021, 03:53 PM

looks like this one is on the bottom of the valve body, so if you drop the oil pan you should see it... if that helps

Reserector · 10-06-2021, 05:19 PM

I agree with your shop's assessment. One thing you can try is adding a "seal sweller" product. These additives soften the old, hard seals to help you get more use out of it without doing any harm.

My son recently used Bars Leaks brand in his Ford to stop a major pump seal leak. Months later it is still going strong.

Recent reviews rate the Lucas brand as #1.
This stuff is nothing new. If you're unsure, do some online research and be your own judge.

YEPEE · 10-06-2021, 05:58 PM

back in the day we used to sell the solenoid pack (4 solenoids on the upper valve body) and one on the lwr.., most common was the uppers

813d21 · 10-08-2021, 12:21 AM

Thx for the replies guys. I spoke to probably 10 different tranny shops around the country. Just googled nissan transmission specialist. All but one said to do a drain and fill but no flush. One did say dont do anything bc you will clean the gunk and varnish from the insides and it'll start slipping. Any truth to this? Fluid is light to moderate brown.

813d21 · 10-08-2021, 01:50 AM

Here are pics of the fluid

https://i.imgur.com/UvE602o.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/e5QiQq9.jpg

10-06-2021, 05:19 PM	#3
Reserector the Flaming Marshmallow Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Laurel, MS Posts: 2,095 Vehicle: '86.5 Nissan HB KC 4x4 5.3V8 Thanks: 125 Thanked 590 Times in 463 Posts	I agree with your shop's assessment. One thing you can try is adding a "seal sweller" product. These additives soften the old, hard seals to help you get more use out of it without doing any harm. My son recently used Bars Leaks brand in his Ford to stop a major pump seal leak. Months later it is still going strong. Recent reviews rate the Lucas brand as #1. This stuff is nothing new. If you're unsure, do some online research and be your own judge. __________________ Becoming the Flaming Marshmallow * SAS * V8 Conversion * The FM "Z71 Conversion" Explained Vid * Ride-Along Vid

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10-06-2021, 11:02 AM	#1
813d21 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: florida Posts: 11 Vehicle: 1994 nissan d21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	1994 2wd RL4R01A transmission filter Hey everyone I've got a 1994 2wd pickup with the rl4r01a transmission. Its got a slow engagement into drive only when cold. Reputable trans shop said its prob time catching up with the seals inside causing hardening. He recommended just dropping the pan and changing the fluid but not a full flush. He also mentioned that some of these transmissions have filter bolts which screw into a retainer on the topside of the valve body and when removed cannot be reinstalled. The picture online of the filter only shows 4 bolts and ive never heard anything like this. Can anyone chime in concerning changing the filter on one of these transmissions?

10-06-2021, 03:53 PM	#2
YEPEE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,958 Vehicle: 86.5 HB,95 HB, 02 Sentra Spec-V Thanks: 316 Thanked 358 Times in 305 Posts	looks like this one is on the bottom of the valve body, so if you drop the oil pan you should see it... if that helps

10-06-2021, 05:58 PM	#4
YEPEE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,958 Vehicle: 86.5 HB,95 HB, 02 Sentra Spec-V Thanks: 316 Thanked 358 Times in 305 Posts	back in the day we used to sell the solenoid pack (4 solenoids on the upper valve body) and one on the lwr.., most common was the uppers

10-08-2021, 12:21 AM	#5
813d21 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: florida Posts: 11 Vehicle: 1994 nissan d21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Thx for the replies guys. I spoke to probably 10 different tranny shops around the country. Just googled nissan transmission specialist. All but one said to do a drain and fill but no flush. One did say dont do anything bc you will clean the gunk and varnish from the insides and it'll start slipping. Any truth to this? Fluid is light to moderate brown.

10-08-2021, 01:50 AM	#6
813d21 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: florida Posts: 11 Vehicle: 1994 nissan d21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Here are pics of the fluid https://i.imgur.com/UvE602o.jpg https://i.imgur.com/e5QiQq9.jpg