Automobile transmission is the main part of the vehicle, maintenance and replacement costs are not low. So, the car should usually pay more attention to maintenance, speaking of maintenance, many people want to ask how to clean the gearbox? Do you need to wash frequently? What equipment is used for cleaning?

First, clean the internal parts of the transmission

Mainly cleaning torque converter and radiator. But both parts are relatively difficult.

Torque converter has many folds, it is easy to hide dirty things, when cleaning to be careful.

There are a lot of curved pipes inside the radiator, it is not convenient to clean up, not easy to clean up, so the cleaning method is very important.

There are many ways to clean, to see what kind of repair stores. The main methods are: special detergent (acid, neutral, alkaline), compressed air pressure cleaning, three polyethylene steam cleaning. (There should be some customers worried about the bad cleaning effect and directly choose to replace new parts)

2. Clean the internal stains of the gearbox

The transmission oil is not replaced in time or the inferior oil is replaced, which leads to the internal parts of the transmission mud, carbon accumulation and other wear and tear, the oil flow in the valve body oil pipe is blocked, and even the internal parts of the transmission are burned out. In the choice of appropriate cleaning agent at the same time with our company’s industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment https://www.china-tense.net/industrial-ultrasonic-cleaner-washer-product/, can be a good solution to the problem of cleaning.

How to Properly Clean Transmission Parts

The transmission is one of the most important and intricate components in any vehicle. It’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels and ensuring smooth gear shifts. Because of its complexity and critical function, maintenance and repairs can be costly. That’s why proper care — including occasional cleaning — plays a vital role in extending the life of the transmission and avoiding unnecessary breakdowns.

When it comes to cleaning, many vehicle owners or even newer technicians may not be entirely sure where to start. Not all parts of the transmission system are easy to reach or service, and some components require more attention than others. Among them, the torque converter and the radiator (or transmission cooler) are the most common parts that benefit from periodic cleaning.

Cleaning the Torque Converter and Radiator

The torque converter often traps debris due to its folded internal structure. Over time, it accumulates sludge, oil residue, and fine particles from normal wear. These contaminants can impair the transmission’s performance and may even cause internal damage if left untreated. Cleaning this component can be tricky, as its complex shape makes manual cleaning nearly impossible. That’s why specialized cleaning methods are usually required.

The radiator, which helps regulate the temperature of transmission fluid, is another part that easily gets overlooked. It contains a maze of narrow, curved tubes that can become clogged with dirt, degraded fluid, or metal shavings. When blocked, these channels prevent efficient cooling, which can lead to overheating and pressure build-up in the system. Cleaning the radiator effectively often requires more than just flushing — it demands a method that can reach into tight, inaccessible areas.

Common Cleaning Methods

Workshops and service centers use a range of methods depending on the condition of the parts and available equipment. One approach is the use of specialty chemical detergents — either acidic, neutral, or alkaline — to dissolve sludge and carbon buildup. While effective, these must be carefully selected based on the materials involved, as some chemicals can be corrosive.

Compressed air is another tool used to blow out debris from narrow passages, and in some cases, steam cleaning is applied to remove oil and grime from internal surfaces. Each of these methods has its advantages, but none is universally effective on all types of contaminants.

Because of the time and uncertainty involved in cleaning, some customers choose to replace certain components altogether. While this guarantees performance, it also increases costs — often unnecessarily.

Dealing with Internal Contamination

One of the more serious problems occurs when old or poor-quality transmission fluid leads to carbon buildup, varnish, and thick sludge. These substances can block the valve body, restrict oil flow, and even cause overheating or mechanical failure. In these situations, simply replacing the oil won’t solve the problem — deeper cleaning is required.

This is where industrial ultrasonic cleaning has become an increasingly practical solution. Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid solution to create microscopic bubbles. When these bubbles collapse against the surface of the component, they dislodge even the most stubborn contaminants — including those stuck inside narrow channels and grooves.

Unlike traditional cleaning methods, ultrasonic systems are capable of cleaning parts thoroughly without causing surface damage. This makes them especially useful for delicate internal components like valve bodies and oil passages.

 

（after clean）

Conclusion

Cleaning transmission parts is often seen as secondary to repairs or oil changes, but it’s a crucial step in proper maintenance. Dirt, sludge, and internal deposits not only reduce efficiency but can also lead to premature wear or failure. With the right tools and methods — particularly ultrasonic cleaning — even complex components can be restored effectively and safely.

Investing time in cleaning not only prevents breakdowns but also helps protect one of the most expensive parts of your vehicle. It’s a small effort that can make a big difference in long-term performance.