Automatic trans steal plates?

[SSGN]

Years ago when I did trannys at a Chrysler dealership I used to sand the steels to put a cross hatch in them. Just curious to see what others are doing to the steel plates. Do you install them as is , sand blast, sand or anything else? Thanks in advance for the opinions.

[Mark Ugrich]

The transmission shop i managed used a local metal polishing company that would use a vibratory or tumble polish process. The plates had a hammer type finish to them. It worked fine for most of the rebuilds we did. However if I was doing my own transmission , I’d replace the steels if there was the slightest question of their condition. For as little as they cost it’s just cheap insurance.

[SSGN]

I always install new plates and was curious to see if anyone did anything with them from new.
Thanks again

[Alan Roehrich]

I use Alto Red Eagle clutches and Kolene steels. Type F fluid.

However, you can use one of those angle die grinders, a 2" or 3" Roloc backer, and ScotchBrite discs, on untreated steels, to create that crosshatch. You can also use them on steel drums where a band is applied.

[SSGN]

Thanks Alan, I picked up some red 2 inch discs for my angle die grinder and will give that a try. I will experiment on some old ones first. Thanks again for the info.

[Larry Hill]

Why make the surface of the steels like a washboard with a grinder? I thought it was contact area it needed.