Automatic trans steal plates?

SSGN · 03-07-2018, 11:25 PM

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 · 03-08-2018, 12:58 AM

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 · 03-08-2018, 07:15 AM

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

Alan Roehrich · 03-08-2018, 08:28 AM

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 · 03-13-2018, 06:47 AM

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 · 03-13-2018, 08:29 AM

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

03-07-2018, 11:25 PM	#1
SSGN Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 625 Likes: 110 Liked 130 Times in 46 Posts	Automatic trans steel plates? 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. __________________ The more people I meet the more I like my dog Kevin Last edited by SSGN; 03-08-2018 at 07:18 AM.

03-08-2018, 12:58 AM	#2
Mark Ugrich Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Auburndale,Florida Posts: 201 Likes: 20 Liked 57 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Automatic trans steal plates? 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.

03-08-2018, 07:15 AM	#3
SSGN Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 625 Likes: 110 Liked 130 Times in 46 Posts	Re: Automatic trans steal plates? I always install new plates and was curious to see if anyone did anything with them from new. Thanks again __________________ The more people I meet the more I like my dog Kevin

03-08-2018, 08:28 AM	#4
Alan Roehrich VIP Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 4,911 Likes: 994 Liked 1,035 Times in 271 Posts	Re: Automatic trans steal plates? 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. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S

03-13-2018, 06:47 AM	#5
SSGN Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 625 Likes: 110 Liked 130 Times in 46 Posts	Re: Automatic trans steal plates? 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. __________________ The more people I meet the more I like my dog Kevin

03-13-2018, 08:29 AM	#6
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,277 Likes: 1,635 Liked 9,452 Times in 1,956 Posts	Re: Automatic trans steal plates? Why make the surface of the steels like a washboard with a grinder? I thought it was contact area it needed. __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817