Shifting to N when stopped?

[Tweeter400]

I know a couple of guys that shift to N when stopped at a light or stopped in general and says it saves on the tranny. Is this true or is it a waste of time??

[JonesNTN]

Waste of time. The are probably actually doing more damage to their U joints and transmission.

[awdvkd]

I know that allison recommends shifting to neutral if yor going to be stopped for more than 5 minutes. I understand it creates unwanted heat. As for the GM trannys I don't know if the same applies. It makes since that if the tranny is trying to turn the TC with the brake on its going to raise the temp after a while. Hope this helps.

[robsawatsky]

The only time I've seen this recommended on regular GM auto tranny's is if you're getting close to overheating. Takes the extra cooling load of the tranny fluid out of the rad and lets the engine run without any load at a bit higher RPM to improve overall cooling.

 

That said, I'd thinking that shifting into N would actually increase wear on the bands and clutches, since you are adding engagement/disengagement cycles and wear when not needed (pretty minimal though I would guess).

 

I could certainly see it being something to do in very hot weather when at longer lights or stops.

[Bish]

Only time I do is when I have had a hard braking up to the light. I do this to release the pads from the rotor. If you keep your foot on the brake after a hard stop, the heat can cause brake material to transfer to the rotor and cause pedal pulse. Every see a rotor with what looks like the outline of a pad in it? THat is one of the causes.

 

As for the transmission, I would agree that putting it into N on a regular basis would do more harm than good.

[95_2500HD]

Putting the tranny in neutral will circulate more fluid than with it in park. After plowing, I always put it in neutral and set the parking brake and let cool for five minutes before shutting it off.