what to get done along with a regular transmission oil change

[moonroof]

So my car is now around 138K. It is schedule for engine oil and transmission oil change in the near future. I can probably engine oil myself, but I am not confident about the transmission oil change.

So, before I call different places to have these done, what should I check for among other things as well? This is for an Avalon 2000, but posting here for wider audience and since this stuff is quite general in these cars.

It also probably requires new struts as well, (its front left wheel touches that "cup" of the strut on smooth bumps). But that is for another day ... however, suggestions are welcome.

Otherwise, the car runs fine though. Breaks are good, engine is good, ac is good ... no problems that are obvious to me.

Thanks.

[ty**20]

Originally Posted by moonroof

So my car is now around 138K. It is schedule for engine oil and transmission oil change in the near future. I can probably engine oil myself, but I am not confident about the transmission oil change.

So, before I call different places to have these done, what should I check for among other things as well? This is for an Avalon 2000, but posting here for wider audience and since this stuff is quite general in these cars.

It also probably requires new struts as well, (its front left wheel touches that "cup" of the strut on smooth bumps). But that is for another day ... however, suggestions are welcome.

Otherwise, the car runs fine though. Breaks are good, engine is good, ac is good ... no problems that are obvious to me.

Thanks.

changing transmission oil is same as changing engine oil. get some recommand ATF maybe 5 qts. driving your car around til warm. park car, jack up car, secure with stands. remove trans. dip stick, go under car and remove trans. drain plug. catch the drained oil. measure how much oil drained out and refill that same amount back down in the dip stick hole with new ATF.

[carsrus]

Trans fluid drain can be easier then an oil change. Just drain fluid into a jug with pre measured lines and then just fill it up with same amount that was in there.

If you wanna drop the pan to change the gasket and strainer its a little more work, but not much more difficult then an oil change. I would recommend doing a drain first and then after 4-5k miles (aka the next oil change) drop the pan and change the fluid again.

Make sure you use the correct fluid, its stamped on the dipstick and in the owners manual. It should be DexronIII, Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc is my personal choice and it synthetic an under around 4$ a quart.

You'll save ALOT of money doing this DIY over going to a shop, and you'll use better fluid too. Just a drain will cost you about 25$ in fluid vs paying 70$ or more at a shop.