2010 Mtc Schedule - fluids

[Rolling Hill NB]

I just had my 2010 4WD V6 Highlander's 64,000 KM (40,000 mile) oil change and maintenance done at my dealership. According to the Maintenance Menu I got when I bought it new they were suppose to do brake service with fluid replacement. However they did not do the fluid replacement because the service guy told me they are waiting for more info from Toyota on this. They've never seen this on a maintenance menu for any other model before and it seemed unnecessary to them. I appreciated the $56 savings but am concerned about the conflicting recommendations between my local dealership and what Toyoto puts on their service recommendation.

I also asked the guy why Toyota does not have changing either transmission fluid or differential fluid on the maintenance menu. He could not give me an answer. Does anyone else know Toyota's recommendation on this and where I might find this information? I have read some of the discussion on transmission fluid in this Forum and there appears to be differing opinions on the subject. I don't want to do unnecessary things but do want to be sure that I'm optimally servicing my Highlander.

I'm very impressed with the life of my brakes. At 64,000 KM they are telling me I only have 10% wear on my pads.

[summerwind]

Brake fluid.
It depends on the type of brake fluid used by Toyota and if the Maintenance menu was a dealer menu or a Toyota Maintenance book schedule

The reasoning used to be that Brake Fluid attracts moisture and in turn could cause problems with the brake caliper pistons

One rule of thumb I found

Special tools and chemical test strips are available for testing brake fluid, but since brake fluid naturally attracts and absorbs moisture (hygroscopic) it will need to be changed. The color of the fluid is a good indication of its current state. Check it yourself with a flashlight; yellow to amber means it's OK for now, amber to light brown (or darker) means it is time for a change. Some cars will soil the brake or clutch fluid faster than others. Driving habits and road conditions will also have an effect on fluid longevity.

Would be interested in finding out if this is a Toyota of Canada thing in your maintenance manual.

My 2008 maintenance Manual has 60,000miles or 72 months Driving while towing:
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace front differential oil
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)

Didn't see any recommendation if you are not towing or operating in harsh conditions.
Some owners like to replace the fluids on a more frequent basis but the US Toyota minimum service does not say it is required.

[05Moose]

As summerwind pointed out, Toyota gives you the recommendations if you tow. But if you don't tow, their schedules are lacking. Tranny, however, is listed at 100K miles if you don't tow.

Brake fluid: I'm going to do around 50K miles or when the pads need changing. No way will I ever wait 100K miles again! Looking at the fluid in the reservoir seems pointless to me since the fluid subject to breaking down over time from heat is at the wheels themselves. Based on that flashlight test, the fluid in my Taco was good at 100K miles. Yet the air bubbles in the brake fluid at the rear wheels told me otherwise when I flushed it. Moisture in the fluid is one thing, breaking down of the fluid over time which lowers its boiling point is another. And that happens at the wheels. I'm more worried about the latter than the former. The fluid at the wheels does not circulate back to the reservoir to be "refreshed."

[Subaryota]

Our (Canadian) owner's manual suggest following the "severe" maintenance schedule. Goes with pretty much all vehicles purchased in Canada. It usually involves more frequent fluid changes.

As for brake fluid, I would think changing it based on time as opposed to mileage would make more sense. Unless you do some heavy duty braking and ending up boiling the fluid often.

At 2 years and 64000km, I would be inclined to change the brake fluid, especially given Fredericton's weather and the crazy amount of snow you guys get.

My MY12 HL specifies brake fluid change at 64K. Diff and transfer case fluid change at 48K, and tranny fluid change at 72K for towing but I would probably do that even if I don't tow.

Cheers