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Re: Transmission oil change
This dealership is noted for "finding" unneeded,
expensive service so I don't trust them.
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Why do you go there?
It is a good idea to change the transmission fluid at 15,000 mile
intervals. Per Toyota, you never need to do anything other than change
the fluid by draining the drain plug in the transmission pan.
Transmissions are really expensive, and if they ever get rebuilt
they're usually never as good as when new, so I like to keep up on
transmission maintenance even more than the minimum recommendation.
Depends on how long you plan on keeping the car.
Some people maintain those things to go over 300,000 miles.
A lot of people don't seem surprised if the transmission breaks after
around 130,000 miles, but from the transmission shops I've talked to,
the usual cause is neglecting to keep the fluid clean.
Transmission fluid has the conflicted task of both lubricating the
gears and bearings, while not being too slippery for the clutches to
grip. Wear from the multi plate internal clutches can cause
contaminants to collect in the fluid. Also, standard transmission fluid
can break down over time, and with exposure to increased temperatures.
That's why I like the Mobil 1 synthetic ATF - increased resistance to
thermal breakdown. I'd like the transmission to last forever. If you
just use standard fluid (check your owner's manual) the few quarts
you'll use only costs a few dollars, plus the cost of a drain plug
gasket and a 10mm Allen head socket to remove it.
If you can let it drain over night, that's even better.
Just do that a couple of times, (doesn't have to be immediately
consecutive), and you should clean up the fluid which is certainly
worth while in preserving transmission life.
Actually, I don't think 38,000 miles is a lot - though if that's the
original fluid it is overdue.
I had the fluid in mine "exchanged" - no solvent or flushing fluid
used, just a machine that had two tanks and with the engine idling,
slowly replaces all the fluid with new.
The drain pan holds around 2.5 quarts against total capacity of around
6 qts. on mine, so that's why it helps to drain more than once. The
machine gets you all clean fluid right at once, but if you don't trust
the dealer - don't go there. Untrustworthy mechanics can create all
kinds of problems for you as I've learned through experience. That's
the kind of experience that has encouraged me to acquire the tools and
learn to do all my own work. I suspect that's one reason my cars last
so long. When I did the major servicing I found bolts over tightened
around the timing belt, a chipped crankshaft pulley, misaligned
thermostat, sealant where it didn't belong on the water pump sealing
surfaces, plus two stripped transmission pan bolts (all from prior
mechanics) - and this is minor compared to other experiences I've had.
Bottom line - find a good mechanic you trust if you're going to have
someone work on your car. If you don't feel comfortable with them, keep
looking.
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