[Rebmo]

At some point I wanted to get new Avalon, but same like you, couldn’t justify the expense. They’ve lowballed me and wanted to much for the used. The only problem I have is a ride bit harsh for my model. Was it expensive to change the suspension to 2016?

I changed the strut/springs out myself. I believe the parts were ~$650. I have air tools and a spring compressor. There were a few tricky reaches that required a helper and you need to remove the back seat. If you don’t do it yourself I’d buy the parts and find a good shop to do it for you. For me along with getting rid of the terrible Bridgestone oem tires, it greatly improved the ride enough that I no longer wanted to get rid of it. To me, Toyota made a huge mistake with the original rock hard ride and word got out and it dampened enthusiasm for the Avalon. It could have been a much more popular car.

 

[Rebmo]

I changed the strut/springs out myself. I believe the parts were ~$650. I have air tools and a spring compressor. There were a few tricky reaches that required a helper and you need to remove the back seat. If you don’t do it yourself I’d buy the parts and find a good shop to do it for you. For me along with getting rid of the terrible Bridgestone oem tires, it greatly improved the ride enough that I no longer wanted to get rid of it. To me, Toyota made a huge mistake with the original rock hard ride and word got out and it dampened enthusiasm for the Avalon. It could have been a much more popular car.

Oh, I did this in 2017 so struts ma cost more now. As I recall I got a quote to install the struts for roughly the same cost as the struts.

 

[Den49]

I’ve changed all but brakes fluid(coolants,eCVT fluid, for oil use Royal Purple every 6 months). I have step by step how to do it without expensive scanner, but after reading few stories…
Scotty Kilmer says he never changed brake fluid on his because Toyota makes well sealed once 🤔.

Brake systems are not sealed. They breath air through the fill cap as the fluid is compressed and released. Brake fluid is hydroscopic. It absorbs moister and that moister corrodes brake components. Replacing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles prevents this corrosion. Check out the prices for replacing the expensive hybrid brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies, as well as the other conventional components like the ABS valve assembly and you will see why it makes sense spend a few dollars to change the brake fluid rather than hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace these assemblies.

 

[kdpo1990]

I changed the strut/springs out myself. I believe the parts were ~$650. I have air tools and a spring compressor. There were a few tricky reaches that required a helper and you need to remove the back seat. If you don’t do it yourself I’d buy the parts and find a good shop to do it for you. For me along with getting rid of the terrible Bridgestone oem tires, it greatly improved the ride enough that I no longer wanted to get rid of it. To me, Toyota made a huge mistake with the original rock hard ride and word got out and it dampened enthusiasm for the Avalon. It could have been a much more popular car.

Did you get OEM or aftermarket ones?

 

[kdpo1990]

Brake systems are not sealed. They breath air through the fill cap as the fluid is compressed and released. Brake fluid is hydroscopic. It absorbs moister and that moister corrodes brake components. Replacing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles prevents this corrosion. Check out the prices for replacing the expensive hybrid brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies, as well as the other conventional components like the ABS valve assembly and you will see why it makes sense spend a few dollars to change the brake fluid rather than hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace these assemblies.

Those steps do not replace fluid in booster pump and ABS. I believe Car Care Nut also says they don’t do this in the shop, just pull fluid out of the lines. Yes I know replacing those part is very expensive. Even if I take car to the the stealership, they will not pump all the fluid out of the system.

 

[Den49]

Those steps do not replace fluid in booster pump and ABS. I believe Car Care Nut also says they don’t do this in the shop, just pull fluid out of the lines. Yes I know replacing those part is very expensive. Even if I take car to the the stealership, they will not pump all the fluid out of the system.

You seem to have a problem with accurately quoting what others have said. If you don't know and have experience with something you are likely to misquote others who do. I never mentioned any "steps". I've seen the Car Care Nut's video on changing brake fluid. He did not say that because you don't get all the fluid out it is not beneficial. He recommends changing the brake fluid, as does anyone who knows and has experience. I've changed the brake fluid twice in 67,000 miles in my 2013 TAHL.

 

[kdpo1990]

You seem to have a problem with accurately quoting what others have said. If you don't know and have experience with something you are likely to misquote others who do. I never mentioned any "steps". I've seen the Car Care Nut's video on changing brake fluid. He did not say that because you don't get all the fluid out it is not beneficial. He recommends changing the brake fluid, as does anyone who knows and has experience. I've changed the brake fluid twice in 67,000 miles in my 2013 TAHL.

Just watched the vide, not sure why, and he said that they do the same procedure as he does in the video. I am not saying it isn’t good to change fluid. I’ve said that I haven’t worked up the courage to do it, yet. Also, they would only pull fluid from the line.

 

[saneesh81]

I checked the brake fluid on my 2014 (~65k) with brake fluid tester. It is still ok. The moisture level is <2%. I use that tester to check the brake fluid on my other cars also (12 yr old Odyssey and 22 year old bmw z3) and it works. Tested it on my friend's <4 yr old Jeep and it showed "red" with moisture level > 4%. Needs immediate changing.. Also on his 2007 Avalon. He always parks outside and drive a lot compared to me.

I already replaced all the other fluids. Planning to replace the brake fluid this when the weather improves. CarCareNut's video is interesting. Using a vacuum bleeder and i have the MityVac one.

12V battery died 2 days back. Charged it and works fine now. I guess time to replace it. 8 years old now. Car was sitting idle for >1 week because of the ice on road. Planning to get the OEM from dealer.

 

[kdpo1990]

I checked the brake fluid on my 2014 (~65k) with brake fluid tester. It is still ok. The moisture level is <2%. I use that tester to check the brake fluid on my other cars also (12 yr old Odyssey and 22 year old bmw z3) and it works. Tested it on my friend's <4 yr old Jeep and it showed "red" with moisture level > 4%. Needs immediate changing.. Also on his 2007 Avalon. He always parks outside and drive a lot compared to me.

I already replaced all the other fluids. Planning to replace the brake fluid this when the weather improves. CarCareNut's video is interesting. Using a vacuum bleeder and i have the MityVac one.

12V battery died 2 days back. Charged it and works fine now. I guess time to replace it. 8 years old now. Car was sitting idle for >1 week because of the ice on road. Planning to get the OEM from dealer.

I also have original 12V battery. Shopping around. Very expensive. Almost $400 at the stealer.

 

[saneesh81]

For me, local dealer, it is $284..

2012-2018 Toyota Vehicle Battery 28800-36050 | Toyota of McKinney Parts

2012-2018 Toyota Vehicle Battery 28800-36050

parts.toyotaofmckinney.com