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pickerdd · 01-31-2012, 09:48 AM

Opinions needed...

My 2008 T4R has 65k miles on it and I'd like to have the AT fluid replaced. My dealer/service has 2 methods - "drain and fill" and a "full flush."

The last time I had a tranny flush (in a different car) the tranny had issues and had to be rebuilt. It could have been coincidences, but I don't believe in coincidences...

Any opinions either way?

Thanks,

slyfox75 · 02-04-2012, 02:17 PM

Whats the difference in prices?
My opinion:
If your going to do it every 65K......I'd just do the drain/fill, which I'm guessing will do about 1/3 of the fluid. It should be much cheaper than the entire flush.
If the entire flush is only $20-$30 more, I'd do that.
Assumption: You are "regular" driver(not excessive towing)

Addition: For what it's worth, I have same Tranny as you and did mine(partial flush/fill) for the first time at around 110K. I'm assuming you know the "WS" fluid is rated very highly and has a long life. I'm not rich.....nor have a ton of time on my hands....or I would change it more but the fact it SUX to get to the fill hole and WS ain't cheap and these trannys are solid(not that worried i'm gonna have issues).

R.A. · 02-04-2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickerdd

Opinions needed...

Any opinions either way?

Thanks,

I drain and fill every 20K (or mileage of your choice.)

I've always believed that tranny fluid should be changed at intervals like oil is.

Undecided whether I would machine flush the system. Haven't seen enough evidence either way to support a complete machine flush, or is needed, or is wise to do.

Just my opinion.

If your transmission hasn't seen any service, I would do a drain and fill 3 times and call it done. (Doing it every time you change your oil - 5K.) After that, do every 20K or mileage of your choice.

<<<< · 02-04-2012, 10:12 PM

Never changed mine in any cars. I dont see what can happen to ATF. Hydravlic fluid doesn't break down like engine of differential oil.

pickerdd · 02-04-2012, 11:02 PM

The drain and fill is $89 and the flush and fill is $169 at my dealer.

I tow our 4000 pound 23' 1971 Airstream Safari on a regular basis - about 2-3 times a month and several times a year on longer trips of 1000 miles each way, so I try to keep the fluids in good condition.

I have changed the crankcase and differential (front and rear) fluids and lubed both propeller shafts, but I haven't drained or flushed the Tranny. I bought my 4Runner new in 2008.

I'm about to do a drain and fill of the crankcase and differentials with my 65k oil and filter change (and lube the propeller shafts) and I'd like to learn to drain and fill my transmission fluid unless it is something only the dealer should do. I prefer to do my own maintenance if at all possible.

Thanks for your help.

fourwd1 · 02-08-2012, 10:00 PM

You definetly need to change your trans fluid periodically, especially if you tow a lot as you do. Thinking otherwise is beyond foolish.
Either do it yourself about 3 times to get it all, or have the dealer power flush it.

You should also install an aftermarket trans cooler if you haven't already.

pickerdd · 02-09-2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourwd1

You definetly need to change your trans fluid periodically, especially if you tow a lot as you do. Thinking otherwise is beyond foolish.
Either do it yourself about 3 times to get it all, or have the dealer power flush it.

You should also install an aftermarket trans cooler if you haven't already.

Thanks for the info. I'll have the dealer do the power flush then I'll periodically do a drain and fill on the ATF. What's the recommended interval? Every 25k miles?

I have the V8 4WD, which has the OEM Toyota Transmission cooler.

Thanks again,

jirehn · 02-09-2012, 10:08 AM

If you take this one, How much is the cost?

pickerdd · 02-09-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jirehn

If you take this one, How much is the cost?

The tranny flush at the dealer is $189.

IanB · 02-09-2012, 11:11 AM

I'd recomend the drain & fill method over the powerflush anyday. Nobody complains of issues following a drain & fill, and from the sounds of it the powerflush has bit you in the ass once already...seems like an obvious choice.

Koz · 02-09-2012, 11:23 AM

There is no need to change your fluid. You have a maintenance free trans. Do yourself a favor and leave it alone.

Koz

<<<< · 02-09-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koz

There is no need to change your fluid. You have a maintenance free trans. Do yourself a favor and leave it alone.

Koz

Amen

scojoe · 02-09-2012, 01:08 PM

This is not lifetime fluid. No matter what toyota says. It's just not. When I drained and refiled mine it didn't look so good. Quite nasty as a matter of fact

Koz · 02-09-2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scojoe

This is not lifetime fluid. No matter what toyota says. It's just not. When I drained and refiled mine it didn't look so good. Quite nasty as a matter of fact

If the fluid needed to be changed you would be reading about MANY failures. I have never heard of even ONE, in all the years. If the fluid is damaged an idiot light will come on. If you insist on changing it (and wasting money), you may want to replace it with this ( AMSOIL - Synthetic Fuel Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL) ). It's the only replacement and it has held up to over 600HP. If any other fluid (besides WS or Amsoil) is used you will have serious problem. I highly recommend having this done by the Stealer! It is a complicated procedure.

Koz

scojoe · 02-09-2012, 04:12 PM

"Rumble Strip" Transmission issue I had this problem and it went away with fluid changes. 20k later no problems. I think ill waste $40 on ws every once and awhile. Cant hurt anything to have fresh fluid. jmo ,scott edit; page 12 and 24 of the maint schedule. ( change tranny fluid for vehicle that tow @60k And120k). I tow a trailer with mine frequently and have over 120k on my 06 v6 http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/docum...ai/61r1smt.pdf