My husband (who isn't a fan of regular maintenance - thinks all mechanics are out to rip you off and you should wait to break down before you fix something) says the rear dif fluid NEVER needs to be changed, that it's completely unnecessary. Also says I never should have bought new tires after 2 1/2 years traveling 36 miles a day, 5 days a week. The center tread was pretty low, but still had tread on the inside and outside, but we're talking winter here in New England, and with a 2WD 4runner, I was tired of sliding all over the place with all-seasons, so got a NEW pair of rear snows and NEW fronts. Did I waste my $$$ on the tires and the rear dif fluid change? I have a 2001 4runner, 189,000 miles on it.
How often do you REALLY have to change the rear dif fluid?
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ToyTec Lifts
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Here is some info about when you "should" have things looked at and replaced. http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/MSTOY01_MS0003/pdf/01omsour/2001/schedule/2001toyo.pdf The PDF does not go up to 190k but if you haven't done it before, it was definitely time to have it serviced. As for the tires, its better to be safe.
:keyboard:
-Drew
No you didnt waste your money. Tires are the only contact you have with the ground. If you were slipping in the snow that's reason enough to get snow tires. As for diff Fluid it's a fluid. They break down over time. Your fluid is probably due for a change. Your driving habits seem to indicate that your diffs do not work overly hard.
bob3dsf
New member
You were fine replacing the tire. That is a vital safety issue. No, all mechanics are not out to rip you off. It seems he's had some bad experience, I'm sorry for that, me too. Sure there are shysters, but there are plenty who are honest, hard working folks. You're more likely to encounter the "up sell" at the dealer, however, My wife's former Accord had some recall issues, and the dealer did a great job. One issue was a warranty extension issue that I failed to address in time. I appealed to Honda and they came through like a champ. We saved a TON on the cost of new pistons and rings. Anyway, I'm going to stick with the interval period specified by Toyota, they did build the truck, after all. You could probably fudge that interval by 20k. I don't think 50k on the differential fluid is that bad, but lubricants break down over time and loose their effectiveness. Depends on how hard it gets driven.
I know he wouldn't believe this, but keeping up with the specified services and preventive maint. is going to always be your cheapest route. When you wait until something is broken, there are usually other things wrong as well. That = more $$. Also, by keeping up with the PMCS, you can keep tabs on other things like signs of impending issues and head off most costly repairs. For example, please don't wait until you hear grinding before you get brake pads inspected.
I know he wouldn't believe this, but keeping up with the specified services and preventive maint. is going to always be your cheapest route. When you wait until something is broken, there are usually other things wrong as well. That = more $$. Also, by keeping up with the PMCS, you can keep tabs on other things like signs of impending issues and head off most costly repairs. For example, please don't wait until you hear grinding before you get brake pads inspected.
Donny Voodoo
New member
I just drained my diff fluid after ~35k miles and was surprised how clean it was - still a beautiful golden honey color.
theoutbackdream
New member
Your husband needs a reality check. Maybe he shouldn't even be driving a car...
Tires are EXTREMELY vital. They are what keep you on the road. No you didn't waste your money.
Rear diff? Yes, you need to replace the fluid. Not every day, month, year, but occasionally. It really comes down to how much you drive, but it will range from driver to driver. That said, at 189k, you probably did need a fluid replacement.
Tires are EXTREMELY vital. They are what keep you on the road. No you didn't waste your money.
Rear diff? Yes, you need to replace the fluid. Not every day, month, year, but occasionally. It really comes down to how much you drive, but it will range from driver to driver. That said, at 189k, you probably did need a fluid replacement.
I drove mine around for 130k miles until I decided to change the gear oil and it was still ok. Hell my transmission oil went longer and my timing belt and water pump going on 200k so no worries. My 2002 sport is my evil step child I just abuse. I hate the smell of gear oil man that stuff stinks.
Tires are never a bad investment. I'd argue it's the most important investment in your car, save for engine oil. As far as fluids, there are services you can use to test them, if you want to prove your husband wrong, or get more life out of them between changes. I send my oil to Blackstone in Indiana.
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