Instead of 30k stealership maintentance I did...

[pook187]

2005 4Runner SR5 V6

The stealership wanted $380 to do their 'standard' 30k maintenance, which did not include spark plug change, tranny or differential service.

Instead, I took it to a local mechanic, one that I somewhat trust (more than the dealership), and had him do the following a la cart:

Spark Plug Change
Tranny Service/Flush
Differential Service/Flush
Brake System Service/Flush
Oil Change
Tire Rotation

This came to right about $380 and included spark plug change, tranny and differential service, all of which would not have been done with the dealership's 'standard' 30k service.

I'm changing the air filter myself to the TrulFlow version ($50 or so).

So, all in all, did I do the right thing?

Thanks.

 

[sharp4runr]

Seems early for a brake system flush if you ask me. I think fluid is good for usually 2 years but that is something I've always gone with. If it felt mushy, then it was good to replace it. My truck is a 2004 and the brakes still feel awesome.

Check out this link for Toyota's recommended service: http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/owners.php

Take a look at your cabin air filter, if you haven't already done so.

 

[CRDNLPLT]

My 2000 Tacoma, with about 70k, has the original brake pads and fluid and they still feel great. I do plan on changing the brake fluid along with many other fluids at 90k though.

I would think that 30k maybe a little early for brake fluid but changing it doesn't hurt anything.

 

[pook187]

Thanks guys. Actually, almost immediately after picking up the truck I thought that I may have jumped the gun on the brake system flush. I guess it couldn't hurt though.

 

[4RunningGuy]

You could have transmission issues later.

If they actually flushed your trans, you might be in trouble. The 2005 V6 comes with a sealed trans, and you are not suppose to change fluid for a long time. Also you are not suppose to use just any trans fluid. It can only take the new type W fluid from toyota. So check and make sure they didn't do the flush.

 

[toybox]

Re: You could have transmission issues later.

If they actually flushed your trans, you might be in trouble. The 2005 V6 comes with a sealed trans, and you are not suppose to change fluid for a long time. Also you are not suppose to use just any trans fluid. It can only take the new type W fluid from toyota. So check and make sure they didn't do the flush.

:iagree:

 

[pook187]

Re: You could have transmission issues later.

If they actually flushed your trans, you might be in trouble. The 2005 V6 comes with a sealed trans, and you are not suppose to change fluid for a long time. Also you are not suppose to use just any trans fluid. It can only take the new type W fluid from toyota. So check and make sure they didn't do the flush.

Yeah, they told me they didn't have the correct tool to get to the tranny fluid. I guess now I'm glad they couldn't.

So when am I supposed to change it? :awais:

Thanks guys.

 

[4RunningGuy]

I don't think you are suppose to ever change the fluid. Maybe at 100k or something like that. I don't have a 05 manual to check about the sealed tranny, so sorry. I only have the 03-04 manual.

 

[Bobby]

Brake fluid should be changed every 3 yrs for most street cars, including our 4runners. I change brake fluid in my bike every season and when I had my M3, 2-4 times a year b/c I tracked it.

 

[EnjoyDaRideTRD]

Brake fluid should be changed every 3 yrs for most street cars, including our 4runners. I change brake fluid in my bike every season and when I had my M3, 2-4 times a year b/c I tracked it.

My 2002 has not had a brake fluid change and the fluid still looks clear in the sump. I did my 50k and that when i changed plugs, my 4runner runs like new well almost new..

 

[Bobby]

Just because the fluid looks new, doesn't mean it will react like new fluid. Of course, there are cars on the road that went over 100k miles w/o a fluid change.

I'm talking about regular maintenance for a vehicle you actually care about.

 

[hossmaster]

My 2002 has not had a brake fluid change and the fluid still looks clear in the sump. I did my 50k and that when i changed plugs, my 4runner runs like new well almost new..

My 02 Tacoma is the same way. When I changed the orginal front brake pads at 92K the fluid was still honey color and smelled the same as the new stuff I put in. It all depends on driving situations/style. The harder you use it the faster it gets used up.

 

[jlboers]

The fluid itself does wear out. Well, maybe not in a literal sense. Its the corrosion inhibiters that lose their effectiveness and decompose over time due to heat. Cars that see severe brake use need changes about once a year. (higher temps break things down faster. Me? I am on a 25k / 2 year change interval (mostly highway here) or sooner if the fluid shows signs of hygroscopic contamination. Brake fluid loves to adsorb water.The fluid properties do change significantly due to hygroscopic contamination. So much so you will feel it in the pedal. So don't open the reservoir so much to look at your fluid! You really can't tell just by looking unless you happen to see sediment in the reservoir. But by then, you probably can't remember the last time you changed the fluid if ever!

Also, My local parts store carries test strips you dip in the reservoir. They test the fluid for moisture content and additive breakdown. Works great.

And then there is the golden rule... When in doubt, change it out.

 

[NCSCOTT]

In my honest Opinion (IMHO) a tranny service on a 2005 with only 30k is way to early, Unless you tow often. I would not recomend having anyone but the dealership service your tranny unless you were 100% sure they were flushing and filling it with the Toyota fluid. Never go cheap on a tranny service. It is not worth it.

I feel the same about the brake flush. I have not had either (Tranny/Brake Fluid) changed on mine with just over 51k currently. I aggree with the previous poster... If you get a bad or borderline indication with the test strips.... Change it.

The plugs??? Last I knew they were required to be changed on the V-6 to maintain the emission warranty every 30k.

Differential Service/Flush??? It couldn't hurt. I would hope you went to a Quality synthetic Lube. I changed mine at 50k to Mobil 1 75w-90.

Open up your Maintenance Handbook. Do what it says. Your 4Runner should last a long time. The link sharp4runr posted is the same items listed in the Handbook.

Good luck and many miles of trouble free driving!!