Oil Change

[subzero]

Hey guys...thanks to all of the helpful info on this forum, I successfully performed my first oil change on my 4R. I have the V8, so as most of you know, the oil filter was a PIA to get off and replace. I also installed a Fram quick drain plug. I now plan to change my own oil on a regular basis. It just occurred to me, though, that the dealership probably does alot more than just drain the oil and change the oil filter when I used to get it changed. I am pretty sure that they lube the differentials and constant velocity joints, etc. Does this mean that I could actually be harming my 4runner by changing the oil myself, because I obviously dont know how to do those other maintainences.

 

[Baba Booey]

Hey guys...thanks to all of the helpful info on this forum, I successfully performed my first oil change on my 4R. I have the V8, so as most of you know, the oil filter was a PIA to get off and replace. I also installed a Fram quick drain plug. I now plan to change my own oil on a regular basis. It just occurred to me, though, that the dealership probably does alot more than just drain the oil and change the oil filter when I used to get it changed. I am pretty sure that they lube the differentials and constant velocity joints, etc. Does this mean that I could actually be harming my 4runner by changing the oil myself, because I obviously dont know how to do those other maintainences.

Congratulations! If you can change the oil, I'd bet that you could lube the drive shaft as well. All you should need is one or two grease guns and the proper grease.

Check out the threads on this topic in the maintenance section of the forum. I believe there may even be a few pictures, along with step-by-step instructions.

You're supposed to re-torque the propeller shaft bolts, but from what I've read here, they never seem to be loose, and others have reported that they seem to be tighter than what is speced. This isn't very difficult to check either.

The care your ride will receive from you will be much better than what you get at the dealership.

 

[no1sportz]

I think you are doing yourself and your 4Runner a HUGE FAVOR by doing your own maintenance. At least you will know if it is done correctly. Remember, oil changes are not completed by any type of Toyota tech, simply an oil boy. I doubt your oil has even drained properly before they are threading the drain plug back in.

Lubing the driveshaft is even easier than than changing your oil! Once the shaft is lined up (so you can access the fittings) you will be done in minutes!!

Next project for you...drain your front and rear differentials. Get that crap oil outta there and replace with some good quality synthetic and you will prolong the life of your gears significantly. 99% of the wear in a differential happens during the first few thousand miles so replacing it early is key!

 

[subzero]

Thanks for the advice...So with around 30k miles on my 04 4Runner, the entire drive train maintainence includes changing the oil, the oil filter, lubing the front and rear propeller shafts, and replacing the transmission and differential fluids? Am I forgetting anything? Does anyone have a list of exactly what should be done at a proper maintenence stop and at how many miles? Thanks guys!

 

[Baba Booey]

Don't forget to replace your air filter about every 15k miles or one year. That's another easy D-I-Y project. And the cabin filter is another easy one.

Replace the fluid in the transfer case when doing the differentials. These are pretty simple too. Just be sure to loosen the fill plugs before you open the drain plugs. This way, if for some reason you can't get the fill plug open, you will still have oil in your diffs so that you can drive it to a shop.

I haven't done it yet, but you may want to change the PCV valve once a year too. Once you locate it, you just basically screw the old one out and screw the new one in- not much more difficult than changing a light bulb.

You may want to drain & fill your coolant every 30k or 45k. Check your owner's manual. In addition, you may want to change out the brake fluid every couple of years. If these projects are too much of a hassle, let your dealer or a good independent shop do it. However, by doing the other stuff yourself, you will know it's done right and you will avoid the expensive maintenance packages that usually include a lot of "inspecting" and very little replacing.

 

[owen4runner]

Congrats!

Here is the web site to check what needs to be performed.

http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/owners.php

Yesterday, dealer changed my oil/filter, topped all fluids (I actually saw the guy pour washer fluid into the tank and the rest I know for sure were full: brake, steering, coolant) and rotated my tires for under $30. The tire rotation package includes inflate to proper psi and inspect brake lines/rotors for under $10.

If you look at the 15K mile service thats about 75% of it. Not to mention torque the drive shaft, which I did myself (easily). The dealer wanted $279 for the complete 15K mile service. I would have done the oil change and tire rotation myself but did not have time. I spent the time I had to install more mods: neoprene seat covers, wheelskins, sports pedal, puddle lights and complete detailing.