Service Question

[-t-squared]

Hey guys,

Been trying to research online, but was hoping for some help from the pros.
Just dropped my 2010 SR5 off for its 35000 mile service.
Dealer called and said brake fluid as well as both front and rear diff fluids should all be flushed to a tune of ~$300. Made my scam radar start going off, but wanted to get everyone's opinion since I know so little on how the systems work.
I have experienced no "symptoms" that would concern me as of yet.
Thanks very much for any help!

 

[DannyLlama]

Hey guys,

Been trying to research online, but was hoping for some help from the pros.
Just dropped my 2010 SR5 off for its 35000 mile service.
Dealer called and said brake fluid as well as both front and rear diff fluids should all be flushed to a tune of ~$300. Made my scam radar start going off, but wanted to get everyone's opinion since I know so little on how the systems work.
I have experienced no "symptoms" that would concern me as of yet.
Thanks very much for any help!

I am wondering the same thing regarding my diff's.. When to change the oil with mild off roading.

 

[Deadly_Scionide]

In my opinion, preventative maintenance, is the best kind of maintenance. Its cheaper when you can do it yourself of course. I don't about the brake system, but your diffs could use it after 35K if you've done some mild offroading or heavy loads/towing.

 

[DannyLlama]

In my opinion, preventative maintenance, is the best kind of maintenance. Its cheaper when you can do it yourself of course. I don't about the brake system, but your diffs could use it after 35K if you've done some mild offroading or heavy loads/towing.

Going to be changing my oil at 40k, might just do it than. Wouldn't want to waste my time at the stealership more than I have to.

 

[mace.]

When I got my last free service at 25k I asked the dealer for the 30k service printout and costs. They gave me a price of $371 and that didn't include doing the differential and t-case fluids. I asked why it was so high and was told that the cabin filter and the air filter were $126 alone to replace. I laughed and left.

 

[M1911]

Wow, that's stupid. The cabin air filter and the engine air filter can be replaced in 5 minutes, with 3 minutes out of that 5 spent picking your nose.

 

[DannyLlama]

I almost did mine at the dealer :hiding:

I posted while I was there and was quickly informed by everyone here how easy it is to do, they wanted $80. Imagine how much money they are making.

 

[Okki]

I was told the same thing at my dealer when I was there for my 25K service. They told me that the 30K was an oil change, various filter changes and that I should do the "SUV Offroad" service, which was indicated as changing the diff fluids.

I got an off-hand quote of ~$200 for the (total) service.

I haven't read the manual yet as to how needed it really is. I will change things like cabin filters myself.

Okki

 

[DannyLlama]

I was told the same thing at my dealer when I was there for my 25K service. They told me that the 30K was an oil change, various filter changes and that I should do the "SUV Offroad" service, which was indicated as changing the diff fluids.

I got an off-hand quote of ~$200 for the (total) service.

I haven't read the manual yet as to how needed it really is. I will change things like cabin filters myself.

Okki

How many miles on your truck Paul? Never changed the diff fluids?

 

[Okki]

Just over 25K on mine. Only maintenance done on it is what was included in the "free" maintenance as provided by Toyota. I'll have to pull the service records on what fluids other than oil have been changed in it so far; don't know of the top of my head.

 

[Intruder]

but your diffs could use it after 35K if you've done some mild offroading or heavy loads/towing.

Even sooner if your mild offroading includes a lot of large puddles and water crossings, especially if you haven't done the scuba mod. I changed my diff oil for the first time after a year (~25k km).

 

[eddiebx]

Would anyone happen to know if the brake fluid Toyota uses in these 4runners actually don't require changing? I skimmed through maintenance guide and noticed that there's no scheduled interval for brake fluid.

On my other vehicles I would try to change it roughly every 2-3 years since if I recall correctly, most brake fluids absorb moisture which would lower the boiling point and what not.

 

[-t-squared]

Well, as has been indicated in the thread already, I am one for preventative maintenance. However, having the dealer swap the diff oil with no mention of such at this point in the owner's manual raised my eyebrow. I don't offroad much, usually just driving in dusty conditions here in the SJ valley.

I opted to have him take care of the brake fluid, as I do like to keep ahead of that, however I would like to educate myself further on the differentials and the possibility of doing that work myself.