Transmission Flush ?
- Thread starter ALLEGRO
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
I did both to my truck at right around 130k and I'm happy I did. No harm to the power steering flush, but you've got to weigh the pros and cons of the transmission flush as it's remotely possible that it'll stir up some problems. I did a fluid exchange through the cooler lines and actually replaced the cooler lines themselves while I was at it because they were so rusty.
BlackWorksInc
New member
Both would not be a bad idea if you're getting up there in mileage. 
CookieRoe
Senior Member
I'm at 125,000 and have had the tranny flushed (at Toyota) 2x now. First time at about 80K miles and another recently due to a shudder I was experiencing. I had them flush and fill it and add a tube of anti-shudder. Drives great now.
I remember seeing that these trannies should be a "complete fluid exchange" at the first 100K miles and every 50K thereafter, someone correct me or back me up on this.
I remember seeing that these trannies should be a "complete fluid exchange" at the first 100K miles and every 50K thereafter, someone correct me or back me up on this.
a fluid exchange and a flush are different correct?
I had mine done at Toyota.. brought in the oil myself, charged 110 bucks to do the transmission service.. so all in 220 bucks.. they used the 12 of the 14 quarts I brought, so Im thinking it was an exchange..
I thought they said they have a machine that vacuums the old fluid out and simultaneously add the new fluid? idk... Can that be verified by someone here..
I had mine done at Toyota.. brought in the oil myself, charged 110 bucks to do the transmission service.. so all in 220 bucks.. they used the 12 of the 14 quarts I brought, so Im thinking it was an exchange..
I thought they said they have a machine that vacuums the old fluid out and simultaneously add the new fluid? idk... Can that be verified by someone here..
CookieRoe
Senior Member
I think a fluid exchange and flush are pretty much the same thing except how it's done. The exchange is/has been done by DIYer by unscrewing the return lines, turning the engine on, etc. This way the fluid is expelled with the aide of the engine. The flush method I want to say is the same, only a machine does the extraction (not the engine). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
My thinking is that if Toyota has a machine to perform it, then it must be safe. I know that sounds kinda stupid, but I feel a lot more comfortable knowing Toyota doing it rather than a independent shop who may or may not be familiar with Toyotas. When I had my shudder problem, the indi shop tried to talk me out of it, but I knew he was FULL OF IT.
Mine was right at 130k when it was done for the first time. The original plugs which are only supposed to be used for 30k were still in at 130k as well so I assume that if the prior owner never changed the plugs, they certainly didn't change the transmission fluid.
lcbjr77
New member
I was in the same boat 130k and original plugs, just changed those a week ago...as far as the transmission...I was getting the shudder when shifting from 4 into D. I had the dealership do a full flush and fill it's been shifting smooth as silk. I would recommended a flush to everybody
I did the transmission fluid exchange through the transmission cooler at 99,500. I actually used Valvoline maxlife as it's viscosity is about the same as WS fluid but the add pack is supposedly much better. I used about 14qt's, the original fluid was nasty but never had any shifting problems. In terms of difference in shifts, definitely.
Cold morning shifts especially from 1 to 2 is seamless, 2-3 is quick and almost can't tell the shifts from 3-4 and 4-5, love this oil.. I changed to maxlife not because of cost even though it was like $70 cheaper than the WS, the specs of maxlife was better. Never heard of a transmission failure using maxlife as well. I'll probably do the same exchange around 30K as it's super easy to do just time consuming. Dealer here in town wanted $500 to do this service....
I'd do it at 130k, you can always drop the pan and clean up some of the clutch material and magnets.
Cold morning shifts especially from 1 to 2 is seamless, 2-3 is quick and almost can't tell the shifts from 3-4 and 4-5, love this oil.. I changed to maxlife not because of cost even though it was like $70 cheaper than the WS, the specs of maxlife was better. Never heard of a transmission failure using maxlife as well. I'll probably do the same exchange around 30K as it's super easy to do just time consuming. Dealer here in town wanted $500 to do this service....
I'd do it at 130k, you can always drop the pan and clean up some of the clutch material and magnets.
2003-4x4runner
New member
Had my transmission flushed at 150k miles with the machine at my mechanics shop. Transmission was running smooth as butter before and after the service.
OP.. You should go ahead and have the transmission flushed.
OP.. You should go ahead and have the transmission flushed.
07V8
Member
When you had the original fluid, were the shifts smooth once at operating temp? I seem to notice 1-2 shifts when it's cool but it goes away once warm.
I'm having my transmission flushed for the second time this week at 160k. I'm waiting for the lower lines to arrive as I want to replace them before they corrode through.
With the original fluid and a cold car, I would get a soft thud no matter if it was winter or summer from 1-2, after the car warmed up 1-2 was fine on the old WS fluid. With the new fluid my car has a different characteristic for the better, the 1-2 shift is not noticeable but 2-3 is more noticeable but still smooth. I did use Valvoline maxlife so I can't compare to new WS.
07V8
Member
Thanks man!
Do you recall if it was throughout the life of the fluid or did it develop as it approached 100k?
Your write-up is what I used! Kudos to you for excellent instructions!
I used a huge syphon syringe gun(easier on rotator cuff injury) and pulled fluid from the transmission cooler.
No worries, I think after 70k the first shifts were a little more noticeable but nothing I was ever concerned about.
ALLEGRO
New member
UPDATE
I got the tranny drained and refilled. Tech said the fluid was pretty nasty. Shifts about as usual, so I can only assume that all is well and I'm on new fluid now.
I decided to flush the power steering myself. Quite a mess as it REALLY comes out when you start the truck. Ran about a quart through and it is "cherry red" for sure now.
Both systems seem good-to-go now !!
I got the tranny drained and refilled. Tech said the fluid was pretty nasty. Shifts about as usual, so I can only assume that all is well and I'm on new fluid now.
I decided to flush the power steering myself. Quite a mess as it REALLY comes out when you start the truck. Ran about a quart through and it is "cherry red" for sure now.
Both systems seem good-to-go now !!
