Transmission Service

I’ve just finished dropping the pan, changing the filter (screen), and flushing via the cooler line on my three 4Rs. Dealer/mechanic advice was inconsistent, and I was a bit apprehensive due to the refill level check procedure. But, now having done this myself, in hindsight I would have done this at every 50,000 myself using the hose disconnect flush method (with filter changes at 50k and then every 100,000). And always use the Toyota fluid. It’s just too easy not to do it myself, and I just don’t trust the dealers to do it like I want it done.
 
Most dealerships warranty their work. I had my beater galant timing belt done but the idler pulley was frozen so a new one had to be used. Somehow it got loose but they warranted it as they do a 12k? Warranty on replacement and repair. Cars worth nothing but they honored the repair.

mwebster22 said:
I’ve just finished dropping the pan, changing the filter (screen), and flushing via the cooler line on my three 4Rs. Dealer/mechanic advice was inconsistent, and I was a bit apprehensive due to the refill level check procedure. But, now having done this myself, in hindsight I would have done this at every 50,000 myself using the hose disconnect flush method (with filter changes at 50k and then every 100,000). And always use the Toyota fluid. It’s just too easy not to do it myself, and I just don’t trust the dealers to do it like I want it done.
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Orc said:
Most dealerships warranty their work. I had my beater galant timing belt done but the idler pulley was frozen so a new one had to be used. Somehow it got loose but they warranted it as they do a 12k? Warranty on replacement and repair. Cars worth nothing but they honored the repair.
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How would they warrante a trans flush service?
 
Olddudesrule said:
In our transmissions, what "friction plates" are you referring to? I'm not an auto trans expert by any means, but have done a good bit of preventative maintenance work on my own. Transmission fluid (hydraulic fluid) is utilized by the auto trans under pressure via the valve body and usually shift solenoids. Don't think we have friction plates inside our transmissions, which would wear and cause friction causing particulates inside the fluid. Someone correct me if I'm off base here...

.
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the 4runner has a screen in tranny.. so no clutch material created like GM transmission...

if the fluid does run hot above 200F then I would do the fluid change every 30K-60K miles.. since my runner operates at 175F 99% of the time I will do it @100K miles.

I use scan gauge II so I monitor it 100%..
 
mwebster22 said:
I’ve just finished dropping the pan, changing the filter (screen), and flushing via the cooler line on my three 4Rs. Dealer/mechanic advice was inconsistent, and I was a bit apprehensive due to the refill level check procedure. But, now having done this myself, in hindsight I would have done this at every 50,000 myself using the hose disconnect flush method (with filter changes at 50k and then every 100,000). And always use the Toyota fluid. It’s just too easy not to do it myself, and I just don’t trust the dealers to do it like I want it done.
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So...I am considering also doing this myself. The one main part I'm concerned about is getting the correct amount in. Overall, would you say that the check procedure is doable?

I've read through multiple DIY threads on here, it's something that I want to do but also really, really don't want to screw up.
 
Olddudesrule said:
In our transmissions, what "friction plates" are you referring to? I'm not an auto trans expert by any means, but have done a good bit of preventative maintenance work on my own. Transmission fluid (hydraulic fluid) is utilized by the auto trans under pressure via the valve body and usually shift solenoids. Don't think we have friction plates inside our transmissions, which would wear and cause friction causing particulates inside the fluid. Someone correct me if I'm off base here...

More to the point of the OP's question, regardless of the make or manufacturer, there is always differences of opinion regarding auto trans maintenance "requirements"......Use Toyota's recommendations as just that, a recommendation. If you are hard on your vehicle, do the maintenance earlier. Most often it's a "feel good thing" to do it early, and if that makes you feel better about spending money you shouldn't have to, all the power to you. I will do mine at around 60K-80K, because I tow a bit and am generally hard on the trans off road.
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The A750f transmission has IIRC 7 clutch packs. It's similar to most traditional automatics with multiple planetary gear sets. Shifting planetary gear sets is normally done with clutch packs. They should see very little wear. The reason is that the torque management reduces load before the shifts happen. They basically don't wear out. A million miles is probably about the typical service life. There's a reason you never see threads about rebuilding these automatics. I don't think you'll hurt anything by replacing the fluid. But you probably won't help anything either. Fluid color doesn't have much value in identifying the properties of the oil. I suppose you could have it analyzed by a lab - but unless you also know what the goal is - how would you know whether to replace or not?

From the anecdotal evidence department of irrelevant information - My last 4runner got an trans oil change at 200k miles. I did timing belt #2 and also replaced every rubber hose and belt under the hood and all the oils and gear lubes as a full 200k service. It was also the first diff and transfer case fluid change it ever had. No problems with it ever. Probably didn't need it. I'm sure it's still driving around out there somewhere.

Here's an exploded view of the A750F with all of the clutch packs. (they're the parts that look like the olympic rings)
87.jpg
 
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Do it yourself - save $$$ - and - you'll know something was actually done

All you need to set the fluid level is a small paper clip.

Writeup in 2nd Gen forum - tacomaworld.com - uses same transmission(s) as 5th Gen 4R.
 
Every 30,000 miles is overkill. Even if you’re doing it yourself on the cheap, you’re wasting your time and money. The fluid is designed to last. In preparation for my 100,000 mile service, I changed all my major fluids for peace of mind. I feel good about that choice but anything under that mark seems entirely unnecessary.


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Lester Lugnut said:
That may be true, but it's not your time/money being wasted; therefore, it's none of your business.
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I absolutely love “over maintaining” the 4Runner. Why? Cuz first of all it gets me out of the house and something to do. Second; I only drive it 10% of the time if that(and that’s off road usually) so the other 90% of the time it needs to be flawless and perform without question, I’m willing to use my money and my time to make sure that isn’t an issue. Most of all I enjoy the knowledge in the learning process, I can’t wait to teach the youngest two that are in it that 90%, the ins and outs and the know how of the vehicle.
 
My first T4R was a 4th Gen purchased used from Dealer at 82K. It was a one previous owner and it excellent condition. I have them complete a full transmissions Drain, flush and refill. Sold to my Nephew at 115K who still has it at 175K......looks great and runs perfectly.
 
I have 97K miles on the 4runner (purchased new in 2011). I was thinking about changing the trans fluid (drain and fill not flush). I was planning on dropping the pan just to clean the pan, magnets and swapping the trans filter or strainer+pan gasket. Everything would cost around $115 for the parts I mentioned and 4 quarts since I was planning on only draining once.
I couldn't make up my mind whether draining once is okay or draining it 3 times is what I should do. Some say flush and some say drain/fill. Some say 30K some say 50K some say 60K and some say 100K. Some even say a trans fluid change can damage the trans. Toyota suggests to never change it unless you drive under aggressive conditions. My buddy is a mechanic and he told me not to touch it anytime soon. He suggested that I consider swapping the fluid around 150K - 200K.
At the end, I think I will just drive the 4runner until I either hit 150K or if I feel the shifting is not normal to do anything.
My uncle has a 2008 4Runner with over 175K and he never touched his trans fluid. No issue with his truck
 
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On all three of mine, I dropped the pan, changed filter/screen, then flushed. Totaled around 12 qts. Yes expensive but I’d do it again.
 
Banksaveli said:
I have 97K miles on the 4runner (purchased new in 2011). I was thinking about changing the trans fluid (drain and fill not flush). I was planning on dropping the pan just to clean the pan, magnets and swapping the trans filter or strainer+pan gasket. Everything would cost around $115 for the parts I mentioned and 4 quarts since I was planning on only draining once.
I couldn't make up my mind whether draining once is okay or draining it 3 times is what I should do. Some say flush and some say drain/fill. Some say 30K some say 50K some say 60K and some say 100K. Some even say a trans fluid change can damage the trans. Toyota suggests to never change it unless you drive under aggressive conditions. My buddy is a mechanic and he told me not to touch it anytime soon. He suggested that I consider swapping the fluid around 150K - 200K.
At the end, I think I will just drive the 4runner until I either hit 150K or if I feel the shifting is not normal to do anything.
My uncle has a 2008 4Runner with over 175K and he never touched his trans fluid. No issue with his truck
Click to expand...


This is exactly what I'm talking about! There is no clear path haha
 
I used to do a spill and fill on my tacoma every 30k or so. Did it the first time at 120k when I got it. Used toyota WS fluid. Next two times I used valvoline maxlife fluid which is ws compatible but about half the cost. Didn't notice any difference. Fluid always looked fine and it shifted perfect when I sold it about 2 years ago. My 4Runner just hit 40k and it's never been touched. I'm currently on the hunt for a scan tool that will tell me trans temp to make it a little easier. And open the ABS pump for easier brake bleeding. Yeah I over maintain my stuff but it makes me feel better knowing the condition of what's in there. I'm sure the diff fluid in the rear is kinda nasty too.
 
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