changing fluids and filters

Gave the truck a much needed and somewhat late oil change yesterday.

While waiting for the oil to settle to check level I took a look at some other fluids. All were at level( transmission, brake, and coolant) but, what is the recommended time interval for a transmission fluid change? What about a coolant flush? Could I do this at home or is it necessary to take it somewhere? How about the brake fluid?

The drivetrain on the truck runs fine, and I ma experiencing no problems from anything under the hood. I was just wondering for future reference. I am around 110K miles on it and would like to get another 100k more, if I possible.

thanx

 

The manual tranny is really easy to change. Every 50K or so

The AUTO transmission is a pain to change unless you have a lift. You still want the fluid to look pink when you change it.

The Tranny costs just as much as a motor so take care of it!!!

I would pay someone to flush and change the filter if it is an AUTO. Much better than draining it and changing the filter. Draining it only changes approx 50% of the fluid. Cost is usually about $250.00 but worth it.

Read this http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/97562-fun-transmission-fluid-filter-change.html

 

id rather drain and refill, with 110k miles flushing could damage seals and flush metal particals where you dont want them. take off pan, you have a 2 peice dipstick you have to disconnect, take off the magnetic filer and clean it good, clean off all magnets, and scrape off all toyota gunk on both sides of pan and replace with either rtv silicone gasket or a synthetic gasket, i dont reccomend cork or rubber. be sure to fill the trans to the proper level and not any large metal chunks or excessive metal shavings on magnets (there will be some from clutch pack wear)


however if your taco is an 05-10 you can change it on your own but its much less of a pain if you take it to the dealer

 

I called my dealer and they said $150 to flush and re-fill.

 

so just have it drained and refilled rather than flushed ? then it's just a matter of getting the tranny pan off and getting a new filter and some new tranny fluid? Should I go with synthetic fluid?

 

Check this link out

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.htm

I would go with conventional since this is your first time changing it. Sometimes synthetics in auto trannys that have not been changed can cause seals to leak or the tranny to slip. I have seen that happen on American cars more than foreign but it is possible on a Toyota. The synthetic is much thinner

 

I respectfully disagree. If there are fine metal particles they should be stuck to the magnet in the bottom of the pan. For larger particles the transmission filter should trap them. It is unlikely there are chunks of metal in the tranny fluid floating around.

I have changed a bunch of Trannys with the cork and rubber gaskets and haven't seen them leak especially if you are changing when recommended at 50K miles.

Flushing will remove all of the old fluid that needs to be replaced. The dirtier the fluid the more important it is to flush. If it is not bad then fluid and filter change should be fine.

If you are not comfortable with the flush - do the filter and fluid change. Then change the fluid again in another 10K or so miles to get all of the older stuff out. Then you can keep on the 50K schedule.

ALSO make sure you lube all the grease zerks on your driveshafts while under there.

 

its not that bad doing it without a lift.......as far as im concerned. i've done mine a few times.

i'd drop the pan....clean the filter screen....put pan back on and refill. then....wait a couple thousand miles.....just do a drain and refill. do the drain and refill several times.......you wont have to worry about a flush.........you'll have all new/relatively new fluid in the tranny then. thats how i do it anyway.

 

I have done them with and without lifts.

Doing it without a lift compared to with a lift is bad. It just takes a lot longer and is much messier.

Just depends on your experience.

Yes it can be easily done crawling underneath but not cake like with a lift.

 

yeah....lift is alot better.....but not all of us have one. wish i did tho.