Req'd Maintenance??

Hello everyone,

New to the taco forum and world.

Recently purchased a 2012 Tacoma SR5 with 95k miles on it.

When purchased I was given a carfax about it and seemed to have all proper maintenance checks on it and no big accidents or anything done to it.

Since having it, I am at 101,000 miles now and have only done an oil change so far.

Looking for some good information on maintenance/preventive maintenance I should do to it to keep it running great for and for a long time! I am looking to do mostly fluid swaps (ie. replacing coolant, transfer case fluid, diff fluids) but other than that, what else should i look into and or replace?

Lastly, I do have a extended warranty i am paying each month for right now and honestly tempted to drop it just because it only takes care of major maintenance issues but hesitant because as soon as i drop it, i have a feeling something will happen.

Anyway, would appreciate any advice, tips or tricks to help out. Thanks!!

 

Do the spark plugs, or at least check to make sure the spark plugs aren’t different brands on either side

 

Differential and t-case oils. Transmission fluid pan drop and filter change. Power steering and brake fluid flush and coolant. And as stated above spark plugs and air filter change. Also a good idea to clean the pcv and maf sensor.

 

^^This^^

 

Drop the extended warranty and force yourself to start a vehicle maintenance savings account in its stead. Pay yourself instead of them! ✌

 

The Toyota website has a maintenance schedule feature. You don't need to sign up for that, but if you register, there are other features.

That being said, if this was my truck, I would not hesitate to do the following:
Replace all fluids - transfer case and both diffs; PS; Brake; and radiator coolant.
Replace plugs with iridium plugs.
Check and replace rotors and pads, accordingly.
Check and replace all bearings/pulleys, accordingly - wheel, idlers, tensioner, water pump, PS, alternator
Check and replace u-joints and carrier bearing, accordingly.
Flush ATF, or at least do a drain/refill.
Replace PCV and PCV hose.
Run back to back tankfuls of good quality gas treatment, like Chevron Techron, or

$32 Red Line 60103 Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner, 15 Ounce, (15 Ounce, (Pack of 2))

Red Line 60103, etc...

Mod wise, the first I will recommend for a 4X4 is the diff breather mod.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-differential-breather-mod-photos.111954/

Check the Cheap/Free mod thread for other excellent mod ideas.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-free-mods.4838/#post-45403

 

I also remove the bottom hose from my power steering reservoir from time to time and drain the fluid. Then, refill with the proper fluid for your application. Just be careful pulling that hose off. The reservoir is plastic so wiggle it off gently. You don't want to break off that fitting.
I'll run it a couple of weeks and then do it again. I do this about once a year.

 

PS and ATF??
Looking to do most fluid flushes but will start to check on the other things you mentioned.

Thanks!

 

Power steering. OEM PS fluid is clear; if yours is dark, it has likely never been flushed and the dark color is an indication of contaminants. You replace with ATF Dexron II/III, which is purple.

ATF is automatic transmission fluid. Toyota says to do full flush at 60K if vehicle meets severe service - towing, off-roading, commercial use, etc ... for all others, it says to inspect but does not provide a replacement schedule. Most mechanics recommend to flush at 75K to 100K. A good rule of thumb to go by is to look at the ATF color - The darker it gets, the more contaminants it is holding.

Here is a good video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o690DovjDAc

 

Looking up some ATF fluids and found the Royal Purple ATF and saw it has good reviews and people saying it is worth the money. Is it worth it for power steering fluid? I couldn't see anything that said specifically it was Dexron 2 or 3. This may seem like a dumb question but I just want to make sure I get the correct stuff.

Thanks

 

I replaced the power steering fluid today, I do it about once a year. Owners book says to use Dextron Ii or III. I use Walmart Supertech for this, 143k with no problema

 

Topped my Power Steering Fluid today and accidentally over-filled by about 8mm. Still plenty of gap between the level and the cap, but curious if I should try to syringe a bit out or not bother?

 

Isn’t there a high low hot cold line on the tank? If its too over filled it will spit the extra out. Rinse it off the paint.

 

thanks - there is the line and i just misjudged the speed at which it would come out of the bottle. It's no drama but curious - I'll leave it and check after a couple of drives.

 

When overfilled I use 2 rags. 1 I dunk in the reservoir to soak up some of the fluid. Then pull it out and use the 2nd rag under it so I don’t dribble fluid all over.

 

Nice tip!

 

Figured out a very sweet solution - my kids' medicine syringe (standard thing over here in Europe) fitted perfectly and I was able to accurately take out a few ml's at a time. Thought I'd share as it worked perfectly!

 

I flushed all fluids at 90k and will do every 30k going forward.

 

If your a v6, check the vvt oil screens

 

I think it's a quality product but overkill for OEM application. Overkill also as a motor oil, imo. If you want to get the best, I believe Amsoil tends to come out on top in most head to head testing. Dexron II/III is available in all corner auto stores.