Maint questions

My 2006 Tacoma 4x4 has 163k miles and has never had service other than tires and oil changes, with the exception of plugs 33k ago.

We have an aquaintance that says his mechanics does more when servicing the front/rear differentials and transfer case, limited slip, etc than the dealer. He said that the dealership will just drain the old fluids and refill, but his guy will clean all the internal parts and he says he wants to use synthetic fluids. Since I have the TRD offroad pkg he says that I need a different oil.

He said that his guy will clean the mass air flow and recommends only the OEM plugs, wants to use the royal purple for oil w/ K&N filter, replace the serpentine belts (one, the fan, right?), radiator flush, replace the rotors and front brake pads, replace fuel filter, flush power steering. All this and the truck hasn't even been looked at yet!
Also set timing, clean distributor. I know I need the front/rear/transfer case and radiator service but don't think the fuel filter is needed? What do u folks think? Also what is a fair price for this stuff?
Thanks and soory for such a long and sad post.

 

All sounds good except: Toyotas don't need new fuel filters unless there is a problem.
Also, it is a DIS system... There is no distributor and the timing is 100% automatic with the DIS system and VVT.

 

As for price... For all that you're looking at $1500+... If it's never been done, change the brake fluid as well.

 

excellent. That is what I thought I'd read. I think 1200 bucks is waaaay too much though but don't know...

 

It is expensive. If you are at all mechanically inclined, you can do a lot of it yourself with the help if DIY threads. Do not try something you are not comfortable with.

 

Unless you've flooded the diffs with water, you need nothing more than a drain and refill.

No need unless it's dirty. Messing with it risks damaging it.

Agreed.

I'm not impressed with RP. It didn't do any better than Castrol GTX in my motorcycle.
http://personal.linkline.com/rlockyer/oil/oil.xls

Stick with OEM paper. K&N might flow better, but they don't filter worth a shit, and if you blow it and over-oil it, you'll end up fouling the MAF.

Good.

Pads if needed. No reason to replace rotors unless they need to be turned and are already beyond spec. There's no reason to replace good parts with newer good parts.

Not a bad idea... but probably not needed.

Like the diffs... just a fluid change is all that's needed unless it has become contaminated.

Bingo... he's just got a "standard service" that he probably charges $1000+ for. Most of it is overkill, half of it he probably doesn't even actually do since you have no way of knowing if it was done or not.

Your '06 has no distributor. The timing is controlled by the computer.


I'd stay away from this guy. If you are not able to perform your own routine maintenance, I'd stick with the dealer.

 

I would do everything myself except the few things that don't apply to our trucks and the belt.

oh and Royal Purple is crap for diffs. Use Lucas dino oil

 

awesome responses, thanks so much!

Cheers

Russell

 

Here is for a 2005

Current mileage: 163,000160,000165,000170,000Service itemsParts cost* Labor cost* Inspect Drive belt(s)$.00
$2.46
Change Engine oil$13.75
$16.40
Inspect Brake drums & lining$.00
$8.20
Inspect Brake discs and pads$.00
$16.40
Replace Oil filter$6.20
$8.20
Rotate Wheels & tires$.00
$24.60
Inspect Rear differential fluid$.00
$8.20
Retorque Propeller shaft flange bolts$.00
$8.20
Inspect boots & seals Drive shaft$.00
$4.10
Inspect Front differential fluid$.00
$8.20
Inspect Ball joints & dust covers$.00
$8.20
Inspect Steering gearbox$.00
$8.20
Inspect Exhaust system$.00
$4.10
Inspect Steering linkage & boots$.00
$8.20
Inspect Brake lines, hoses & connections$.00
$1.64
Inspect Coolant$.00
$8.20
Inspect Radiator core & AC condenser$.00
$8.20
Subtotal: $19.95
$151.70
Estimated total cost: $171.65

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