Maintenance

I’ve always heard to use a new container of brake fluid when your bleeding brakes, Because it absorbs water. I have never experienced braking degradation from old fluid in the vehicle. I know it has become common to change brake fluid, and it sure can’t hurt anything. I think it’s a low risk item. Does anyone have any other experiences?

 

Those of us who live in areas with big temperature swings need to pay the most attention to this. I do a full brake fluid flush every 3 years.

 

^ that fluid 1000000% needed to be changed

there is no timing belt on the 4.0 v6

 

I hope the fluid you put replaced this fluid with was a little more clear and lighter in color than that jar. If not, don't shop at that parts place anymore. I have a 95 gold wing that I didn't think needed the break fluid changed. And I was right, the brakes worked just fine, it was the clutch slave cylinder that showed me how stupid that train of thought was. After changing the slave cylinder and the closely related brake fluid for it, I turned my attention to changing the actual brake fluid. Long way of saying I highly recommend brake fluid maintenance, and a good time to do it is when you do a brake job.

 

Didn’t think there was a timing belt.

 

Timing chain is good for 200-250k miles.


OP I would do all your own maintinence with the exception of the transmission flush, I would have a shop do the flush.

You will be spending $750 for what a Saturday and $150 worth of parts/fluids will cost you (to include an oil change).

YouTube will show you how to do everything. This site also has a ton of how to threads and videos.

This stuff is easy. I’m borderline baffoon and I do it myself.

 

No i have a v6

 

4.0 is a V6. He means 4.0 liter.

Lots of numbers flying around.

 

Brake fluid does indeed absorb water and leads to corrosion of the internals of the braking system. Then, when you bleed the brakes by pushing the brake pedal to the floor, the rubber seals on the master cylinder pistons slide past their normal travel and contact the area roughened by corrosion taking out your master cylinder. Same goes for calipers and drum brake cylinders.

Also, under extreme braking, the heated brakes can cause the water in the brake fluid to boil leading to braking reduction or failure. Think of what that might be like carrying a load or towing a trailer on a mountain downhill.

Flushing your power steering fluid is probably a good idea after 100k miles or 10 years (others may do so sooner). It's subjected to heat and will break down, plus the new fluid will help rejuvenate the seals.

 

x2

And to add a point ..... The hydraulics system is based on the principle that liquids do not compress which makes it Ideal for the brake systems. Water in the brake systems can boil and create steam which will compress - and greatly reduce power to the brakes ...

 

I check this site daily, and I love the wealth of knowledge available here. So I had to question my thoughts on brake and power steering fluids. So I did some research Toyota’s recommendation on change interval. Turns out they do not have a schedule for brake fluid. But seeing some of the pictures of burnt fluid here, I thought, what can it hurt, so off to the part store I went.

I started with the power steering fluid, the stuff in the reservoir was amber colored, so I sucked it out and replaced it with new clear fluid. Probably didn’t need changed, but it only took 5 minutes and a few bucks.

Next I looked at the brake fluid reservoir, I could easily see the fluid was not darkened, so I popped the cap and it looked clean and clear. Put the cap back on, I am not touching the system.

 

Could be clear. Depends on the mfg. But the point i taken, always double check to be sure

 

i believe Toyota recommends Dextron III (Toyota WS) transmission fluid for the power steering system. Check that in your manual. I just changed mine and it definitely was red, not clear. If you don’t use what they recommend the seals in the system will probably fail prematurely. Other than that, you probably won’t notice a difference. Have the dealer or a mechanic do a full brake fluid exchange with their machine every three years. After all, brakes are a very important safety feature of your car. Brake fluid is designed to absorb water to keep it from circulating in your system and wreaking havoc. Think of your brake fluid as a protective blanket. Over time the fluid reaches maximum absorption and water will build up. This will lead to diminished braking performance and premature failing of the systems seals. Isn’t your vehicle and your life worth $100 every three years? Not changing the oil or trans fluid is unlikely to kill you but braking issues can surely be deadly. Just my opinion of course.

 

Your the fourth person I saw recommending rear diff at 30k. Why? Toyota doesn’t mention it until 165,000

 

My Manual/Service Book states 30K. I've never heard of it being anything else. The longest I've ever heard of anyone taking the OCI is 100K with a high quality oil like Amsoil Severe Gear.

 

I guess. Doesn't say that in mine.

 

Just to pile up on top, here what i follow. Please check my maintenance schedule, i wrote it up when i bought truck. Thank you, saves me from starting new thread.

I have 2.7 baby taco.

 

So where does it tell you to change at 165k?

Not sure how you “check” the fluids in the diffs and transfer. Just change. Its faster than changing your oil.

I’d never wait 165k miles.

 

I know it's fast and easy. Just not sure where people got their info from.

 

Haynes manual suggests every 30k ( or 24 months) for differential.
BTW, I forgot PCV, i will replace my around 45k. I did not see it anywhere as maintenance requirement, but its only $10. Plus if its clogs, seals might leak.

Heres snippet from Haynes manual, see 30k suggestion: