Confused about fluids? ATF, Coolant, transfer case fluid, etc.

I recently hit the 30k mark on my 2015 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Sport. I bought it used at 25k and haven't had any service since then. Now it is due for a major service. I brought it into to a local guy who does some of my buddies(and their parents cars) and their vehicles are up to 250k!

I tried to use the forum search but...it does not work that great I ended up sifting through threads for a while could not find what I was asking, my apologies if this has been asked before. If someone has a link that would be great that way I don't waste your time.

Anyway, he recommended full flush and changing out all my fluids. I talked to him for a while about it and while he is aware that not everyone recommends transmission flushes he has never had a problem from his customers and the fluid they use even gives full warranty for up to $4k damage in any parts caused by it. It does not happen often, I was fortunate enough that day to see another car getting it's radiator switched out due to it malfunctioning. The owner didn't have to pay a dime.

The reason I ask is because everything totalled up was rather expensive...I am shopping around and the cost is pretty much the same everywhere in SoCal(Los Angeles area). It looks like it's gonna cost me around 1k to do all the fluids etc and I also need to switch my brakes and rotors soon for an additional 500 totaling around 1.6k...

My question is really, has anyone done full maintenance such as this so frequently? Due to the sticker shock we discussed a while and for all his customers that have cars that go 200k+ this is the procedure they go through...meaning that roughly every 2-3 years I will have to pay about 1.6k not including the cost of tires and eventually suspension once it wears out.

I was going to mod my truck but not anymore...quite simply I cannot afford it.

If anyone has any tips that would be great. I am strapped for cash so any advice is welcome.

Cheers everyone and have a great weekend!! TGIF

 

For the diffs:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/

The rest should be available in this section somewhere. https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/2nd-gen-tacomas-2005-2015.5/

If you use the search, be sure to check the box for "search this forum only" so you don't cross over into 1st and 3rd gen sections, or other vehicles other than the Tacoma. I have almost double your miles and I've not changed my coolant yet. Looked at it once, I think.

Check ebay for the cabin filter. Shouldn't be much more than $10 at the very most. I can get a set for my 2014 2.7 cabin and intake for $13 shipped. Best purchase I've made to date for my truck.

Wish I could be helpful and provide more easy links.

 

Man this is stuff you could watch YouTube and do yourself if you have the will. I'd say you would be into it a couple hundred bucks for good fluids, but I would only recommend a dump and fill on the trans.

 

What he ^ said.

I used a lift when I did my diffs at 30k because I have friend that has one. But it can be done on flat ground, without a jack if you can slide under the truck. All you need is a bottle pump for the diff fluid jugs and some large metric sockets 24mm I think, and one 10mm hex/allen bit.

 

Thanks dude! I was able to find the cabin filters and everything pretty cheap it's mostly the fluids that I am not too familiar with. I'm going to look into these threads, thanks for your help really appreciate it!

I have been watching videos on Youtube and I do have the will but I do not have most of the tools nor the space or garage to do it, haha. Even if the trans is so new you would just dump and fill? Most of this is pretty new to me since I came from a Civic Si...none of my services were that expensive and I barely had to service it at all. I drove it for 50k before trading in for my Tacoma. Thanks for your advice, I will see if some of my buddies have a space garage and some tools.

 

I have 150k miles on my 2010 and have done differential, power steering, transmission, coolant and brake fluids. The information on here is very helpful as well as video on youtube. Lots of good information here.

 

Just once for all the fluids?

 

I used regular dino oil in my diffs because I off road and there are water crossings. Super Tech brand from walmart, iirc. I didn't feel a need for full synthetics because I will drain/fill every 30k miles even if there isn't any water in them. It's $7/bottle.

Your manual should have the inspection/change intervals toward the back. I don't think the trans fluid needs changed yet, but I have a 2.7 with manual trans.

 

Ok.
The auto transmission fluid is good for 100k (60k if you tow/race)
The coolant is good for 10 years / 100k.
Front / rear diff fluid is 30k. So are the sparkplugs (if you have the V6, 100k for the 4)
Brake fluid is up to you but if you are doing brakes, might as well flush.
Brakes - my front lasted 70k which is not unusual. Rear brakes routinely go over 100k. Just replace the front with the Powerstop kit:

$202 Power Stop Brake Kit For 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug, 2003-2009 4Runner 12.56" Rotors - Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads & Drilled Slotted Rotors Replacement, K137

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FKS28C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rear hardware kit since the pads should be good:

$18 Raybestos H17432 Professional Grade Drum Brake Hardware Kit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049KUTJ4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cabin air filter:

$13 EPAuto CP374 (CF10374) Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon Replacement for Toyota Tacoma (2005-2021), Dodge Dart (2013-2016), Pontiac Vibe (2003-2008)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LY5YMJJ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

engine air filter:

Upgr8 U8701-3916 Hd PRO OEM Replacement High Performance Dry Drop-in Panel Air Filter Red

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CH5YR7M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

sparkplugs:

$7 Toyota Genuine Spark Plug

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T1PLDW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Most of this stuff you can do over the weekend.
Note: this was for my 2007 Sport. Check if the parts fit your truck!

Fritz

 

No the differential has been done every 30k. The coolant I did one radiator drain and fill and one drain of the radiator and engine block. The transmission i did a drain and fill and one flush.

 

This guy is your new friend, OP

 

these work purty ok for brake bleeding........

 

Dude. You are the man thank you. I'll just swap out the front/rear diff and sparkplugs then. I have the V6.

My brakes are currently at 30% and the car is still very new...guessing old owner drove it like he stole it lol

This saved me a lot of money, I cannot thank you enough as a youngish person struggling to get on his feet.

 

These are all pretty simple to do yourself if you’re so inclined, with the exception of the trans flush which you need a machine for. If you change it more regularly, then I don’t think a flush is necessary.

Doing them yourself, you’re going to save a ton of money.

 

Ah I gotcha. Yeah that kinda messes it up on doing it yourself. Anyways yes, ESPECIALLY with the trans being so new, a dump and fill would suffice. Trans fluid has good detergent packages in it to keep it clean inside. Doing a dump and full every 25 or 30k, you won't ever need a flush.

 

Got a Harbor Freight nearby? I have their impact and regular sockets, not broke one yet. I also have their 3 ton floor jack, used every time I'm under the truck.

 

Your guy is charging $1K to change fluids... lol. Not to mention half the shit he is recommending doesn't need to be changed.

I'd find a new local guy, as this guys seems like a clown.

 

My 2007 has 187,000 miles on it. If you don't count tires I haven't spent $1.6K on it in total. I'll change the transmission fluid in another 10 years when I replace the transmission. I paid a guy $350 two years ago at 167,000 miles to change the transfer case and diff fluid, new plugs, along with replacing the front brakes. I'm thinking about draining the original coolant this summer and replacing it but that will be a DIY project.

I replaced shocks at 130,000 miles, that was the most expensive repair to date, about $500. I change my own oil every 10K with a fresh filter at 5K. Had to replace the HVAC motor at about 150,000 miles. The rear brakes have been done once, the fronts twice, plugs twice, serpentine belt once. Still have the factory rotors and drums.

That is it. You don't have to spend a fortune. For the first 8 years I owned the truck I averaged about 20,000 miles per year. It is more of a 2nd vehicle and sees less than 10,000 per year now. I don't expect any major repairs for the next 10 years and 100,000 miles.

 

Yeah, I do. I will look into that thank you!

Awesome thank you for the insight. I hope to drive my truck for at least 200,000 miles.

My original thought was that it didn't need any maintenance at all but just wanted to check in with you guys here. Of course there are always manufacturer recommendation etc but nothing like first hand experience. The recommendations are probably more CYA anyway.

 

Just a note if you decide to change your diffs/transfer case fluids yourself-always open the fill plugs first, you don't want to drain them and then find you can't get the fill plugs open, it should not be a problem with low miles, except the front diff that has the 10mm Allen fill plug instead of the 22? Mm hex that are on all the other drain and fill plugs.