Suggested Fluid Change on 05 Taco

Hi all, as stated in my previous posts I am planning on buying or at least helping out my dad with his 2005 tacoma. He never stayed on top of maintenance besides oil change on time, air filter, front brake pads and coolant. He now has 167k on it and I just found out he never changed the transmission fluid or the differential fluids. I read that some say to not change the transmission fluid, others say do. I attempted to read a few threads but they seem mostly split. My local transmission shop refused to change the fluid saying they were never meant to have the fluid changed since they are factory sealed. Also is it too late to change the differential fluids or am I doing more harm by changing it than leaving it. As always thank you for the advice and insight!

 

Guys on here are going to say change the tranny fluid.

Though I know of people, one with 365,000 miles and he never touched the tranny and it still runs strong ( if you decide to not change it)

You dad did the most important thing which is oil, so cut him some slack!

 

Alter your poll to include a 'change the differential fluids only'.

That will let the ones who think the trans should be untouched at least vote to do the diffs.

The trans is a controversial subject, as you have, or will, learn.

I've never heard anyone say 'not' to changing the diff. However, risk of problems leaving the old fluid in is based on how the truck has been used. Regardless, changing it to get a baseline, if nothing more, won't hurt a thing.

You might also add 'change the brake fluid/full flush' to the list as well, along with a full inspection, cleaning, lubing and adjusting. At 11 years old, I'd be more concerned about that than the differentials.

 

Hey guys, sorry I forgot about this post! I won't touch the transmission fluid then!

I edited the post and added just the differentials. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Also I did end up buying his truck so I am doing a lot of updated maintenance.

I just changed the oil and am running Pennzoil High Mileage, just put in a new intake filter, and cabin air filter.

Today I am doing a coolant flush, I also have the rushing water noise so I am going to follow one of the DIY fix on making sure there is no air in the lines. I am going to change the spark plugs, and I am going to clean the engine bay.

Any suggestions as far as changing the water pump? It seems to be running strong at 166k no leaks etc. Any idea of what I should be vigilant on?

I'm going to check to see the cost of having my dealer do the diff fluid just to be sure because I have never done that myself.

Tomorrow I am taking it to my local BrakeMasters because one of the rotors does need to be resurfaced and I'll have them give me an idea about the brake fluid and how the suspension is holding up.

Let me know if anybody has any more suggestions! Thanks everyone!

 

If it were my ride, at 167K, I'd change everything. All fluids, all filters, serp. belt, hoses, t-stat, radiator cap, inspect all brake linings(front/rear), change spark plugs, inspect tires and suspension/steering components, clean battery terminals/posts, have battery/alternator tested, clean MAF(mass air fuel) sensor with MAF cleaner. Maybe over the top for some, but not for me.

 

Whoops, yes I am also changing the serp. belt. All my hoses are good, I was reading that most t-stat last longer than the water pump and I haven't had any issues yet *knock on wood*.

I am going to clean up the terminals today also, the battery is fine, I'm planning of just going out on a wing and trusting my alternator until something happens. My dad took pretty good care of the truck but I am not too worried.

My worst case scenario, as far as the rear diff, is I need to buy another diff which is about $900. Coming from a Subaru to a Toyota that price seems amazing to me hahaha

 

Piece of cake. Right socket, patience, and it's as easy as an oil change. Price your fluids, then make the call. You'll be inspired to learn the DIY.

Call and price that first. You might find that for very little more you can buy a new rotor and pop it on yourself. (I'd do both, just as a baseline) Anymore, turning is not the cost savings it used to be.

What? That they look at it just like you? Just go ahead and do your own fluid swap/bleeding. Another good baseline item. Again, patience and some reading in advance will save you a tidy sum.

Again, what are they are going to tell you? Either you see leaking or you don't. At 160+k, if you can't determine the shocks have been replaced, you need new ones.

 

I'll check some forums and see what I need to do as far as changing the diff but personally I am a bit clumsy so when coming to the rear diff I'd prefer to take it to a dealer but I'll check and see what I can do and what to expect. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

BrakeMasters said it's a free inspection and they'll just give me an update on everything so i'll probably do that but if I do need new rotors I'll definitely do that myself.

I have never changed brake fluid before. My experience with cars is mostly small maintenance and body work. I'll probably check a DIY forum on changing the B fluid but I want to make sure it's done right.

 

Cool, that's what I'm doing today!

 

Replace power steering fluid (should be done at 5-6 year mark)
Replace brake fluid (should be done every 4 years)

At the 10-year mark, consider replacing the radiator since a critical potential failure mode is hidden - engine coolant leaking into transmission fluid. You will want to do this at the same time as the coolant flush and transmission fluid change.

On-condition items:
Replace water pump only if it's leaking.
Replace belts only if they are cracked.
Replace shocks only if they are leaking.

 

I'll look into all that! Thanks for the advice!

 

Let the shop do the brake fluid change. They typically have better tools like a vacuum bleeder that can speed the process up considerably.

You can find how-to guides for the other maintenance work right here on TacomaWorld. For example:
Rear diff: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/
Spark plugs: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.30479/
Tranny: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/
Coolant: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-the-4-0-antifreeze.88414/page-3#post-6912690

 

What gear oil do I need if I have a locking rear diff?

 

Maybe find it here? Since you must not have one that came with the truck?

http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/toyota/2005-toyota-tacoma-owners-manual

 

From what I read, the standard Tacoma's had the LSD diff, and the TRD: OffRoad has the locking rear diff

 

Not quite correct. TRD Sport had the LSD diff and needs the LSD additive. All others (base, SR5, TRD Off Road) just use off-the-shelf GL5 gear oil. 75W90, 80W90, 75W140... all work.

 

Hey guys quick update so I did the new intake filter, spark plugs, serpentine belt and cleaned my engine bay and just wow! It seems to run so much better now I love it!

I'm tempted to just go buy whatever fluid the dealer has for my Tacoma because it's never been changed id rather have their fluid inside of it in case of anything before I start mixing it up. I'll definitely look into for the next time I need to change it though.

My goal is between now and next week to change the front diff gear fluid, transfer case (?), AT fluid, and rear diff then get her a new coat of paint and go on a roadtrip that's about 4K miles to see how she performs.

I also have noticed there's a ticking noise when I first start the truck. I read something about it being th AC fan or something? But it also sounds like it's the radiator fan clutch? My buddy had the same problem but says it's just a Tacoma thing and he had it too. It's pretty difficult to tell what it is exactly but either way she is running strong. Thanks a lot everything and keep pouring in the great advice!

 

^You avatar says 2005 PreRunner (i.e. 4x2). Is this the same truck you are talking about?

 

Yes