jimxo

I have 142k miles on my 2005 RX330 AWD.

This week I can feel the transmission slip/shudder when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear.

My local transmission guy is pretty reasonable but like most salesmen he's going to say rebuild it the entire transmission in lou of something less invasive.

Has anyone got away with just repairing the gears affected vs a complete rebuild ?

TIA

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Start with the basic...change the fluid. Also, i have never used these additives or have any experience with them but my friend swears by this product:

MNSC3

iTrader: (1)

I've used a product called Auto RX. Have heard very good things from other people also. You add it to your ATF, drive 1000 miles and have it t-tech flushed. I've heard people claim it saved their tranny. It was designed by a chemist, is safe and reconditions the seals and cleans everything including the torque converter. Since I live in Minnesota I went with Amzoil's new OE synthetic WS rated ATF.

2008 RX 350 flint mica/blk 83,000 miles

mnoodles

I hear there may be updated codes available. I don't know if that would help.

roadbike56

I know the Lexus dealer told us the tranny fluid is good for "lifetime". I'm wondering if that means lifetime for the first owner (lol). I prefer the recommendation found on these forums, change the fluid at 90K. That's what I intend to do, maybe sooner.

Rainbird

The lifetime fluid (World Standard Transmission Fluid) is only used in the 2007 to present RX350. The RX330 uses Type IV and should be changed every 30K.

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately, if the unit has started slipping, it's not that simple. Once it starts slipping that means there is excessive heat on certain parts. This heat will glaze metal surfaces, as well as the clutch and band material that holds your gears. It also means that bits of clutch material have started coming off, and are now most likely circulating in the Fluid. If it were me, I would do a drain and fill. Drain the 3 1/2 quarts from the pan and add 1 quart of that Lucas "stop slip" stuff or another "transmission saver" type product and then top of with your Type IV ATF fluid. This might get you by for a while. To get into the tranny and replace the gears affected requires complete disassembly of the tranny anyway. You would be saving maybe $150-$200 dollars in part costs by having the tranny pulled out and then slapped back together with minimal new parts. You are really asking for trouble if you do this.