Hi,

I called a reliable mechanic shop to see how much it would cost to have my transmission fluid flushed. I have a 1998 Lexus ES300 with 153,000 miles. The said with that number of miles that they didn't recommend having the fluid flushed unless it had been done around 120k or 90k at the earliest. He said he's seen transmissions fail after the fluid flush. His reasoning was that the fluid is like a detergent which cleans out all the gunk that could be basically sealing seals and holding the tranny together in a sense. It sort of makes sense, but....... Thoughts?

Cheers!

 

That's true to an extent. Flushing is not recommended, but a drain and fill should be okay. Have you checked your fluid? What color is it and when was the last time it was serviced? If it's black, then definitely be concerned, but if it's red/brown, it should still be okay.

I purchased my 98 with 173k miles, having no service records. The ATF was a nice red color so I went ahead and drained it three times and changed the filter on the last drain/refill. Used AMSOIL Synthetic ATF. It has been performing exceptionally well for the past 70k miles.

 

This video explains the situation clearly and completely. Start at 4:52 to about 10:00 for the answer to your question.

 

Hi,

Thank you both for your replies. The video was very helpful.

I've only owned the car little over a year, and from the limited paperwork I have on it, it does't appear that the fluid was ever flushed, or it may have been some time ago. The fluid was checked today and it appears to be on the reddish brown side. I could see some red still in it but it looked more like the "Needs Replacing" photo above. So, would you agree that a drain and fill would probably be okay but avoid flushing?

Cheers!

 

Do a drain and fill (you'll get out about 30% of the fluid) and see how the transmission responds. If no change or it feels better do another drain/fill a week later, repeat until fluid is clean. I personally think it is a myth that changing all the fluid at once will ruin a transmission people repeat this all the time but I've never seen a first hand account.

 

Changer out filter and drain/fill fluid.

 

Drain and refill is what I would do. I would do 3 total drain and refills over a period of several months. (3 drain and refill gets you about 90% new fluid.) Then do drain and refill every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. I personally do every 25,000 miles. Good luck.

 

Correct. It's a myth.

If you do a drain/fill, what you will likely do, at that mileage, is quickly load the new fluid with contaminants that have fallen out of suspension in the old, worn-out fluid and settled on the bottom of the pan. You'll be back to square one in short order.

I'd drop the pan, clean it out, and visualize the filter screen (they are wire mesh and not necessary to replace). Install a new gasket and then do a very simple line flush from your cooler line. This can be done at home with little skill required, and if you want I'll link some how-to's. You will have clean, fresh fluid throughout and not re-load it with junk from the pan - I have seen this happen with 1st time drain/fills when over well north of 100k. Take a left-over quart of fluid and flush your PS system at the same time.

 

All good advise above. Here is a good link that talks about the ATF changing procedure in a Toyota camry, similar to es.

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/T...n-Fluid-Change