uncandid

Hey Guys,

I know there have been many threads on the transmission fluid and whether or not to change it but I was wondering if anyone actually has changed theirs (through dealership service or otherwise) and if they noticed better shifting or noticeable improvement other than peace of mind? I have 117k and thought it might be good for preventative maintenance.Thanks

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

I would like to know this as well. I plan to change mine when I get over 100k unless there is a good reason against it. It's hard for me to believe there is a transmission fluid that 'lasts the lifetime' of a vehicle even though there are technicians that say this exact phrase.

Boron

Look at my recent post in just such a thread - link to a UK auto transmission specialist company.
Nothing will convince you more other than biting the bullet and just doing it.
I, and many others can pontificate about the benefits, etc of changing the fluids to extend the life of the components within, but it's all for nothing if you still think with the old logic of "if it ain't broken......."

Ultimately the only thing that'll matter to some owners is if they plan on owning it for a fair while to come - prevention is better than the cure.
For those likely to change in 12 months time, I can sort of appreciate the logic behind not throwing money at the car, if it's working alright - if something happens in 14 months time, it's not their concern any more.

Bottom line, sometimes you've just got to suck it and see rather than rely mainly on what others have to say.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

What mileage did you change yours?

oilnewby

I just changed mine at 77K miles even though the dealer was against it saying that it has the "world" fluid in it. World fluid or not it still gets dirty.

I have noticed a nice difference it shift smoothness and glad I did it.

uncandid

Just got mine replaced today. I think I notice a difference....slight...I think. Like OILNEWBY said, it gets dirty, no fluid is lifetime.

jpmackin

On my '02 LS430 w/101,000 miles, I had my tranny and differential fluids changed at the same time. Runs awesome!

gizmo7718

I replaced my ATF, brake, and rear differential fluids (along with spark plugs) on my 07 GS350 about 2 weeks ago with ~60K miles. The car was running absolutely perfect before I did it, and still runs absolutely perfect after it. I plan on keeping the car for its lifetime so preventative maintenance is big for me.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

I am assuming lexus did the tranny fluid because they used a machine. What type/brand of fluid did you use for brake and diff?

my350z

iTrader: (2)

Replace them while you still have a chance, I have to replace my whole transmission thinking the "world" thing would never need any fluid replacement. I'm at 66k and transmission failed on me .

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

sux man sorry

What happened?

tekkie

I had mine done according to the schedule maintenance at 96K (Canadian has it in the schedule but US does not). The job was done at a Lexus certified independent shop for 1/3 of the price that Lexus dealer was asking for and they used all LEXUS materials. I did not really feel any difference. It was more for warranty purposes (I have extended warranty up to 140 Km or 2014).

gizmo7718

I had the services performed at a shop which specializes in Lexus vehicles here in the SF Bay Area (Exact Motorsports). They use the standard Lexus fluids.

Boron

Interesting that Lexus Canada take a different stance on the "lifetime oil".
Of course, lifetime is relative - the car's or the transmissions?!!
Very reminiscent of the same argument to be found on BMW forums - BMW EU/UK still push the "sealed for life" element of the gearbox, whereas BMW NA suggest 100K miles for fluid & filter replacement.
Yet ZF, who make the transmission and supply to Jaguar (and GM, I think), advocate a 60K policy.

I know which policy I'd be adhering to, if I had a BMW!

Boron

The company I linked to in the other thread, told me the average mileage they see boxes giving their owners grief, is 80-90K.
Funnily enough, I only found out about them when I was contemplating buying a GS (hopefully cheaply enough to be worthwhile) which had no reverse selection!
I spent a good 40 minutes chatting to the chap, who's been an auto transmission specialist for 35 years, and his advice was doing the fluid change, every 40K miles.
Strangely enough, you'll never find someone with a manual gearbox, not changing the fluid at some point during the first 100K miles, even if they never grind the cogs once.
So I've never really understood this "sealed for life" aspect, other than a lie, so as to shift servicing costs into fair wear and tear costs for subsequent owners, once the car's passed out of the typical 3 years/60K mile warranty period (in the EU/UK).

For what it's worth, you don't necessarily have to change the whole transmission - if you look on Sewell's parts section, you'll see they list a rebuild kit for circa $900, iirc.
I've seen same thing mentioned on the bay of evil recently, for $600 or just under.

Depending on what has failed, it may be a relatively cheap fix - so just because it's a Lexus doesn't mean you have to go with the dealer's resolution, even with Lexus chipping in as a goodwill measure.
It's standard practice for dealers to just whip things out, and replace with new parts, rather than repair/fix. It's not exactly rocket science to figure out there's profitability in that, along with the manufacturers shifting out old stock, which would otherwise be sitting gathering dust.