rrgone

I recently had my 98 into a new Toyota/Lexus indy shop for a vehicle inspection. They noted the trans fluid smells like dexron type instead of Toyota T4 and recommended a flush. I had it flushed about a year or so ago at another shop that I have used a few times. I looked at the receipt for that work and it doesn't say specifically what new fluid was used. I called and all I could get was that they only use the manufacturer recommended fluid... Can you really smell the difference between dex and T4? Should I get it flushed again to be sure I have T4 in there? Always something...

trukn1

to be perfectly honest I have never tried to distinguish the type of fluid by smell alone, so not gonna be much help with that question. Am sure that Toyota tech, who deals with that stuff all the time and probably have it soaked in their skin from changing it alot could possible tell if it was something other than Toyota, but by smell, I dunno. Anyway, for the piece of mind and knowing that you had it done correctly, it can't hurt to have it done. If it is the wrong fluid, it is not worth risking damage to your tranny on a gamble.

smokincigs

I took mine to a local shop that specializes in Lexus/Toyota. The guy was a Lexus Toyota Mech for many years and he uses some kind of BG PF5? fluid when they do the flushes/fills. He told me that in 12yrs he has not ever seen a ls400 transmission develop problems after flushing. I spcifically asked if I should use the Toyota fluid and he said that he would use it if I requested it, but felt that BG made a superior product.

polobai

I used the Amsoil-its expensive, but it has not given me any problems.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

BG PF5 is just a flushing system, not an actual fluid.

smokincigs

What is the actual BG fluid called?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

BG synthetic trans fluid or something like that, and iirc it is NOT made to be compatible for toyota TIV specs, but you'd have to call them to check,.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

No to ring any alarm bells, but I STRONGLY suggest you try your best to stick with T-IV fluid after my experience with our '93 SC400.

rrgone

Thanks for that - it's what I was thinking too. I have an appt tomorrow with the shop that suggested the change. They are gonna replace the LF wheel bearing and hub if necessary. I guess I'll go ahead and let 'em do a tranny flush with the T4. Not a great time for me financially right now but I guess it's gotta be done. Thanks.

JBrady

How many miles on your LS and what were your symptoms?

rrgone

I believe it's at around 98k now, and overdue for the timing belt job too... It was grinding sometimes during tight left turns and especially if the brakes were applied during the turn. They were not able to duplicate the grinding noise when the tech had it, and I couldn't either at the time. The shop said, "the LF wheel bearing is very loose and the rotor is likely contacting the brake caliper at times as a result. Need to replace LF wheel bearing and the amount of play indicates the hub is likely worn as well". So I'm looking at about $300, $450 if the hub is bad. Plus $150 now to flush the tranny. We really like this car though, it has been pretty well maintained up until recently, but we only drive it about 3000 miles/year now.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if the whole hub is bad why not just buy a used hub, the wheel bearings don't always go out on our cars.