Automatic transmission fluid and differential fluid?
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Automatic transmission fluid and differential fluid?
Closing in on 180,000 miles on my '98 LS400. Do I really need to change the automatic transmission fluid and differential fluid? Some people say yes and others say no. I'm confused. Not sure if ithey have been done on this car before. i bough it at around 146,000 miles.
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#2
Super Moderator
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Confused in what way? The service manual suggests 30K. Think of the fluid like engine oil, it is only good for so long. Transmission and differential failure from a depleted fluid additive package is forthcoming if these are the original fluids. What color is the tranny fluid now? The Toyota tech I know relayed that with original tranny fluid the transmissions typically fail in the 160-225K range. Differentials about same. The incremental fluid drain of 2.5 quarts is recommended for neglected transmissions. (We have past threads on this procedure to reference.) If the fluid is bright red, it is in good condition. If looking to get another car, don't change either.
#3
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Confused in what way? The service manual suggests 30K. Think of the fluid like engine oil, it is only good for so long. Transmission and differential failure from a depleted fluid additive package is forthcoming if these are the original fluids. What color is the tranny fluid now? The Toyota tech I know relayed that with original tranny fluid the transmissions typically fail in the 160-225K range. Differentials about same. The incremental fluid drain of 2.5 quarts is recommended for neglected transmissions. (We have past threads on this procedure to reference.) If the fluid is bright red, it is in good condition. If looking to get another car, don't change either.
#4
Super Moderator
iTrader: (6)
ATF and differential are low cost maintenance if you are comfortable with DIY tasks. Every 5K-7.5K drain ~2.5 quarts from the pan ~$15 in fluid. This gradual method reduces fluid shock from the fresh cleaners that will remove the deposits from the transmission passages. For those transmissions that have been neglected you can do this routine each month and after about 4-6 changes the fluid will be in good condition. This method has worked well for the majority of the members here. Replace the crush washer each time ~$1.75. Use Toyota Type IV ATF fluid.
The differential fluid drain at a local independent Lexus mechanic is ~$45. This is a simple DIY that would cost about $9-$12 in fluid + $2 washer/gasket.
I would also suggest checking the power steering fluid. Many of us here use the turkey baster type method by sucking the fluid out and replacing it. I use an old hand lotion pump and pump out the fluid. Fluid ~$7 and $2 for turkey baster.
Good fluids are a key point in the longevity of these cars and they respond quite well in the majority of instances.
Just as reference, a timing belt with seals at the shop I use is $1-1.2K depending on what is found.
May want to check the regional section for local shops in your area to price shop for these services.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/southeast-22/
The differential fluid drain at a local independent Lexus mechanic is ~$45. This is a simple DIY that would cost about $9-$12 in fluid + $2 washer/gasket.
I would also suggest checking the power steering fluid. Many of us here use the turkey baster type method by sucking the fluid out and replacing it. I use an old hand lotion pump and pump out the fluid. Fluid ~$7 and $2 for turkey baster.
Good fluids are a key point in the longevity of these cars and they respond quite well in the majority of instances.
Just as reference, a timing belt with seals at the shop I use is $1-1.2K depending on what is found.
May want to check the regional section for local shops in your area to price shop for these services.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/southeast-22/
#7
Here in my pricey area, the Lexus dealer was the less money option for a timing belt job, I called around to check the pricing about 2 years ago now. Not only was Lexus less than everyone else but they gave a free loaner too boot. And yeah you can find cheaper and sometimes you get what you pay for too. I don't understand why everyone thinks a certain repair is way over priced, just go for a Dr appointment, or would you want to do your normal job for free or way less?
You all need to remember it cost lots of $ to have employees, and pay rent on a huge building and power etc. they have to charge what they do just to exist. And warranty the work as well. That means if the timing belt that was just installed broke they now get to eat that whole job and buy another engine or fix the broke one (talking 98 ish years).
And to continue, cheapy Joes corner shop that does a timing belt job for 200 bucks pays the tech wana be $10 an hour and supplys his harbor freight tools, tech wana be always has a bunch of extra left over parts after the job, you know a few bolts and those other small unnecessary parts that Lexus added just because it was fun for them to do so. And when they do a timing belt that is all you get.
Yeah just having some fun, but its true in a lot of cases.
You all need to remember it cost lots of $ to have employees, and pay rent on a huge building and power etc. they have to charge what they do just to exist. And warranty the work as well. That means if the timing belt that was just installed broke they now get to eat that whole job and buy another engine or fix the broke one (talking 98 ish years).
And to continue, cheapy Joes corner shop that does a timing belt job for 200 bucks pays the tech wana be $10 an hour and supplys his harbor freight tools, tech wana be always has a bunch of extra left over parts after the job, you know a few bolts and those other small unnecessary parts that Lexus added just because it was fun for them to do so. And when they do a timing belt that is all you get.
Yeah just having some fun, but its true in a lot of cases.
Last edited by dicer; 08-09-16 at 07:43 PM. Reason: Added stuff.
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#8
The other thing about using a dealer is they have all the literature, special service tools, generally only use genuine parts, normally have brand spacific training + tech support from the manufactorer. Im a subaru tech at a multi brand small dealership. I know im a lot more time efficent and know exactly what to look for and what commonly wears/fails on the makes we specialize in. Your joe blow mechanic works on all makes so may not be as good as a dealer. Sure there are some not so flash places and some have bad rep but generally a dealer wants to maintain a good rep and get repete business. If your not able to do the work yourself then yeah, you have to pay to have it done. No one said these where cheap cars. As mentioned, im a mechanic and ive spent $3000 in repairs/maintance parts + a set of wheels.
On the other hand, if you have already spent a few thousand if you do these last few maintance items the car should likely give trouble free service for many years.
On the other hand, if you have already spent a few thousand if you do these last few maintance items the car should likely give trouble free service for many years.
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leroyjnav (03-07-20)
#10
The other thing about using a dealer is they have all the literature, special service tools, generally only use genuine parts, normally have brand spacific training + tech support from the manufactorer. Im a subaru tech at a multi brand small dealership. I know im a lot more time efficent and know exactly what to look for and what commonly wears/fails on the makes we specialize in. Your joe blow mechanic works on all makes so may not be as good as a dealer. Sure there are some not so flash places and some have bad rep but generally a dealer wants to maintain a good rep and get repete business. If your not able to do the work yourself then yeah, you have to pay to have it done. No one said these where cheap cars. As mentioned, im a mechanic and ive spent $3000 in repairs/maintance parts + a set of wheels.
On the other hand, if you have already spent a few thousand if you do these last few maintance items the car should likely give trouble free service for many years.
On the other hand, if you have already spent a few thousand if you do these last few maintance items the car should likely give trouble free service for many years.
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leroyjnav (03-07-20)
#11
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Those are all good points, but I wonder how much they apply to a near-twenty year old car. I doubt very many 400s are still getting serviced at Lexus dealers, which would mean the techs there aren't going to have any more experience on them than a good indie mechanic would.
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leroyjnav (03-07-20)
#12
Racer
I bought an AISIN Japanese Timing belt/WP kit off Rock auto for 180, then bought Lexus Crank seals and used some Fel Pro Cam seals off Rock Auto that were deeply discounted on closeout. So about 210 in parts. For the actual job, I looked around and most independent shops wanted anywhere from 450-650, but I was able to find one that did it for 400. He was learning a bit but there was a Toyota/Lexus specialist nearby that helped him out.
So to avoid the new mechanics I would go with the 450-650 range, Toyota dealer wanted 800 if I brought the parts and wouldn't warranty anything. Lexus was probably close to 1000.
For the radiator, you can get a Denso off RockAuto for about 80 bucks and then use either Zerex Asian or buy Toyota Red coolant.
So to avoid the new mechanics I would go with the 450-650 range, Toyota dealer wanted 800 if I brought the parts and wouldn't warranty anything. Lexus was probably close to 1000.
For the radiator, you can get a Denso off RockAuto for about 80 bucks and then use either Zerex Asian or buy Toyota Red coolant.
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leroyjnav (03-07-20)
#13
Timing belt for 200 in parts ? And that's all it cost? Cool if you have a job I would hope you work there a few weeks for free since time and labor means nothing. And when you can I have a ton of projects for ya, pay is nothing of course. Yeah I'm fun in ya.
#14
Super Moderator
iTrader: (6)
If the main systems are good or repairable the maintenance cost is less than new car payments and the associated insurance. Then you'll have confidence because the repairs yield extended longevity. 200K+ miles is a pretty realistic goal for these cars at minimum with regular care. For the DIY'er, all these accumulated savings buys the tools and education to save more $$.
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leroyjnav (03-07-20)