Tranny drain plug/washer- Replace or Not?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
From: CA
Tranny drain plug/washer- Replace or Not?
Hi,
I'm new to this site and have read several DIY post on draining and refilling transmission fluid on RX300/330. So far I haven't read whether to replace (or not) the transmission drain plug and/or washer.
Can someone verify whether it is "not" critical to replace the drain plug or AT LEAST the washer when performing a transmission fluid drain/fill, and filter/pan seal replacement?
Note: My 2001 RX300 has 86K miles and never before have drained/replaced tranny fluid.
Thanks for your time.
I'm new to this site and have read several DIY post on draining and refilling transmission fluid on RX300/330. So far I haven't read whether to replace (or not) the transmission drain plug and/or washer.
Can someone verify whether it is "not" critical to replace the drain plug or AT LEAST the washer when performing a transmission fluid drain/fill, and filter/pan seal replacement?
Note: My 2001 RX300 has 86K miles and never before have drained/replaced tranny fluid.
Thanks for your time.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 77
From: OH
The plug should last the life of the car unless it gets damaged. The washer can safely be reused several times. But I have found that an old washer that has been on the car for a long time gets corroded and really needs replaced the first time you do it. You can give the original one a try, the worst thing that would happen is a very slow leak and since you really want to do a couple drain and fills, you could replace it the next time around. Unless you are way out in the hills just swing by a Toyota dealer and pick a few up for a couple bucks. So I would say not "critical" but worth a couple bucks to get fresh ones and then replace as needed.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
First question is (related to carguy07 comment) is do you plan to drain and fill once. Please use the search and you will find description of multiple drains and fill.
The washer is referred to as crush washer and when you torque the plug correctly (yes I would suggest use a torque wrench), it gets squeezed. The drain plug head bites into the soft washer. So there is a possibility that you may get a drip if you reuse the washer (the wrong remedy is to over-torque) it.
I personally think that it is not worth skimping on a 80cent item (or close to it).
It seems you plan to DIY ... make sure you make arrangements on how to dispose the drained fluid. Oil-recycle locations, generally do not accept transmission fluid.
Salim
The washer is referred to as crush washer and when you torque the plug correctly (yes I would suggest use a torque wrench), it gets squeezed. The drain plug head bites into the soft washer. So there is a possibility that you may get a drip if you reuse the washer (the wrong remedy is to over-torque) it.
I personally think that it is not worth skimping on a 80cent item (or close to it).
It seems you plan to DIY ... make sure you make arrangements on how to dispose the drained fluid. Oil-recycle locations, generally do not accept transmission fluid.
Salim
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 103
From: Sacramento, California
I have used the washer over again. Look at it and see if it has damage on it before reuse. Next time you get some pick up two or three. Also if you Have AWD you would need two washers. Follow the great thread in stickys at top of forum for a great tuturol on transmission fluid change.
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