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Old 06-11-2010, 01:22 PM   #9
speede5
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All the fluids in your vehicle need changing eventually. To not do so is asking for problems. IMO the manufacturers recommendations are too frequent, but they are trying to make money on after sale service, and avoid warranty claims.

Check the condition of the fluids in question. If they are transparent, not full of floaties, and don't smell burnt (trans) they are probably fine. Also, you don't need to flush most of these things, just draining the master cylinder and refilling it changes half the fluid in your brake system. Do this three times over three months and you have replaced the whole contents. If you know how to bleed brakes you can completely change the brake fluid in an hour, and you may find they work better after a bleed. even a tiny bubble can affect braking.

Manual trans and rear ends are easy to drain and refill, you can do it yourself in an hour. $700 is a rip off. There's a lot of load on those gears and constant metal on metal wear so that fluid working hard. FWD trannys include the diff so that fluid works even harder.

Don't forget your clutch master cylinder, it uses brake fluid and it is a good idea to change it with time, just like the brake fluid.

Auto trans, change the fluid in the pan and the filter regularly and you will be fine. Unless it is burnt or the tranny is not functioning properly I would never flush an automatic. Regular fluid changes will keep it running right for years.

At the end of the day, you know how your vehicle is being used and how hard that fluid is being abused so make your schedules accordingly. The dealer reccommends a one size fits all target. Using a truck to tow a fifth wheel in BC and driving that truck empty back and forth should not be on the same schedule....
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