When to change power steering/auto tran fluids

[chrisblues]

I take my 2004 vibe to the quicki oil change places (yeah laugh all you want).Anyway, they suggested I hsould have the power steering and auto trans fluid changed, and the cooling system flushed/changed.I had the cooling system done at 30,000 miles. I have about 66,000 on it now.So I am probably due for the cooling. But do you think they may be trying to screw me on the power steering and auto trans? I never have done any towing, and am about 50/50 city/highway.Thanks in advance for any help.

[zionzr2]

If you are at 66k and have never had the tranny fluid done, do it ASAP.The coolant probably dont need done that often. probably every 4-5 years.depending on the coolant.the power stearing should not need to be changed unless its low or there is a problem.

[blue_can]

I believe the coolant change interval is quite long - cannot remember exactly but I thought it was a 150K miles or thereabout. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations - many service places may recommend early change but it is really not mecessary.As for the trans - won't hurt to change. Not sure if I would trust a quick change place to do the tranny - I don't even trust them to do the oil Find a reputable transmision place to do stuff on your transmission - it may work out more expensive but they understand transmissions unlike a lot of general mechanics.

[prathman]

The coolant depends on what type you used when it was changed at 30K. The coolant used in newer Vibes/Matrices is good for 5 years or 100 kmiles, but the older models used coolant with a shorter life. Since yours was already flushed and changed it depends on what was put in at that time.The factory recommendation on automatic transmission fluid is to change it at 60 kmiles *if* the car is driven in severe conditions such as trailer towing, lots of mountain travel, considerable city travel in high temperatures, etc. Unless your usage clearly falls into this category I'd just periodically check the fluid on the dipstick and change it if there's a change in color or odor. The power steering fluid shouldn't need flushing at any fixed mileage. Just check the fluid level and do maintenance if the system shows any symptoms of a problem.

[ajflan]

I definitely need to do my tranny fluid asap. I am at 74000 miles, and have yet to do it. I need to find some money first though. I hate having little to no disposable income.

[blue_can]

Quote, originally posted by prathman »The factory recommendation on automatic transmission fluid is to change it at 60 kmiles *if* the car is driven in severe conditions such as trailer towing, lots of mountain travel, considerable city travel in high temperatures, etc. Unless your usage clearly falls into this category I'd just periodically check the fluid on the dipstick and change it if there's a change in color or odor. I'm never quite sure how to read this service recommendation since it implies that you never need to change/service unless you drive in severe service conditions. At some point the magnet will need to be cleaned out and the filter also inspected and cleaned if need be. If not and the magnet becomes saturated the friction material will start getting into the valve body and cause sticking valves and other issues.

[chrisblues]

They told me the fluids looked dirty so I should have them changed. I know to check the tranny fluid properly, you have to drive it for a while. I'm sure they didn't do that.

[NibCrom]

I've heard many conflicting stories about the transmission fluid. I've heard that if you don't change it regularly and early not to change it at all. And I think the manual says not to change it unless you are towing or are under severe conditions. What's the truth? ???I've never heard of changing power steering fluid though.

[blue_can]

The reason they say not to change the fluid if you have not changed for a long time is that there may be already an accumulation of friction material in the system which may shift position after a change and clog up something that is not easy to get to and clean out - say a clutch piston. In this case the only way to clean would be to take the trans out and disassemble the clutch packs.As to the state of the fluid - you could take the scientific approach and send it in for testing at an oil analysis facility. I've done that in the past. Costs about $30.I still have no answercabout the service interval but my personal preference is to do a pan drop and clean things out as well as a fluid change every 30 - 50K miles.

[jasonvibe]

I don't know what all the fuss is about. These Vibes have a drain plug on the these auto's. With proper tools...You can do it yourself in less than 30 minutes.But if you want the filter also changed....you need confidence in yourself or a good shop. My car does mostly city driving. I will be buying the fluid from the Toyota dealer in the spring. I don't even have 30k. But I know it's a good thing to do.