Transmission service

I have a 2009 Tundra with 5.7 L and 6spd trans, equipped with factory tow package.

Currently it has 122,000 miles. I purchased it with 118,000 miles so I really don’t know the maintenance history. It runs and drives beautifully and the fluids I can see, such as engine oil, brake fluid, etc. look clean.

I am well aware of the age-old controversy regarding changing transmission fluid in an old transmission that has not had regular servicing. What I would really like to do is drop the pan, change the filter and refill. It’s my understanding that would change out approximately 6 quarts of the close to 12 quarts that the transmission holds.

Here’s what I’m hoping to get feedback on. How many of you have actually changed out the fluid in one of these transmissions that had more than 100,000 miles on it not knowing the maintenance history? Did it turn out to be a good move or a bad move?

Once again, I am aware of the potential pros and cons. I am just hoping to specifically hear from those of you that have done it on one of these animals. Thank you for any feedback.

 

Snapping pan bolts is a concern. You can swap to clean fluid with several drain-and-fills instead.

 

Yeah I'd avoid the pan 'filter' (its really more of a screen for large chunks) and just do one drain/fill, then another at next oil change then one every 3rd oil change - this will leave enough of the normal worn debris in suspension to avoid slipping as time goes on. I did mine at about 95k for first time, now at 105 and its just fine.

 

Any shifting problems...hard/late?

 

Thanks for the replies.

I guess I need to be a little bit more specific, rather than just assuming everybody was aware of what I was talking about regarding the potential pitfalls of changing fluid in an older transmission. So for the moment, let’s set aside the issue of seized pan bolts and assume we are talking about just a drain and refill.

The age old controversy is that if you change the fluid in an older transmission that has not been regularly serviced, that doing so will remove and/or break loose sediment that has gathered in and around certain parts of the transmission and thereby hasten failure. Or at the very least cause problems with late shifting, delayed shifting, torque, converter shutter, etc.
These concerns are nothing new. In fact, transmission shops even back in the 60s and 70s would not change the fluid in older, neglected transmissions. Although someone might assume that’s because they wanted to sell repair work such as a rebuild and or a new transmission, the controversy is very well-known. Do a Google search and you will see.

So what I am really after here is not a definitive answer because I recognize there is not one. I’m just hoping to get some feedback from any of you that have changed the transmission fluid on an older unserviced 6spd transmission. If so, did it turn out well or not?

Thanks again for any pertinent replies.

 

Oh, forgive me for not answering your question about late shifts. No currently I do not have any delayed shifting, slipping, torque converter shutter etc.

 

No change is a good way to kill the tranny, what's your plan for the truck...drive it til it dies, or for awhile? Drain/fill is a gradual fluid change, slow over time. No change will fry the tranny.

 

I appreciate the advice although I am well aware of the pros and cons.

I am hoping to hear back from somebody that has changed the fluid in a high mileage no maintenance, six speed transmission. Did it turn out well or not?

 

Good luck...they may be on other brand forums after killing their Toyotas.

 

When it comes to a Tundra 100k miles isn’t considered high mileage I had a flush done at about 100k miles there weee no problems and if anything the transmission shifted better. Do periodic drain and fills and you will be fine

 

Thanks for the feedback. May I ask how many miles have passed since you had the flush?

 

About 150k I now have 260k miles on the truck with probably 80% highway miles. I will only be doing drain and fills from now on

I highly suggest not dropping the pan

 

Thanks again for the feedback. That’s the information I was looking for. Actual outcomes,
rather positive or negative.

 

I had mine done with more miles than what you got maybe 4 years ago. No clue if it was done before. I gotta do it again here soon.

I would do it.