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Basic Trans Maintenance question

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by barnharb, May 2, 2017.

  1. May 2, 2017 at 5:06 AM
    #1
    barnharb

    barnharb [OP] New Member

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    What is everyone's thoughts on when the transmission fluid should be changed and the brand fluid to be used? I've always used OE fluids , but haven't had to change my trans fluid yet. I own a 2010 Tundra 4.6 Double Cab rear wheel drive. Just crossed 100k.
     
  2. May 2, 2017 at 6:29 AM
    #2
    TeeTundraTom

    TeeTundraTom New Member

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    I'd change it at least when the owners manual say and there's where you'll get the fluid flavor.
     
  3. May 2, 2017 at 6:31 AM
    #3
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

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    Kevin
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    Ive torn apart engines and am usually not afraid to try to do things myself but for some reason I have no desire to touch an automatic transmission. I would just go according to your manual and use the dealer supplied fluid.
     
  4. May 2, 2017 at 6:36 AM
    #4
    barnharb

    barnharb [OP] New Member

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    Great feedback. Drain or flush? Dealer tells me $250 for flush and additional $80 to do just a drain and refill. He says it's to reset the fluid level. Sounds like it should be cheaper for a drain and refill.
     
  5. May 2, 2017 at 6:38 AM
    #5
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    I'd do the flush, personally. I will do my first flush at around 60k miles just to be safe, preventative maintenance.
     
  6. May 2, 2017 at 7:25 AM
    #6
    barnharb

    barnharb [OP] New Member

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    What about the forums that suggest flushes cause more harm than good? Pushing the debris that collects over time in the bottom of the pan around.
     
  7. May 2, 2017 at 9:29 PM
    #7
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    you would think that flush should be more expensive ...
    i have heard that flush is not good for high millage cars due to what you said (debris, etc.) but i have 0 experience on the subject of flushing.
    it maybe like a chevy or ford question and the answer could be Tundra :)
     
  8. May 2, 2017 at 11:02 PM
    #8
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

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    Flushes can cause more harm than good in instances where your transmission has problems already. If your trans is healthy still a flush should be fine.

    Transmission fluid, when fresh, will break up any deposits you may have built up over that 100k miles. These deposits can then get stuck in the valve body and cause problems, or the deposits may be holding the bands in place, in which case all new fluid could strip those deposits and low the bands to travel.

    General rule is to get flushes if you start at 30k or 60k, but you might want to just drain and fill if you've gone 100k miles and your fluid shows any sign of being burnt. If the fluid looks healthy I say go for it.
     

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